Diving Equipment Testing with SF6O2 Mixtures and the Kirby-Morgan KMB-8 Bandmask,
Abstract
The Kirby-Morgan KMB-8 Bandmask (mid-1972 version) used with a U.S. Divers Conshelf XII first stage regulator was subjected to a series of breathing pressure tests at the Navy Experimental Diving Unit using a breathing machine and a specially constructed test manikin. The mask was tested using a 80% sulphur hexaflouride, 20% oxygen gas mixture at the surface. It was also tested on air and on a variety of helium-oxygen mixtures at the depths were their densities equalled that of the surface SF6O2 mixture. The equal density testing technique was determined not to be a valid method of predicting the inhalation performance of a KMB-8 Bandmask and other similar open-circuit demand systems. The over bottom pressure existing at the inlet to the second stage regulator under peak respiratory flow rate conditions was found to be the parameter most critically affecting the inhalation performance of the mask. (Modified author abstract)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 10, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0776209
Entities
People
- Stephen D. Reimers
Organizations
- United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit