Mask, KMB-18B, Band, w/ W.P. Comm.,455 Regulator

KIRBY MORGAN BANDMASK 18 WITH BARE WIRE COMMS POSTS

The Side Block Assembly of both the BandMask 18 and 28 receives the umbilical over the shoulder in the B configuration. They both come standard with the Tri-Valve exhaust system, and the new BandMask BandKeepers.

The Tri-Valve Exhaust System has less breathing resistance than the older single valve exhaust. It retrofits to all previous Kirby Morgan BandMasks. The BandMask BandKeepers, coupled with the redesigned hood, not only prevent any separation of the hood from the mask, but also make it impossible for the bands to separate from the mask.

The communications connections can be either a male waterproof "plug in" type or bare wire posts.The BandMask 28 is very similar to the BandMask 18. Many parts on the BandMask 18B are interchangeable with the BandMask 28B. The major difference between the 18 and 28 is the material of the mask frame. The BandMask 18 has a hand laid fiberglass frame (yellow) while the BandMask 28B frame is an extremely durable injection molded plastic (black). The relative ease of production of the BandMask 28 frame allows for a lower cost and quicker delivery of this mask. Other differences include: 1) The main exhaust body of the BandMask 28 is part of the frame itself and uses a #545-041 main exhaust cover 2) no comfort insert is required on the "28" 3) the face ports for the 18 and the 28 differ slightly in size.

Features

• The 455 Balanced Regulator: The 455 Balanced regulator sets a milestone in surface supplied breathing performance. The regulator body is made of 316 stainless steel, as are all its other metallic components.
• Air Train The air train diffuses incoming breathing air/gas onto the face port/lens to defog and ventilate.
• Communications Communications are “non-modular” (like the SuperLite 17B helmet). When ordered with male waterproof connector (for 4 wire communications), the mask also includes bare wire posts. When ordered with bare wire posts (for 2 wire communications), the port for the mwp connector is plugged.
• Defogging Steady Flow Valve Provides an additional flow of gas into the helmet for ventilation and defogging.
• Emergency (EGS) Valve Supplies backup breathing gas to the diver.
• Gas Supply Non-Return Valve Prevents loss of gas pressure in the event of umbilical damage, preventing a "squeeze".
• Head Harness (Spider) Keeps the mask in place on the divers head. The neoprene rubber spider has adjustment holes for varying the tension of the harness.
• Nose Block Device Allows the diver to block the nose to equalize ears.
• Side Block Multi use side block has additional ports built in to provide controlled air flow, if needed.
• Silicone Oral Nasal Mask Made of a superior silicone material which is hypo-allergenic and has a longer work life than latex.
• Stainless Steel Bands Bands hold the Hood/Face seal in place on the mask frame. They also provide the mounting studs for the Head Harness (Spider).
• Tri-Valve Exhaust With Whisker Wings Retrofits to many previous Kirby Morgan Helmets and BandMasks, has less breathing resistance than the older single valve exhaust while providing an extremely dry hat. The Tri-Valve Exhaust is made of a chemical resistant compound.

Specifications

• Weight: 13.63 pounds
• Mask Frame: Fiberglass, polyester resin, polyester gel coat, and carbon fibers
• Control Knobs: Polyurathane
• Lens: Clear polycarbonate
• Hood: Neoprene.
• O-Rings: Buna-N
• Recommended Lubricants: Christo-Lube Dow Corning MS4 Silicone Lubricant. Krytox and Halocarbon are also acceptable.
• Regulator: The 455 balanced regulator on the KM 97 offers high performance. The regulator has been tested at Dive Lab at Panama City, Florida. It meets or exceeds all current U.S. Navy and European diving standards.
• CR Standards: These masks meet or exceed all standards established by Dive Lab of Panama City, Florida, and are CR (Commercially Rated) marked.
• CE Approved: Both the Kirby Morgan 18 and 28 BandMasks are CE Approved.
• Temperature Limitations: Use at water temperatures below 3°F (1°C) requires use of the Kirby Morgan Hot Water Shroud (P/N 525-100) and hot water.
• Operational Specifications & Limitations: Commercial Diving Umbilical minimum I.D. 3/8 in. (9.5 mm) of not more than two sections, total length not to exceed 600 feet (183m). This BandMask meets or exceeds all requirements of NPD, Health and Safety, (U.K.), United States Navy, ADCI United States and is CR rated by Dive Lab, Panama City, Fla., USA. Recommended overbottom (OB) gas supply pressure for best performance at depths are calculated by the formula (fsw x 0.445+14.7) + recommended PSIG.