Sundström SR 232 Chemical Cartridge — OV/SD/CL/HC/HF Gas & Vapor (H02-3721)

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Sundström SR 232 Chemical Cartridge Overview

What It Protects Against

A chemical cartridge only removes the specific gases and vapors it is rated for, and it adds no oxygen, so it protects within strict limits. This SR 232 covers OV plus the SD, CL, HC, and HF acid gases; it does not cover every hazard, and gases like carbon monoxide are not captured by any cartridge. No air-purifying respirator, powered or not, may be used in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere or one that is immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) — those require a supplied-air respirator or a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and, for confined spaces, entry procedures. The cartridge only works on a fit-tested, clean-shaven seal within an OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 program, on a Sundström-approved assembly, and it must be changed on schedule before breakthrough, since some of these gases give little or no odor warning. Match the media to your safety data sheets. See best acid-gas cartridge and organic vapor vs P100. A filter or cartridge carries no assigned protection factor of its own, and neither does a blower unit alone — the APF belongs to the complete assembled system and depends on the headtop it is worn with: 25 for a loose-fitting helmet, hood, or facepiece, and higher for a tight-fitting facepiece (OSHA 1910.134 Table 1; a hood or helmet rates 1000 only where the manufacturer holds the substantiating evidence). A tight-fitting headtop must be fit tested before first use and at least annually, specific to one make, model, and size, needs a user seal check every time it is donned, and is disqualified by facial hair crossing the sealing surface. A loose-fitting headtop is not fit tested and is the class that accommodates a beard.

Pros & Cons

How It Compares

Specifications

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sundström SR 232 cartridge (H02-3721)?

It is a chemical cartridge that removes certain gases and vapors from the air you breathe through a Sundström respirator. Its part number is H02-3721, and it is a gas or vapor element only, not a particulate filter, so it does not by itself capture dusts or mists.

What do the letters OV/SD/CL/HC/HF mean?

They are the hazard classes it is rated for: OV is organic vapors, SD is sulfur dioxide, CL is chlorine, HC is hydrogen chloride, and HF is hydrogen fluoride. Match this to the specific chemicals on your safety data sheets before relying on it.

Does the SR 232 fit Sundström SR 100 and SR 200 masks?

Sundström lists the SR 232 for use with its half masks and full-face masks. Confirm your exact facepiece against Sundström's current compatibility data, since the approved assembly, not just the cartridge, is what carries the NIOSH approval and protection.

Can I use the SR 232 as a non-powered (APR) cartridge?

The SR 232 is a chemical cartridge used on Sundström facepieces as an air-purifying respirator. Whether your setup is powered or non-powered, you must build only Sundström-approved assemblies and follow the approval, because mixing unapproved parts voids the protection.

Does the SR 232 protect against ammonia, carbon monoxide, or formaldehyde?

Not necessarily. Its rated classes are OV, SD, CL, HC, and HF. Ammonia, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde are different hazards that often need different media or, for carbon monoxide, are not handled by any cartridge. Match media to your specific gas.

What is the difference between the SR 232 and Sundström's other gas filters?

The SR 232 covers OV plus several acid gases (SD/CL/HC/HF). Sundström also offers broader multi-gas filters for its systems. Choose the SR 232 when your hazards fall in its classes, and step up to a broader filter when you face other gases.

Can the SR 232 be used in a confined space or low-oxygen air?

No. A cartridge only removes specific gases; it adds no oxygen. In a confined space or any low-oxygen or immediately hazardous atmosphere you need a supplied-air system or self-contained breathing apparatus, plus confined-space entry procedures, not an air-purifying cartridge.

Does temperature or humidity affect the cartridge?

Yes. High humidity and heat can shorten the service life of a gas or vapor cartridge, and some chemicals break through faster in those conditions. Follow Sundström's guidance and your change schedule, and store cartridges within their stated conditions.

Can I reseal and reuse an opened cartridge?

Once in use, a gas cartridge begins to load and can continue to off-gas or degrade, so treat opened cartridges per your change schedule rather than assuming they reset. When in doubt, replace it; do not stretch a cartridge past its service life.

How should I store the cartridges between uses?

Keep unopened cartridges sealed in a clean, dry place within their rated temperature range, and do not use one past its shelf life. Note when a cartridge is put into service so you can track its change schedule accurately.

What industries and tasks is the SR 232 used for?

It suits tasks with organic vapors and the listed acid gases, such as some painting, coating, and chemical handling. Because those often also create aerosols, it is frequently paired with a particulate filter for combined gas-and-particle protection.

How do I dispose of a used chemical cartridge?

Follow your facility's hazardous-waste procedures and any local regulations, since a spent cartridge can hold captured contaminants. Do not burn it or cut it open, and keep used and fresh cartridges clearly separated so no one grabs a spent one.