Study the Self Rescuer Respirator W-65

Mine Rescue and Safety MINE RESCUE AND SAFETY

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Prepared by: USMAN UMAR TABASSUM Registration # 2008-min-36

STUDY THE SELF RESCUER RESPIRATOR W-65

DESCRIPTION:

The W -65 Self rescuer is an air purifying device designed to protect the

wearer from toxic carbon monoxide resulting from underground fires or explosions. A one-time

use device for escape purposes only.

It does not supply oxygen but functions to convert carbon monoxide with resulting heat of

reaction. Therefore, when self rescuer is worn in an atmosphere containing the carbon

monoxide, the air entering the wearer’s mouth will be hot and dry. The temperature of the

inhaled air is the dependent upon the concentration of carbon monoxide.

FEATURES:

Weight 2.2 lbs (1000 grams= 1 kg) Service Life 10 years Total life 15 years Casing Rugged stainless steel case Air temperature 25 degree centigrade Relative Humidity 95% Atmosphere oxygen not less then 19.5% Desicater Gypsum Catalyst Hopcalite


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WORKING PRINCIPLE

Contaminated air which is produces after the fire or explosion in underground mines which is mainly

composed of vapors, dust and carbon mono oxide. After wearing the self rescuer when miner inhaled

this air, air first passes through the outer filter, from where coarser dust particles remove. After this air

passes through the inner filter, where remaining finer dust particles removes. Now air enters in drying

agent, where moisture contents remove and air pass through the catalyst hopcalite which convert

carbon mono oxide into carbon dioxide. Now air pass through heat exchanger and Heat buildup cause

by the oxidation reaction is inherent in the operation of self rescuer unit, but an integral heat

exchanger reduces the temperature of the inhaled air to a bearable level. If CO is 1.5% the heat

exchanger will effectively reduce the temperature of inhaled air from 300 F® to 150 F®. To

protect the filter bed from moisture contamination, expired air is passes back through the

spring loaded mica disc expiratory valve. Excess saliva is also expelled through the expiratory

valve.


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CONSTRUCTION:

Head Strip:

It is made of nylon or cotton which is used to hold the self rescuer minimize the effect

of weight on mouth.

Nose Clip:

This is used to stop the inhaling the contaminated air from the environment.

Expiratory Valve:

The expired air passes through the heat exchanger and out through the spring loaded mica disc

expiratory valve.

Mouth Piece:

The mouth piece consist of biting lugs. When insert the mouth piece into mouth, bite

the lugs firmly. So that contaminated air should not be entered.

Heat Exchanger:

Heat buildup cause by the oxidation reaction is inherent in the operation of self rescuer

unit, but an integral heat exchanger reduces the temperature of the inhaled air to a bearable

level. If CO is 1.5% the heat exchanger will effectively reduce the temperature of inhaled air

from 300 F® to 150 F®.

Hopcalite :

It is mixture of copper and manganese oxides used as catalyst to convert Carbon

monoxides into carbon dioxide.

Drying Agent:

It protects the hocalite from moisture. Such as DRIERITE desiccants. These are made

from naturally occurring mineral Gypsum.

Coarser Dust Filter:

The outer coarse dust filter used to remove the coarser dust particles from the

contaminated air which is being inhaled.

Finer Dust Filter:

The inner dust filter is used to remove the finer dust particles from the inhaling air.

Casing:

It has rugged stainless steel casing.


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Inspection 1. Inspect the self rescuer before each work shift for case or seal damage.

2. At the start of the in-service life, and every 90 days thereafter (more frequently if preferred),

self rescuer shall be checked for the applicable discarded conditions outlined in the total life

section.

3. To check the for air tightness, weigh the self rescuer to the nearest whole gram. Compare with

the as shipped weight includes the metal name plate. An increase upto 10 grams, discard the

unit.


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4. Some holes or cracks can be detected by immersing the self rescuer in warm water and looking

for escaping air bubbles as you would check an inner tube for leak. Discard unit if any bubbles

are seen.

Total Life

In accordance with MSHA/NIOSH requirements, the w-65 self rescuer has been granted a

maximum TOTAL LIFE of 15 years, with an in-service life limited to 10 years.

TOTAL LIFE is the time period from the date of unit manufactured to the date the unit must be

discarded.

IN-SERVICE LIFE starts when the unit is placed into the mine or underground for use or storage

and continues until it must be discarded.

In order to efficiently utilize the in-service life, the service date must be marked onto the case

bottom. If in-service date must be marked, the date of manufacture serves as the in-service

date.

Discard Conditions With-In Service Date

If an in-service date is marked onto the case bottom, then the unit must be discarded when:

1. The date of manufacture is illegible.

2. Fifteen years has elapsed from the date of manufacture.

3. Ten years has elapsed since the in service date

4. The original weight is illegible.

5. Unit falls one of two air tightness test.

6. Solder seal for red lever is broken or missing.

Discard Conditions Without In-Service Date

If the unit has been into service and no in-service date is marked onto the case bottom, or it

is illegible, then the unit must be discarded when:

1. The date of manufacture is illegible.

2. Fifteen years has elapsed from the date of manufacture.

3. Ten years has elapsed since the in service date

4. The original weight is illegible.

5. Unit falls one of two air tightness test.

6. Solder seal for red lever is broken or missing.

Study the Self Rescuer Respirator W-65

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