A CO2 removal system resolves this problem by continuously purifying internal air, ensuring safe carbon dioxide levels for extended occupancy. This beginner's guide outlines the complete setup process for installing a CO2 removal system in bunkers, covering assessment, selection, installation, testing, and maintenance to achieve reliable operation.​

Understanding CO2 Risks in Bunker Environments

Each person exhales approximately 1 kilogram of carbon dioxide daily, or 20 liters per hour, causing concentrations to rise rapidly in confined spaces. In a 50 cubic meter bunker with four occupants, levels reach 1 percent within 24 hours, resulting in headaches, dizziness, and impaired judgment. Concentrations at 5 percent produce severe toxicity, while 10 percent leads to fatality, often affecting vulnerable individuals first. External ventilation introduces contaminants during crises, and standard NBC filters manage incoming threats but not internal buildup.​

A CO2 removal system uses chemical scrubbers, such as regenerative amines or soda lime media, to capture and vent carbon dioxide, maintaining levels below 0.5 percent, or 5000 parts per million. Overpressure features prevent external pollutants from entering while recirculating purified air internally.​

Step 1: Assess Your Bunker's Requirements

Begin by measuring the bunker's internal volume in cubic meters and estimating maximum occupants during emergencies. Multiply volume by expected people to determine required air processing capacity, typically 100 to 500 cubic meters per hour for family-sized units. Identify power sources, available ventilation points, and integration needs with existing NBC or fire systems. Online calculators from manufacturers provide precise sizing based on these factors.​

Consider occupancy scenarios, such as family use versus community evacuation, to select appropriate scale. Account for power availability, including battery backups for outages, and space constraints for unit mounting.

Step 2: Select the Appropriate CO2 Removal System

Choose regenerative models for bunkers, as they automatically cycle media between adsorption and desorption phases, eliminating frequent manual refills. These systems feature multiple beds where one scrubs air while others regenerate via heat or vacuum, supporting weeks of continuous use. Capacities range from 50 cubic meters per hour for small family bunkers to 1000 cubic meters per hour for larger shelters.​

Evaluate features including digital monitors for carbon dioxide and oxygen levels, automatic alarms, and overpressure fans. Budget options start at $3000 for basic units and reach $10,000 for advanced industrial models with app connectivity.​

Step 3: Gather Necessary Tools and Materials

Prepare ducting (50-to-100-millimeter diameter), mounting brackets, power cables (110 to 240 volts), sealants, and sensors for carbon dioxide and pressure. Acquire personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and respirators for handling media. Ensure compatibility with bunker power systems, adding inverters or batteries if grid power remains unreliable.

Step 4: Position and install the CO2 Removal System

Mount the unit near ceiling vents for optimal air circulation, securing it with vibration-resistant brackets to withstand bunker movements. Connect inlet and outlet ducts to existing ventilation points using airtight seals to maintain overpressure. Wire the system to power sources, integrating sensors with control panels for real-time monitoring. Position overpressure blowers to create positive internal pressure, blocking external contaminants.​

Complete electrical connections following manufacturer diagrams, grounding properly to prevent shocks. Seal all joints with high-temperature silicone to ensure no leaks compromise performance.​

Step 5: Commission and Initial Testing

Power on the system and run a calibration sequence to verify sensor accuracy. Conduct a 24 to 48-hour sealed test with simulated occupancy, monitoring carbon dioxide levels to confirm they remain below 1000 parts per million. Adjust fan speeds and media flow as needed, logging data for baseline performance. Integrate alarms to activate automatically upon threshold breaches.​

Capacity Planning Table for Common Bunker Sizes

Scale upward by 20 percent for overcrowding scenarios.

Step 6: Establish Maintenance Protocols

Schedule monthly inspections to check media saturation, clean filters, and calibrate sensors. Regenerative systems require annual professional servicing for bed regeneration, while disposable media needs replacement every 100 to 500 hours of use. Run quarterly full-system tests under sealed conditions to validate performance. Document all activities in a maintenance log for compliance and troubleshooting.​

Integration with Bunker Safety Systems

Connect the CO2 removal system to NBC filtration units, fire suppression controls, and oxygen generators for automated responses. Link sensors to central alarms that notify occupants of rising levels or failures. Battery backups ensure operation during power disruptions, with solar panels extending runtime indefinitely.

Common Installation Challenges and Solutions

Address issues proactively to maintain reliability.​

FAQs

Q. What size CO2 removal system suits a family bunker?
Ans. A 100 cubic meters per hour unit supports four people in 50 cubic meters for over 10 days.​

Q. How long does installation take for beginners?
Ans. One to two days, including testing, with basic tools.​

Q. Does a CO2 removal system generate oxygen?
Ans. No, pair it with separate oxygen supplies for complete air management.

Q. What maintenance frequency applies to regenerative systems?
Ans. Monthly checks and annual professional service suffice for most units