Compressed air plays an indispensable role across firefighting, mining, industrial manufacturing, and emergency rescue operations. Yet, despite its widespread use, compressed breathing air can become a hidden risk when contaminated by carbon monoxide (CO). As a colorless, odorless, and highly toxic gas, CO presents significant danger even at low concentrations—particularly for individuals relying on respirators, escape hoods, and life-support air systems.
The tragic fire that occurred on November 26 at Hong Kong’s Tai Po – Wah Fu Garden Housing Estate, which resulted in severe casualties, has once again underscored the importance of reliable respiratory protection in emergency scenarios. Following this event, demand for escape respirators and other emergency breathing devices in China increased sharply. This surge has directly led to a rapid rise in orders for DEAI CHEM’s Hopcalite Catalyst and CO Removal Catalyst, which serve as the core purification materials inside these devices.
Why CO Removal Matters in Compressed and Emergency Breathing Air
Whenever organic materials combust—whether in fires, industrial processes, or during incomplete fuel burning—CO can be generated in large quantities. When this contaminated air enters low-temperature purification systems or compressed air cylinders, users may unknowingly inhale dangerous levels of CO.Unlike particulate contaminants, CO cannot be filtered by mechanical means; it requires a chemical conversion mechanism to be safely removed.
This challenge is precisely where DEAI CHEM’s catalytic materials provide essential protection.
DEAI CHEM Hopcalite Catalyst and CO Removal Catalyst
DEAI CHEM manufactures a specialized granular catalyst, designed specifically for the removal of carbon monoxide in:
• compressed breathing air
• fire escape masks
• industrial respirators
• low-temperature air purification systems
• confined-space safety equipment
These catalysts are formulated primarily with manganese dioxide (MnO₂) and copper oxide (CuO), engineered to operate at ambient temperature without requiring external heat sources. Their high surface area and optimized oxide ratio allow for rapid and stable CO conversion in dry gas streams.
Key Characteristics
1）Ambient-temperature CO oxidation
2）Fast reaction kinetics on dry air streams
3）Long-term stability and low degradation rate
4）Granular form to ensure uniform packing and predictable flow resistance
5）No secondary by-products or hazardous emissions
These properties make the catalysts well-suited for both continuous purification systems and emergency one-time-use escape devices.
Working Principle: Conversion Through Catalytic Oxidation
When air containing CO passes through a properly engineered filter bed packed with DEAI CHEM Hopcalite or CO Removal Catalyst, a catalytic oxidation reaction occurs:CO + ½O₂ → CO₂
This reaction converts toxic carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide, a far less harmful component of exhaled air. The process is instantaneous and continuous, meaning protection does not degrade abruptly but follows a predictable service life based on catalyst mass, operating conditions, and airflow design.
The reliability of this reaction is vital. In environments where users depend on compressed air or escape hoods for survival, catalyst failure is not an acceptable outcome.
Conclusion
The recent fire disaster has highlighted a critical and often overlooked component of personal protective equipment: the chemical catalysts responsible for neutralizing carbon monoxide. As emergency devices become more widely used, especially during large-scale fire incidents, the role of high-performance CO removal
Our commitment remains consistent: ensuring that when breathing protection is needed most, the materials inside these devices perform reliably under real-world conditions.