Based on the provided description, the instructions detail the construction of the filter component of a gas mask using charcoal and soda lime. A complete gas mask typically involves a facepiece sealed to the face and a filter unit connected to the facepiece; the reference specifically outlines how to build the filter unit using a can and the specified chemicals.
Constructing the Gas Mask Filter with Charcoal
Making a gas mask filter with charcoal involves several steps, primarily focusing on preparing a container to hold the filtering chemicals.
Materials for the Filter
According to the description, you will need:
- A can (ends removed)
- Wire net (to replace the can ends)
- Filtering chemicals:
- Two parts activated charcoal
- One part soda lime
- Handkerchiefs (for wrapping chemicals)
- Adhesive tape (for sealing)
- Elastic-ribbon harness (for holding the mask on, implied to connect to the filter/mask assembly)
Filter Assembly Steps
The process described for creating the filter involves the following actions:
- Prepare the Can: Take a can and remove both ends.
- Add Wire Netting: Replace the removed ends of the can with wire net. This likely serves to hold the filtering materials inside while allowing air to pass through.
- Prepare Chemicals: Mix two parts activated charcoal with one part soda lime. This combination is designed to filter various airborne contaminants.
- Wrap Chemicals: Wrap the mixture of activated charcoal and soda lime in handkerchiefs. This step likely helps contain the fine particles of the chemicals within the filter.
- Insert into Can: Place the wrapped chemicals inside the prepared can (which now has wire net ends).
- Seal Openings: Hermetically seal all openings in the cap (referring to the structure holding the filter) with adhesive tape. This ensures air is forced through the filter media and doesn't bypass it through leaks.
This process creates a functional filter cartridge designed to purify air drawn through it using activated charcoal and soda lime. The description also mentions an elastic-ribbon harness which holds the mask on tight, suggesting this filter unit would be attached to a face-covering mask portion, although the instructions for making the mask itself are not provided in the reference.
Table: Filter Component Breakdown
Here's a quick breakdown of the filter's key parts based on the description:
| Component | Function/Description | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Container Body | Holds filtering chemicals | Can (with ends removed) |
| Ends | Retain chemicals, allow airflow | Wire net |
| Primary Filter | Adsorbs gases/vapors (e.g., organic vapors) | Activated charcoal |
| Secondary Filter | Neutralizes acidic gases (e.g., carbon dioxide) | Soda lime |
| Wrapping | Contains chemicals, prevents migration | Handkerchiefs |
| Sealing | Ensures airtight unit, directs airflow through filter | Adhesive tape |
This method, as described, focuses specifically on building the cartridge that cleans the air, which is a critical part of a gas mask system.
