(373ac) Respirator Cartridge Performance Testing for Chemicals of Potential Concern (COPC) at Higher Chemical Vapor Concentrations

Washington River Protection System (WRPS) identified the need to test air purifying respirator (APR) and powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) chemical cartridges commonly used at Hanford tank farms in Richland, WA-USA. The main aim of this program is to determine the vapors breakthrough the cartridge when exposed to a mixture of Chemicals of Potential Concern (COPC) from vapors emanating from the headspace of tanks or exiting the exhausters from Hanford waste storage tanks. We will present our recent results on the performance of the MSA OptiFilter TL multipurpose respirator cartridge when tested against a gas mixture containing higher chemical vapor concentrations of signature vapors (Ammonia, Acetaldehyde, Furan(s), Pyridine or Acetonitrile) in controlled laboratory conditions with gas flow rate through the cartridge is 102.5 L/min +/- 5%, temperature of gas is 20^oC +/- 2^oC and 70% +/- 5% relative humidity.