Optimization of Filter and Electronics Prototypes for Respiratory Protection System (RESPO) 21.

The work reported is part of an overall effort to develop respiratory protection for the 21st century (RESPO 21). Two elements of the RESPO 21 project were investigated in this task: respirator filter development and blower and communication, electronic system development. The purpose of the filter task was to conceive, design, fabricate and optimize a filter element design concept. Filter development required continued evaluation of candidate media and to use these results to aid the filter design. The goal was to implement media that will result in a flexible filter element unlike the current rigid metal canisters. The purpose of the electronics tasks was to design, miniaturize, and optimize the performance blower and communication systems for use with RESPO 21.