Aux 2 Unit 11 Q2

Compressed air used for breathing can be contaminated from various sources, posing significant health and safety risks. Understanding these potential sources is crucial for ensuring the quality and purity of the air supply, especially in critical applications like diving or respiratory protection.

1. Ambient Air Contamination:

• Intake Air Quality: The quality of the air drawn into the compressor is a primary factor. If the intake air is polluted with dust, fumes, exhaust gases, or other contaminants, these will be compressed and concentrated in the output air, making it unsafe for breathing.
• Location of Intake: It’s important to position the compressor intake away from sources of pollution, such as engine exhausts, industrial areas, or areas with heavy traffic.

2. Compressor Oil and Lubricants:

• Oil Carryover: Lubricated compressors use oil for sealing, lubrication, and cooling. If the compressor is not properly maintained or designed, oil droplets or vapor can be carried over into the compressed air, posing a health hazard when inhaled.
• Overheating: Overheating of the compressor can lead to the breakdown of lubricating oil, generating harmful fumes and increasing the risk of oil contamination in the compressed air.

3. Corrosion and Wear:

• Internal Corrosion: Corrosion of the compressor’s internal components, air receiver tanks, or piping can introduce rust particles or other contaminants into the air stream.
• Wear and Tear: Wear and tear of compressor parts, such as piston rings or valves, can also generate fine metal particles that can contaminate the compressed air.

4. Microbiological Contamination:

• Moisture and Bacteria: Moisture in the compressed air can create a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms, leading to contamination and potential health risks, especially for individuals with compromised immune systems.

5. External Contamination:

• Hoses and Connections: If hoses and connections are not properly cleaned or maintained, they can introduce dirt, dust, or other contaminants into the compressed air.
• Storage Tanks: Improperly cleaned or maintained air storage tanks can become a source of contamination.

Consequences of Contaminated Breathing Air:

• Respiratory Issues: Inhaling contaminated air can cause various respiratory problems, ranging from irritation and coughing to more serious conditions like bronchitis, asthma, or even lung damage.
• Neurological Effects: Some contaminants, like carbon monoxide or solvent vapors, can affect the nervous system, causing headaches, dizziness, confusion, or even loss of consciousness.
• Long-Term Health Risks: Long-term exposure to certain contaminants can increase the risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer or respiratory disorders.
• Equipment Malfunction: Oil or moisture in compressed air can damage diving regulators or other breathing apparatus, leading to malfunctions or failures that can be life-threatening in underwater environments.

Preventive Measures:

• Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance and inspection of air compressors, including oil and filter changes, are crucial to prevent contamination.
• Air Intake Filtration: Use of high-quality air intake filters to remove dust, particles, and other contaminants from the ambient air before it enters the compressor.
• Moisture Separators and Dryers: Install moisture separators and dryers to remove moisture from the compressed air, preventing microbiological growth and reducing the risk of regulator freezing in diving applications.
• Oil-Free Compressors: Consider using oil-free compressors for critical applications like diving or respiratory protection where even trace amounts of oil can be harmful.
• Air Quality Testing: Regularly test the quality of compressed breathing air to ensure it meets the required standards for purity and safety.

By understanding the potential sources of contamination and implementing proper preventive measures, the risks associated with breathing compressed air can be significantly minimized, ensuring the safety and well-being of those relying on it.

Compressed air used for diving (SCUBA) must be of high quality to ensure the safety and well-being of divers. However, several contaminants can find their way into compressed air, each posing different risks to the diver at depth.

Common Contaminants and Their Effects:

1. Moisture:

• Source: Ambient air, condensation within the compressor system.
• Effects:
  • Regulator freeze-up: Moisture can freeze within the regulator at depth due to adiabatic cooling, causing it to malfunction or stop airflow, potentially leading to a life-threatening situation.
  • Impaired breathing: Condensation can also form in the diver’s airways, causing discomfort and difficulty breathing.
  • Dehydration: Dry air at depth can exacerbate dehydration, especially if the air is already humid.

2. Oil and Hydrocarbons:

• Source: Lubricating oil from the compressor, contamination from the surrounding environment.
• Effects:
  • Respiratory irritation: Oil vapor can irritate the lungs and airways, causing coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness.
  • Lipoid Pneumonia: Long-term exposure can lead to lipoid pneumonia, a serious lung condition.
  • Oxygen Toxicity Risk: Oil can react with oxygen under high pressure, increasing the risk of fire or explosion within the diving equipment, particularly when using nitrox (oxygen-enriched air).
  • Regulator Malfunction: Oil can contaminate and impair the function of the regulator.

3. Carbon Monoxide (CO):

• Source: Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels in the compressor’s engine or nearby sources.
• Effects:
  • Impaired Oxygen Transport: CO binds to hemoglobin in the blood, reducing its ability to carry oxygen, leading to hypoxia (oxygen deficiency).
  • Headache, Dizziness, Nausea: Symptoms worsen at depth due to increased partial pressure, potentially leading to unconsciousness and drowning.

4. Carbon Dioxide (CO2):

• Source: Ambient air, contamination from exhaust fumes, or improper compressor operation.
• Effects:
  • Increased Breathing Rate and Shortness of Breath: Elevated CO2 levels trigger the body to breathe faster and deeper, leading to increased work of breathing and fatigue.
  • Headache, Confusion, Loss of Consciousness: At higher concentrations, CO2 can cause narcosis (a state of drowsiness or confusion), unconsciousness, and even death.

5. Particulate Matter:

• Source: Dust, dirt, pollen, or other airborne particles from the intake air or compressor wear.
• Effects:
  • Respiratory Irritation: Can irritate the lungs and airways, causing coughing, wheezing, and potential long-term respiratory issues.
  • Equipment Damage: Can clog filters and damage sensitive components in the diving regulator, affecting its performance.

It’s crucial to ensure that compressed air used for diving meets the required purity standards, which typically include low levels of moisture, oil, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter. Regular maintenance of compressors, proper filtration, and air quality testing are essential for preventing contamination and ensuring the safety of divers.