FAQs
- Design Question
- Performance Questions
- Application Questions
- Oxygen and Oxygen Cylinder Questions
- Approval/Certification/Training Questions
- Cooling Questions
- Maintenance Questions
- Operational Questions
Is the BioPak 240R a positive-pressure, pressure-demand device?
Positive-Pressure: The BioPak 240R has been certified to provide positive breathing pressure to the user for EN145 breathing rates of 30, 50, 75 and 100 liters per minute; and, NIOSH breathing rates of 40 liters per minute. Positive pressure refers to the pressure within the breathing loop of the BioPak being higher than the atmospheric pressure outside of the breathing loop.
Pressure-Demand: Pressure demand implies that the BioPak will deliver additional oxygen into the breathing rate based upon internal pressure of the BioPak breathing loop. A better nomenclature for this term would be “volume-demand”. The BioPak will always keep a positive pressure in the breathing loop and does not actually measure the internal pressure during operation. Demand adds are provided by the BioPak when the user consumes more oxygen than what is being supplied by the constant add. This results in a lower volume in the breathing chamber that is compensated for by the diaphragm. When the volume decreases enough, the diaphragm will actuate the demand add valve to add oxygen into the breathing loop. This system is therefore totally self-regulating to the exact needs of the user.
Constant-Demand: The BioPak will deliver a stream of oxygen into the breathing loop throughout the duration of use. This flow of oxygen is intended to furnish enough oxygen to support a user at a moderate work rate such as strenuous walking. The flow is controlled by a flow restrictor within the delivery system and is not altered based upon the needs of the user. If the user oxygen consumption exceeds the rate of the constant add then the demand add will be activated. If the user oxygen consumption is lower than the constant add then resultant excess volume is vented out of the breathing loop.
What is “Solid-Core” CO2 scrubber technology?
What is Tidal Volume and why is this important?
What are the materials of the exposed components of the BioPak?
When was the design and certification of the BioPak 240R completed?
What are the differences between the standard and fire-rated harnesses of the BioPak 240R?
Where is the breathing bag located in the BioPak?
Does the BioPak have an exposed breathing bag?
Will the BioPak always provide a minimum of 4-hour duration?
FACTORS THAT CAN SHORTEN SERVICE TIME DURATION:
- High user work loads will result in high oxygen consumption rates. The BioPak supplies a finite amount of oxygen to the user. If the user uses that amount at a high rate then service time will be shortened.
- Poor faceseal of the facepiece will lead to leakage that will result in loss of oxygen at rates higher than user consumption and will lead to shortened duration.
- Poor BioPak maintenance may lead to system leaks that will result in loss of oxygen at rates higher than user consumption and will lead to shortened duration.
- Excessive use of the emergency bypass valve will consume oxygen at very high rates that will result in loss of oxygen at rates higher than user consumption and will lead to shortened duration.
- User physical condition will dictate the rate of oxygen consumption. Users that are not in peak physical condition will most likely consume oxygen at greater rates than users that are in peak physical condition.
What is the nominal duration of the coolant canisters?
What is the average temperature of inhaled air?
What is the oxygen concentration of inhaled air?
What is the breathing resistance of the BioPak during use?
Can the BioPak be worn within a Level A suit?
In what applications can the BioPak be utilized?
Can the BioPak be utilized for diving applications?
- The use of an oxygen enriched respirator in environments of greater than 1-atmosphere pressure will result in oxygen toxicity that could lead to user death.
- The BioPak is not designed to be neutrally buoyant and is actually positively buoyant. Therefore it would very difficult to keep the BioPak submerged without constantly floating on the surface of the water.
- The facepiece utilized with the BioPak is of a curved lens design that will provide a distorted view underwater.
Can the BioPak be used for 1 or 2 hours then taken off the user and reused at a later time without changing the CO2 scrubbers?
- The oxygen cylinder is closed and the storage plug has been installed into the facepiece adapter.
- The BioPak is totally sealed with the breathing chamber lid fully closed and the breathing chamber lid can not have been opened after use.
- That the BioPak is reused within a period not exceeding 24-hours by the SAME user.
- That the oxygen cylinder has not been refilled or topped off to provide additional oxygen.
These restrictions are put in place to prevent loss of oxygen stores, conserve carbon dioxide scrubber capacity, prevent the internal growth of mold and bacteria and to prevent the transmission of any user-borne viruses or germs.
Is oxygen a flammable gas?
What type of oxygen does the BioPak require?
Can welding-grade oxygen be utilized in the BioPak oxygen cylinder?
What is the difference between aviation grade and medical grade oxygen?
What is USP Oxygen?
When filling oxygen cylinders to 3000 psi (207 bar) on a booster pump the cylinder pressure may drop over time. How can I ensure that a perfect fill to 3000 psig (207 bar) is achieved?
Why is it important to keep the booster pump cylinder fill adapters, the BioPak regulator and the BioPak regulator cylinder seal free of grease, oils and dirt?
How does one determine if the carbon fiber oxygen cylinder of the BioPak has been damaged to the extent that it should be taken out of service?
Why is it important to use the exact type of cylinder seal on the BioPak regulator on the booster pump filling adapters?
Does the BioPak carry CBRN certification?
Does the BioPak carry NFPA certification or approvals?
What approvals does the BioPak carry?
How do I receive training for the BioPak?
How can I train my own team on the BioPak?
Can I use the BioPak without the coolant canisters?
What is the purpose of the white triangular-shaped device located in the breathing chamber?
What is the liquid material inside the plastic ice canister?
Can the coolant shells of the BioPak 240R be filled with ice cubes instead of using the ice canister?
What is Pre-Packing the BioPak?
What are the mandatory replacement parts of the BioPak?
How does one know if the proper amount of CO2 absorbent has been installed into the BioPak?
The BioPak 240R battery removal ribbon extends outside the battery door after the battery door is installed. Is this permitted?
Why is the facepiece not included in turn around or long term maintenance procedures?
How is it determined if the check valves of the facepiece are functioning properly?
Can the same disinfectant be utilized on the BioPak as is utilized on other equipment?
Can the BioPak be stored underground and under what conditions?
Do the moisture sponges have to be damp when installed into the BioPak?
Can I use an existing facepiece with the BioPak?
What are the BioPak “end of mission life indicators”?
Are the electronic alarm components in the BioPak safe?
Is it possible to drink water when using the BioPak?
Are there protective options for the rubber breathing hoses?
- Anti-Crush Rings: These are injection-molded rings from a stainless steel/polycarbonate alloy that will slide over the breathing hoses and lodge into position between the hose convolutions. The presence of the rings will prevent hose collapse from pinching and will allow the user to carry equipment or other objects on their shoulders on top of the breathing hose.
- Kevlar® Hose Covers: These covers are fitted over the hoses and closed with a zipper. The Kevlar® mesh of the covers will provide a measure of protection against hose abrasion.
- Heat Reflective Cover: This cover is a single cover that covers both hoses and the facepiece adapter. The cover is closed with a zipper and is constructed of fire-resistant and heat reflective materials to provide additional protection from high radiant heat.