The Biopak 240R is true to its name through the innovation of its construction, according to Gary Halpern, chief operating officer for Biomarine parent company Neutronics.
“Biomarine was the first company to pioneer positive pressure, closed circuit, self-contained breathing apparatus,” Halpern said, adding that Biomarine units are used in mining, firefighting, tunnel rescue law enforcement and with military applications.
The unit, which the company refers to as “a new benchmark in long-duration SCBA [self-contained breathing apparatus]”, was developed through collaborations with experts and its details were determined through the use of a focus group.
“When all of the results were tallied and the conclusions were made, the focus group reported back that they wanted a re-breather that was easier breathing, easier to deploy, easier to service, more comfortable, more safe and less costly to own and operate,” Halpern said.
The company then joined forces with New York firm Brownlie Design to determine and develop the most functional backpack design for the Biopak as well as the breathing apparatus units. After the companies performed a series of prototype tests, they were ready to introduce the Biopak 240 Revolution to the industry public in late May.
Halpern said that all of the items the focus groups gave feedback on were incorporated into the design of the unit that is now undergoing approval evaluations, including fast, easy deployment of the unit when needed and a built-in scrubber.
He said Delaware-based Micropore and Neutronics worked together on the latter to develop “the ultimate solid scrubber design” for the packs – a design in which the CO2 scrubbing material involves no measuring, refilling or resealing – and noted that the scrubber design is unique to the industry.
“There is no dusting, no channelling, there is no ‘did I do it right’ – you cannot make a mistake with this, so it completely eliminates the potential of absorbent refilling mistakes.”
Halpern added that the Biopak 240R allows such easy breathing that one focus group member inquired as to whether the unit was operating when donning the face piece, on which the company collaborated with Scott Health and Safety to develop for form-fitted use by any person, even those with facial hair.
For user-friendly function and safety, the slim-profiled, 33-pound unit is also equipped with a coloured gauge system – red to warn the user of low oxygen supply levels, a blue indicator to remind the user to install the pack’s coolant cartridges, and green, which reflects correct and optimum use. The oxygen bottle actuation control is also “bump proof” to prevent accidental start-ups, but when the time comes for use the valve can be turned even with gloves.
While the Biopak 240 Revolution is not currently available for commercial shipments to operations, the company is taking orders for them. They are available in several models depending on the end user and the company said it plans to offer a trade-in program for both existing Biopak packs and other brands.
Halpern said Biomarine was awaiting industry approvals from MSHA, CDRM, NIOSH and EM145 (he noted the latter two approvals are anticipated within the next few months).
For more information on the Biopak 240 Revolution, its functional and safety-related details, fire-retardant design, storage and use, and the latest information on its regulatory approvals, check out the August 2006 edition of American Longwall Magazine.
