The fully tested SuperLite® 17B Commercial Diver’s Helmet set the working standard for the commercial diving industry worldwide…
Many thousands of underwater hours have proved the design to be dependable, comfortable, and is extremely rugged.
The helmet system consists of two pieces: the neck dam-yoke and the helmet. The diver slips on the angled neck dam with the attached yoke. The neck clamp is then slipped onto the helmet and locked. The locking system not only seals the neck dam to the helmet but also secures the front of the yoke.
The SuperLite® 17B also includes our Quad-Valve™ Exhaust System which retrofits to many of our Helmets. It is recommended for diving in biologically contaminated water, when you’re properly trained and qualified, using recommended procedures. This new exhaust has exceptionally low exhalation resistance that you must experience to appreciate. The new SL-17A/B Helmet Retainer™ (chin strap) along with the new SL-17A/B Yoke Retainer™ (yoke strap) make it virtually impossible to have the hat come loose. These upgrades are standard on all new SL-17B helmets and will retrofit to all previous SL-17 A/B Helmets.
The Side Block Assembly is standard in the B configuration, receiving the umbilical over the shoulder (17B as shown). The SuperLite® 17B offers comprehensive head protection, an adjustable demand breathing system for gas economy, antiflooding features, rapid emplacement, a neck dam clamp that mechanically breaks a low-pressure lock, and a trim to fit angled neck dam which seats the helmet comfortably, especially when working in the face down position. The pull pin neck clamp release provides a system for prevention of accidental helmet removal.
Specifications
Weight:
SL 17B – 29.03 pounds
Helmet Shell:
Fiberglass, polyester resin, polyester gel coat, and carbon fibers
Control Knobs:
Polyurethane
Face Port/Lens:
Scratch Resistant Polycarbonate
Neck Dam:
Neoprene.
O-rings:
Buna-N
Head Cushion:
Nylon bag filled with #4 Polyester foam
Recommended Lubricants:
All helmets and masks are lubricated at the factory with Christo-Lube®. Kirby Morgan recommends Christo-Lube® or Tribolube® for all gas train components. Dow Corning® 111 Silicone or equivalent may be used for helmet and mask components that are used with gas mixtures containing less than 50% oxygen.
Regulator:
The 505-027 SuperFlow® regulator on the SuperLite® 17B offers high performance. The regulator has been tested at Dive Lab at Panama City, Florida. It meets all current U.S. Navy and European diving standards.
Operational Specifications:
Maximum depth on air 220 FSW (67 MSW) with the old style single exhaust or the Tri-Valve Exhaust®. Maximum depth on air – 150 FSW (45.73 MSW) when equipped with the old style double exhaust whisker assembly. Maximum depth on HEO2 Surface Supplied, 330 FSW (100 MSW) Work rate – Heavy – 62.5 – 75 l.p.m. RMV. Maximum current – 3 knots with standard exhaust, 5 knots with Tri Exhaust Umbilical 3/8” Maximum length 600’ (183 MSW) Breathing Gas Requirements, 4.5 a.c.f.m. at the side block at depth.
Cage Code:
The cage code for identifying KMDSI products for U.S. government purposes is 58366.
CR Standards:
These helmets meet or exceed all standards established by Dive Lab of Panama City, Florida, and are CR (Commercially Rated) marked.
Temperature Limitations:
Use at water temperatures below 33 °F (1 °C) requires use of hot water shroud (P/N 525-100) and hot water.
Note
The Hot Water Shroud (Part #525-100) in conjunction with hot water to the diver should be used whenever diving operations are conducted using HeO2 at water temperatures less than 60°F (15.56°C) for the comfort of the diver. KMDSI further recommends that the shroud be used in conjunction with hot water to the diver whenever diving operations are conducted using air or mixed gas, in waters colder than 36°F (2.22°C) to reduce the possibility of demand regulator icing.
Usually the greatest danger of demand regulator icing will be encountered on deck when the surrounding air temperature is less than 32°F (0°C). This effect is primarily due to the refrigeration effect of breathing air pressure reduction, and the addition of moisture from the diver’s exhalation coming in contact with the topside air temperature.
If diving where the water temperature is 36°F (2.22°C) or warmer but the topside air temperature is below freezing, (32°F (0°C) icing of the demand regulator is possible. To help eliminate the possibility of freezing on the surface, warm water should be run over the exterior of the demand regulator prior to water entry, if the hot water system is not used.
The umbilical assembly should be composed of good quality diving hose that meets industry standards. Generally, gas hose will be married to the communications wire, pneumofathometer hose, and strength member in a manner that will allow the strength member to receive all the strain. There are also good quality umbilicals available that are assembled at the factory using a twisted method which does not require marrying. Regardless of the system used, the umbilical is the diver’s life line and should always be of excellent quality and maintained carefully.
This system has been used successfully for diving in biologically contaminated environments for many years. To further reduce the possibility of water intrusion regardless of the exhaust system being used, the diver should avoid working in an inverted position.
The Tri-Valve exhaust System has now been replaced by the Quad-Valve System. The unique design of the Quad-Valve keeps exhalation resistance low while maintaining excellent watertight integrity.
