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Individual Personnel Protection
Hunter M8A3 and M13A1 individual distribution systems are specifically designed to provide 3 to 4.5 cfm of clean breathable air to up to four individuals in areas that cannot be pressurized, such as open vehicles; or in situations where pressurization is not desired and gas masks are the preferred means of protection. Ambulances, where access doors must be used allowing contaminated air to enter the vehicle, are a case in point. Individual distribution systems provide filtered forced air directly to the user's protective mask through chemical resistant hoses while providing relief from lens fogging and heat build up.
Protective masks are negative pressure devices. They operate by the user breathing and creating negative pressure between his face and the mask relative to the environment. That negative pressure causes air to flow through the filter into the space between the mask and the user's face. The effectiveness of the mask depends primarily on the proper fit of the mask and the contours of the user's face. A gas mask can be converted to a positive pressure device by connecting it to a dedicated air source -- either a pressurized air tank, usually carried on the crew members back, or a filtration unit such as the M8A3 or M13A1. Individual distribution systems are ideal for use while in transit or in rest vehicles where they operate continuously to conserve valuable tank air for mission critical field operation. They can also be used safely at limited distances outside the vehicle and to support patients. They are also recommended for supplying clean air to people confined in unsealed rooms.
Hunter M8A3 and M13A1 individual distribution systems are designed to interface with canisters used with military grade masks, such as the C2A2 canister and the M42 mask. Interfaces can also be set for other types of masks. Hunter M8A1 and M13A1 systems utilize the ASZM-TEDA activated impregnated carbon required to alter the molecular structure of high vapor pressure toxic agents and trap them in the carbon. This is the only way to protect against live agents such as CK (cyanogen chloride). As are all Hunter filters, these units are lot tested against live agents for optimum reliability. |
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