Cooling Suit for First Responders

描述（由申请人提供）：在应对化学品泄漏或其他危险清理作业时，第一反应人员必须经常穿着A级危险材料服。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，保护急救人员免受化学物质的侵害。因为防护服是密封的，所以需要新鲜空气供应，这通常由自给式呼吸装置（SCBA）提供。总之，SCBA/防渗透服提供了无污染的空气和对化学危害的屏障。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30-60分钟内穿着防护服的事实，过热不仅仅是不适的来源，而是对第一响应者的健康的真实的危害。此外，汗水凝结在面板的内侧，模糊了视线，并且服装中积聚的热量/湿度严重限制了可以在服装中度过的时间，而不会有热衰竭的风险。TDA研究公司(TDA)建议开发一种轻便、便携的系统，既能冷却又能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转移到肮脏的环境中，但保持清洁和污染的空气流分开。干燥（约15%RH）的清洁空气被冷却到约770 F并返回到第一响应者。凉爽干燥的空气通过轻质织物内部管道系统分配到个人防护设备（PPE）内的手、头和脚。在第一阶段项目中，我们将设计和建造一个测试热交换器来展示我们的概念。此外，我们将使用2D软件和有限元分析进行系统分析。设计分析将构成第二阶段项目中原型制造的基础。 公共卫生相关性：这项研究将使急救人员能够在炎热潮湿的环境中长时间工作，而不会受到过热的有害影响。冷却服的成功开发将应用于美国政府的其他机构。

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.