With this apparatus, the wearer may explore a gaseous mine, approach fires for the purpose of fighting them, or make investigations after an explosion. Its object is to provide air or oxygen to be breathed by the wearer in coal mines, when the mine air is so full of poisonous gases as to render life in its presence impossible.
A variety of forms of rescue helmets and apparatus are on the market, almost all of European manufacture, which are being subjected to comparative trials as to their durability and safety, the ease or inconvenience involved in their use, etc. All consist essentially of helmets which fit air-tight about the head, or of air-tight nose clamps and mouthpieces (Fig. 1, [Plate XII]).
These several forms of breathing apparatus are of three types:
1.—The liquid-air type, in which air, in a liquid state, evaporates and provides a constant supply of fresh air.
2.—The chemical oxygen-producing type, which artificially makes or supplies oxygen for breathing at about the rate required; and,
3.—The compressed-oxygen type.
Apparatus of the first type, weighing 20 lb., supplies enough air to last about 3 hours, and the products of breathing pass through a check-valve directly into space. Apparatus of the second type supplies oxygen obtained from oxygen-producing chemicals, and also provides means of absorbing the carbonic acid gas produced in respiration. They contain also the requisite tubes, valves, connections, etc., for the transmission of the fresh air and the respired air so as to produce sufficient oxygen while in use; to absorb and purify the products of expiration; and to convey the fresh air to the mouth without contamination by the atmosphere in which the apparatus is used. Three oxygen-generating cartridges are provided, each supplying oxygen enough for 1 hour, making the total capacity 3 hours. Changes of cylinders can be made in a few seconds while breathing is suspended. This apparatus weighs from 20 to 25 lb., according to the number of oxygen generators carried. The cartridges for generating oxygen, provided with this apparatus, are of no value after having been used for about an hour.
The third type of apparatus is equipped with strong cylinders charged with oxygen under high pressure; two potash regenerative cans for absorbing the carbon dioxide gas exhaled; a facial helmet; the necessary valves, tubes, etc., for the control of the oxygen; and a finimeter which registers the contents of the cylinders in atmospheres and minutes of duration. The two cartridges used for absorbing the carbonic acid gas are of no value after having been in use for two hours.
If inhalation is through the mouth alone, a mouthpiece is attached to the end of the breathing tube by which the air or oxygen is supplied, the nose is closed by a clip, and the eyes are protected by goggles. To inhale through both nose and mouth, the miner wears a helmet or headgear which can be made to fit tightly around the face. The helmet has two tubes attached, one for inspiration and the other for expiration. In the oxygen-cylinder apparatus these tubes lead to and from rubber sacks used for pure-air and bad-air reserves.