REGULATOR FOR IMPROVED RESPIRATORY PROTECTION WITH SCBAS

总体目标是提高在危险环境中使用自给式呼吸器(SCBA)的消防员和救援人员的安全和健康。其具体目标是开发一种机电压力调节器，即使在剧烈活动中也能确保SBA面部的正压。正压对保护健康和安全是必不可少的，因为面部压力可以将潜在的有毒气体挡在环境之外。所提出的机电压力调节器克服了传统机械调节器的缺点。这三个关键创新是：(1)轻巧、压电驱动的机电阀门，(2)耗电极少的创新电子控制和驱动系统，以及(3)由细流压缩空气驱动的发电系统，提供调节器所需的所有功率。机电阀反应迅速，控制范围广，可防止过度呼吸。电子控制单元可以警告用户面罩内的压力下降。第一阶段通过制造概念验证调节器并使用SCBA面罩和呼吸机在极端条件下对其进行测试来证明其可行性。在第二阶段，我们将开发和演示符合所有相关NIOSH和NFPA标准的商业SCBA原型调节器。拟议的商业应用：主要应用于消防员和危险材料工人佩戴的压力需求、正压、自给式呼吸器。该设备可以安装到新的SCBA单元中，也可以改装到已在现场使用的单元中。我们估计潜在市场在每年10,000到10,000,000之间。Create已经与最大的SCBA制造商之一合作，将机电SCBA调节器商业化。

The overall objective is to improve the safety and health of firefighters and rescue workers who use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) in hazardous environment. The specific aim is to develop an electromechanical pressure regulator that assures positive pressure in the SBA facepiece even during strenuous activity. Positive pressure is essential to protect health and safety, because the facepiece pressure keeps out potentially poisonous gases from the environment. The proposed electromechanical pressure regulator overcomes the drawbacks of conventional, mechanical regulators. The three key innovations are: (1) a lightweight, piezoelectrically actuated, electromechanical valve, (2) an innovative electronic control and actuation system that consumes ver little power and (3) a power generating system driven by a trickle flow of compressed air that provides all the power required by the regulator. The rapid responses and wide control range of the electromechanical valve prevent over-breathing. The electronic control unit can warn the user of falling pressure in the mask. Phase I proved feasibility by fabricating a proof-of-concept regulator and testing it under extreme conditions using a SCBA facepiece and a breathing machine. In Phase II we will develop and demonstrate prototype regulators for commercial SCBAs which meet all relevant NIOSH and NFPA standards. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: The primary applications is for a pressure-demand, positive-pressure, self-contained breathing apparatus worn by firefighters and hazardous materials workers. The device can be incorporated into new SCBA units and can also be retrofit to units already in the field. We estimate the potential market to be in the range of 10,000 to 100,000 per year. Create has teamed with one of the largest manufacturers of SCBAs to commercialize the electromechanical SCBA regulator.