Selection of a Method for the Measurement of the Protection Factor in the Field (Selectie van een methode voor de meting van de gasmaskerprotectiefactor te velde)

摘要

Until now the protection factors of the FM 12 gas mask have been measured under laboratory conditions; this limits the possibility to simulate the practical circumstances. From the literature it is known that the value of the protection factors, measured under more or less ideal circumstances, are too optimistic. In practice they can be significantly lower. At the request of the DMKL, TNO-PML performed a survey to see if it is possible to measure protection factors in the field under realistic circumstances. This leads to a better insight into the protection that is really offered by a gas mask and may result in the identification of the causes for leakage and the factors involved. At first the requirements and demands of the method are stated; subsequently the existing methods are evaluated. From this study it is concluded that no method exists that is ready for use. The most promising methods are the use of ultrasonic sound or the use of the Portacount. The latter method is in a state of development that seems to allow readily realization of a protection factor measurement in the field. The method based on the use of sound should be the subject of a feasibility study with regard to its applicability.