Measurements of carbon dioxide and oxygen concentrations in a diffusion respirator on the basis of track membranes

Concentrations of CO₂ and O₂ in the breathing hose and inside the mask of the diffusion respirator have been measured using an atomic emission spectrometer. The gas exchange system of this respirator efficiently, within 1 min, restores oxygen concentration in the inhaled air from 18.5 vol % to its atmospheric concentration (21 vol %) and carbon dioxide concentration from 2.9 vol % to a stationary concentration of ∼0.12 vol %. In the optimal configuration of the respirator, CO₂ concentration inside the mask during breath is 0.23 vol %. The time resolution of the method is 200 ms and the CO₂ detection limit is 0.08 vol %.