New Draeger ASOV ensures a constant supply of air to airline users, even if the external supply fails

New Draeger ASOV ensures a constant supply of air to airline users, even if the external supply fails

Keywords: Passenger aircraft, Safety measure

Bringing a new level of safety to airline users, the new Draeger Automatic Switch Over Valve (ASOV) enables users to connect compressed air breathing apparatus (CABA) to an external air supply, such as a factory ring main. Should the external supply fail, this innovative valve will then automatically, and without interruption, switch the air supply to the back-up CABA.

Designed for use in those applications where a continuous flow of breathing air is essential, the ASOV is connected between the output of the CABA first stage pressure reducer and lung demand valve, and is attached to the primary airline supply by an additional input connection. If this primary air source fails, or the input pressure drops below the ASOV's switching pressure of 4-5bar, the valve will automatically switch over and an alarm will sound to alert the user.

This warning will continue to sound until either the wearer leaves the hazardous area and removes the equipment, or the switching pressure is exceeded,at which point the valve will automatically switch back to the airline supply.

Providing maximum protection to the wearer, the Draeger ASOV has also been designed to maintain positive pressure within the facemask at all times during this switch over operation.

Meeting the requirements of prEN 1459 pt 1 and EN139, and approved for use with CABA to EN137 and EN402, the ASOV can operate in temperatures as low as -30°C and the airline connection can withstand up to 1,000N pull test.

A quick fit version is available for easy integration with CABA and chemical protection suits, and the ASOV can also be used in conjunction with chemical protection suit ventilation systems (Plate 2).

 Plate 2

Ideal for use throughout industry, it is the latest addition to the Draeger Safety range of personal protective equipment and gas detection systems.

Further information is available from Richard Beckwith, Draeger Safety UK Limited, Ullswater Close, Kitty Brewster Ind Est., Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 4RG. Tel: 01670 352891; Fax: 01670 356266.