Cooling Suit for First Responders

描述（由申请人提供）：当应对化学品泄漏或其他危险清理操作时，第一响应者必须经常穿着a级危险品防护服。这些防护服通过完全密封穿着者免受外部蒸汽和液体的侵害，保护第一响应者免受化学物质的暴露。因为宇航服是密封的，所以需要新鲜空气供应，通常由自给式呼吸器（SCBA）提供。总的来说，SCBA/不渗透宇航服提供了不含污染物的空气和化学危害的屏障。不幸的是，由于宇航服是密封的，它们很快就会变得非常炎热和潮湿。考虑到第一响应者可以在宇航服中呆30-60分钟，过热不仅是不适的来源，而且是对第一响应者健康的真正危害。此外，汗水会凝结在面板内部，遮挡视线，而宇航服中的热量/湿度会严重限制穿着宇航服的时间，否则会有中暑的风险。TDA研究公司（TDA）提议开发一种轻便的便携式系统，既可以冷却又可以除湿通过危险品防护服循环的空气。TDA将使用热交换器将热量从宇航服内部传递到肮脏的环境，但将清洁气流和污染气流分开。干燥（约15% RH）的洁净空气被冷却到约770F，并返回到第一响应机。在个人防护装备（PPE）内，凉爽干燥的空气通过轻质织物和内部管道系统输送到手、头和脚。在一期项目中，我们将设计和建造一个测试热交换器来演示我们的概念。此外，我们将使用二维软件和有限元分析进行系统分析。设计分析将成为第二阶段项目原型制造的基础。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): When responding to a chemical spill or other hazardous cleanup operation, first responders must frequently wear a level A hazardous materials suit. These suits protect the first responder from chemical exposure by completely sealing the wearer against external vapors and liquids. Because the suits are sealed, a fresh air supply is required which is typically provided by a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). In total, the SCBA/impermeable suit provides contaminant free air and a barrier to the chemical hazard. Unfortunately, because the suits are sealed, they quickly get very hot and humid. Given the fact that a first responder can be in the suit from 30-60 min, overheating is not just a source of discomfort, but is a real hazard to the health of the first responder. In addition, perspiration condenses on the inside of the faceplate obscuring vision, and the heat/humidity buildup in the suit severely limits the time that can be spent in the suit without risking heat exhaustion. TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) proposes to develop a lightweight, portable system that will both cool and dehumidify the air circulated through a hazmat suit. TDA will use a heat exchanger to transfer heat from the inside of the suit to the dirty environment, but keeps the clean and contaminated air streams separate. The dry (about 15% RH) clean air is cooled to about 770F and returned to the first responder. The cool, dry air is distributed to the hands, head, and feet within the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with a lightweight fabric, internal duct system. In the Phase I project, we will design and build a test heat exchanger to demonstrate our concept. In addition, we will perform a system analysis using a 2D software and a finite element analysis. The design analysis will form the basis of the prototype fabrication in the Phase II project. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: This research will allow first responders to work in hot and humid environments for long periods of time without being subject to the deleterious effects of over heating. The successful development of a cooling suit will find applications in other agencies of the U.S. Government.