All about the IP-4 gas masks

A gas mask is an essential piece of defense when it comes to a gas attack. It protects the respiratory tract from harmful gases and vapors. Knowing how to properly use a gas mask can be a lifesaver in an emergency.

The IP-4 gas mask is a closed-circuit regenerator first manufactured in the Soviet Union. It was commissioned for military personnel working in low oxygen concentration environments. Began to be produced in the mid-80s. It was released in both black and gray rubber with a gray or light green bag. The lenses of the insulating masks were fixed to the front panel with a metal ring.

The design uses an RP-4 cartridge and a small air bubble to recycle oxygen. The carrier exhales, and the exhaled air passes through the IP-4 balloon, freeing oxygen from chemical elements. At this point, the air bubble deflates and inflates again. This happens in a continuous cycle until the capacity is depleted.

Usage time:

• hard work - 30-40 minutes;
• light work - 60-75 minutes;
• rest - 180 minutes.

The hose cover is made of heavy duty and chemical resistant plastic.

Product weight - about 3 kg. The breathing bag has a capacity of 4.2 liters. The surface of the regenerative bag is heated to a temperature of 190 degrees. In the starting briquette, up to 7.5 liters of oxygen are released during decomposition. The temperature of the inhaled air cannot be more than 50 degrees.

The gas mask of the described model consists of several parts, each of which has its own characteristics.

SHIP-2b is used as a helmet-mask. Its design contains elements such as:

• frame;
• spectacle knot;
• obturator;
• connecting tube.

The tube connects very tightly to the helmet-mask. A nipple is installed at the other end, with its help, a connection is made to a regenerative cartridge. The tube is placed in a cover made of rubberized fabric material. The cover is longer than the tube. Thus, the nipple is completely closed.

This element is made in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped. It has an inverted and shaped flange. The nipple is installed in a shaped flange. A spring placed inside protects against pinching. The overpressure valve is installed in the inverted flange.

There are four buttons for fastening on the surface of the bag. Inside the product, the manufacturer has provided a small pocket where the box with the NP is placed.

This part of the gas mask is made of duralumin. At the top you can see a small clamp for fastening. Its design includes a lock. The markings can be found on the upper bezel. It is made in the form of a small imprint on a plate.

Depending on the modification, the technical characteristics of the gas mask may differ.

The IP-4MP model can be used for 180 minutes if the user is at rest.The more load and more often breathing, the less this indicator. The product includes a mask of the "MIA-1" type, a rubberized breathing bag. The protective housing is made of aluminum.

This gas mask comes complete with a storage bag. The neck of the cartridge is tightly closed with a stopper. There is an insulated cuff. In addition, a passport is included with the product, as well as detailed operating instructions.

The design of the IP-4MK gas mask uses MIA-1, a cartridge of the RP-7B type, a connecting tube and a breathing bag. For this model, the manufacturer has thought out a special frame.

Together with the IP-4M gas mask, there is a regenerative cartridge, the design of which includes:

• back cover with a filter installed on it;
• grain product;
• screw;
• starting briquette;
• check;
• rubber ampoule;
• stub;
• seal;
• nipple socket.

In some cases, a lever trigger is used.

The RP-7B cartridge provides the user with oxygen while using the gas mask. Its principle of operation is simple: oxygen is released from a chemical at the moment it absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide that a person exhales.

A regenerative product with a starting briquette is provided on the body of the product with the RP-7B cartridge. At the moment of destruction of the ampoule, sulfuric acid is poured out, it causes an increase in the temperature of the body. Inside the cartridge is the oxygen necessary for starting.

A gas mask, also known as an air purifying respirator, filters chemical gases and particles from the air. Before using, you will first need to make sure that there is a filter for the product, and the mask itself is tightly adjusted and its size matches the face.

It is imperative to keep your gas mask ready for disaster. It is necessary to store such a product correctly, otherwise it may become unusable. The gas mask should fit snugly against the face. This is why it is advisable to have no facial hair and beard. Jewelry, hats are removed. They can lead to a lack of adequate sealing when using the product. The filter is installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

To activate the product, you need to pull the pin out of the plunger screw and turn the plunger clockwise, then insert the canister into the bag (connecting the air tubes) and finally put on the mask. Now you can start breathing. It must be remembered that the gas mask canister becomes extremely hot during use due to a chemical reaction taking place inside. Therefore, the carrying bag has good insulation on the top. It protects against burns.

The mask is put on in such a way that it fits snugly against the skin. If necessary, its position will need to be adjusted. The gas mask protects against pollutants by filtering chemicals in the atmosphere. You should breathe normally, as well as without a mask. Contaminants are removed from the air as it passes through the filter.

The process looks like this:

• first check the serviceability of the seal on the replaceable cartridge;
• unfasten the lid of the bag and thread the connecting tube;
• unfasten the clamp;
• now you can remove the plugs and start checking the integrity of the gaskets;
• taking a deep breath, hold their breath;
• the nipples on the tube and bag are disconnected at the same time;
• exhale;
• first attach the tube, then the cartridge, fastening the lock on the clamp;
• they activate the starting device, make sure that everything went as it should;
• take a breath;
• zip up the bag.

Store the gas mask only in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. It is very important. It is best to store your device in an airtight box, which in turn is placed in a cool, dry, dark place, such as a closet. The filter will need to be checked regularly, watch the expiration date. If the expiration date has expired, dispose of the filter according to the manufacturer's instructions.

It is important to remember that it is required to store the gas mask in a safe, clean place to which quick access is provided... The product must be protected from dust and dirt. The purpose of using a gas mask is to protect the respiratory system. If it does not function properly, it jeopardizes the health of the user.

Below is a detailed overview of the IP-4 gas mask.