Shelter Technologies
CO2 / CO Removal Systems
CO2 / CO Scrubbers - Air Regeneration Systems
CO2 removal systems (scrubbers) are air regenerative systems that can “scrub” the air - removing harmful gases such as CO (carbon monoxide) and CO2 (carbon dioxide) and allowing longer stay time for people inside the shelters or any enclosed spaces.
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CO2 scrubbers usually required in shelters which are completely or partially isolated from external environment (lockup mode).
This type of shelter is more common in special applications, strategic facilities and shelters located in areas where potentially the safe external air supply may be not possible in time of emergency. Some of the reasons for insufficient fresh air supply can be high concentration of toxic industrial chemicals, fires which create heat, smoke and lack of oxygen and high levels of carbon monoxide, floods which can block the air supply and other factors.
The main difference in this type of autonomous shelter is that the air management is performed by the closed circle of air regeneration systems. In this case the CBRN air filtration system is not required, and the air regeneration is made by the following systems. Because of lack of fresh air supply and constant air exchanges in the shelter the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen (O2) must be controlled and maintained in the safe range. In addition, the overpressure which is required for preventing contamination entering the shelter needs to be maintained by adding compressed or filtered air.
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced during human respiration. A typical person will produce between 24 to 30 litres of CO2 per hour (0.85 to 1.1ft3). CO2 is a simple asphyxiate and causes adverse health effects at elevated concentrations. The United States Mine Health & Safety Administration
(MSHA) stipulates a permissible exposure limit of 1% and a ceiling limit of 2.5% for miners trapped in a coal mine. Similarly, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have set a permissible exposure limit of 0.5% over an 8-hour work day, with a ceiling exposure limit of 3% for a 10 minute period. The symptoms of CO2 exposure are listed below.
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Symptoms according to CO2 concentration:
0.03% - Normal concentration in air
0.5% - Lung ventilation increases by 5%
1% - Symptoms may begin to occur
2-3% - Symptoms of simple asphyxia occur
5-10% - Prolonged exposure could result in unconsciousness and death
>10% - Unconsciousness in less than 1 minute, leading to death
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Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an asphyxiate that is endogenously produced by humans at varying levels depending on different health factors (i.e. smokers, obesity, hypertension, anemia, age). CO exposure exerts its main toxic effect via its ability to interfere with organs that have a high metabolic demand for oxygen (O2). The Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) specifies that the carbon monoxide content of the atmosphere in a room, building,
vehicle, railcar or any enclosed space shall be maintained at not more than 50 parts per million (ppm) for an eight hour period.
Our Offer
Stand-alone CO2 Scrubbing Systems
We offer various types of stand-alone CO2 removal systems - scrubbers. The systems diverse by size and function:
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AirGEN - compact system for one CO2 or CO filters with electric power and optional backup battery. This type of systems can fit small to medium shelters and chambers.
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Series IV - advanced CO2 / CO removal system which can accommodate up to 3 filters CO2 or CO filters simultaneously. The system equipped with advanced digital control system, voice audio navigation, gas detectors, LCD display and more
ARC CO2 Removal System
Atmas offers various carbon dioxide (CO2) filtration solutions based on our advanced and certified line of CBRN air filtration systems and CO2 filters.
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ARC series of CBRN air filtration systems for shelters and bunkers have modular design which allows flexibility in installation what is extremely important for limited space of shelters, bunkers, machine rooms, etc.