Design and construction of a low-cost, powered air purifying respirator in accordance with EN12942 standard for healthcare professionals

Authors

  • Anantasak Wongkamhang College of Biomedical Engineering, Rangsit University
  • Preya Anupongongarch College of Biomedical Engineering, Rangsit University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14456/dcj.2023.47

Keywords:

Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR), personal protective equipment (PPE), fresh air supply, healthcare professionals

Abstract

The objective of this research is to design and construct a low-cost, Powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) in accordance with the EN12942 standard for healthcare professionals. This device is used with the RSU PMASK N99 by applying a snorkeling mask as a preventive measure against germs during work. As a result of the research, the study was able to successfully design and construct a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) device in accordance with EN12942 standard and this PAPR can be used with a full-face mask. The powered air purifying respirator device consisted of 3 components: 1) an electrical circuit using a DC motor control circuit; 2) a DC 12V 20,000 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery being used as a power supply, and 3) the device structure. Test results have demonstrated that the PAPR device was able to supply fresh air with a maximum airflow of 120 liters per minute and could be used for a maximum of 5 hours and 17 minutes. There was an alarm indicating the battery voltage level. An average noise level of device was 69.91 dBA; a total weight was 2.42 kg and the device could be used in combination with a full-face mask during work. The materials used in the design and construction of the device can be purchased locally and inexpensively. The results of the satisfaction assessment of the use of the sample group of medical personnel from Ramathibodi hospital who regularly use the powered air purifying respirator with fresh air supply by 4 samples found that they are very satisfied.

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Published

2023-09-29

How to Cite

1.
Wongkamhang A, Anupongongarch P. Design and construction of a low-cost, powered air purifying respirator in accordance with EN12942 standard for healthcare professionals. Dis Control J [Internet]. 2023 Sep. 29 [cited 2024 Dec. 19];49(3):565-77. Available from: https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/DCJ/article/view/258713

Issue

Vol. 49 No. 3 (2023): July-September

Section

Original Article

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