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© ⅯⅯⅩⅢ Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Document # 130115001
SuperLite
®
27
®
Appendix A2
Maintenance and Inspection Procedures
The following section describes the maintenance
and inspection procedures that are used to complete
the Annual, Monthly and Daily Checklists, to ensure
optimum reliability and performance. These proce-
dures are additionally utilized in conjunction with
the daily pre and post dive maintenance checklists.
The following service intervals are the minimum
recommended for helmets being used under good
conditions. Helmets used in harsh conditions, i.e.,
contaminated water, welding / burning operations,
or jetting may require more frequent servicing.
The intention of the maintenance and overhaul pro-
gram is to help maintain all helmet components in
good working order in accordance with KMDSI fac-
tory specifications. It will also help to identify worn
or damaged parts and components before they af-
fect performance and reliability. Whenever the ser-
viceability of a component or part is in question, or
doubt exists, replace it. All helmet components and
parts have a service life and will eventually require
replacement.
NOTE:
The side block does not need to be removed
from the helmet annually, providing, after removal
of side block components, there is no corrosion and
verdigris. Kirby Morgan recommends that every
three years the side block assembly be physically re-
moved from the helmet per Section 7.3. Clean and
inspect the stud and securing screw, replace if bent,
stripped, or any damage is detected.
NOTE:
The pipe thread fittings used on the umbili-
cal adapter and the emergency gas valve are the only
fittings that require sealing with Teflon
®
tape. Do
not use liquid sealant. When installing Teflon
®
tape
on pipe threads, apply the tape starting one thread
back from the end of the fitting. Apply the tape in a
clockwise direction under tension. 1-1½ wraps is all
that is needed. The use of more than 1½ wraps could
cause excess Teflon
®
tape to travel into the breathing
system. Do not overtighten when installing.
Chapters 6, 7 and 8 of this maintenance manual gives
guidance on all routine and corrective maintenance
and repairs. Disassembly and reassembly of compo-
nents is explained in a step-by-step manner that may
not necessarily call out that all O-rings and normal
consumable items will be replaced. The manual is
written in this way so that if an assembly, compo-
nent, or part is being inspected or disturbed between
normal intervals it is acceptable to reuse O-rings and
components providing they pass a visual inspection .
When conducting annual or scheduled overhauls all
O-rings should be replaced. The side block should
be removed from the helmet at least every three years
(or 400 operating hours) so that the stud and secur-
ing screw can be inspected. All O-rings should be
lightly lubricated with the applicable lubricant.
Lubrication / Cleanliness:
Helmets intended for use with breathing gas mix-
tures in excess of 50% oxygen by volume, should be
cleaned for oxygen service. They must only be lu-
bricated with oxygen compatible lubricants such as
Christo-Lube
®
or Krytox
®
. All air supply systems
must be filtered and must meet the requirements
of grade D quality air or better. Helmet breathing
gas systems/gas train components used for air div-
ing should only be lubricated with silicone lubri-
cant Dow Corning
®
111 or equivalent. KMDSI uses
Christo-Lube
®
at the factory for lubrication of all gas
train components requiring lubrication, and highly
recommends its use.
Before 1999, Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc., used
Danger and Warning Notices in the helmet and mask
owner’s manual limiting the breathing gas percent-
age to less than 23.5 percent oxygen. This was due
primarily to cleaning issues in regards to possible fire
hazards and was in compliance with the recommen-
dations of the Association of Standard Test Methods
(ASTM), National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA),
and the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) as well
as other industry standards.
During the 1990’s, open circuit SCUBA use of
enriched-air (Nitrox) by technical and recreational
divers became very popular, and as use increased,
so did the number of combustion incidents during
the mixing and handling of the breathing mixtures.
These combustion incidents brought attention to the
dangers and inherent risks associated with oxygen
and oxygen enriched gas mixtures.
Kirby Morgan cannot dictate or override regulations
or recommendations set forth by industry standards
or governing bodies pertaining to enriched gas use.
However, it is the opinion of Kirby Morgan that
breathing gas mixtures up to 50% oxygen by volume
should not pose a significant increased risk of fire
or combustion in Kirby Morgan helmets and masks