The Kirby Morgan® 97

The Kirby Morgan® 97 Features The 455 Balanced Regulator.

The 455 Is An All Stainless Steel Regulator With Superior Breathing Performance And The Added Advantage Of Compatibility With The SL 27, 17C, KM 37, KM 37SS, KM 57 Helmets As Well As The KMB 18 & 28 Band Masks. The Overall Performance Of This Regulator Is Outstanding And Sets A New Performance Standard For Commercial Diving Helmets And Band Masks.
The KM 97 features a quick change communications module, available with either bare wire posts or waterproof connector, and allows for easy, efficient maintenance of the communications. This same communications system is found in all our helmet models (with the exception of the SL 17B and 17C).

The advantages of this stainless steel helmet include the following: Rugged helmet shell and other components No refinishing required if the surface is scratched or gouged Elimination of threaded inserts for securing port retainer to helmet shell.

CE Certification
The Kirby Morgan® 97 helmet has been tested and conforms to the performance requirements as set forth in Annex II of Directive 89/686/EEC and, as far as applicable, the EN 15333-1 (class B). It is fully CE marked with balanced 455 demand regulator and oral nasal mask P/N 510-747.

The 455 Balanced Regulator
The 455 Balanced regulator sets a milestone in surface supplied breathing performance and will soon be compatible with all Kirby Morgan Helmets and Band Masks that feature the SuperFlow® 350 regulator. The regulator body is made of 316 stainless steel, as are all its other metallic components.

Air Train
The air train diffuses incoming breathing air/gas onto the face port/lens to defog and ventilate.

Auxiliary Port
The auxiliary port will allow for future add-ons and modifications to the stainless steel helmets. It is located on the port side of the shell as shown below.

Defogging Steady Flow Valve
Provides an additional flow of gas into the helmet for ventilation and defogging.

Emergency (EGS) Valve
Emergency (EGS) Valve supplies backup breathing gas to the diver. This valve is an integral, built in part of the stainless steel sideblock.

Gas Supply Non-Return Valve
Commercial Rated™, It prevents loss of gas pressure in the event of umbilical damage.

Handle
Removable Grip and handle. Handle can be removed without breaking seals, making it quick and easy to attach accessories.

Nose Block
Nose Block Device allows the diver to block the nose to equalize ears.

Rapid Change Modular Communications Systems
Because the module is easily removed the helmet, repair or replacement of communications parts is quick and trouble free. It is available with either a male waterproof connector or a bare wire post connection.

Side Block
Multi use side block has additional ports built in to provide controlled air flow, if needed. The stainless steel sideblock has a built in EGS.

Silicone Oral Nasal Mask
Made of a superior silicone material which is hypo-allergenic and has a longer work life than latex.

Stainless Steel Shell
After x-ray inspection, each 316 stainless steel shell, is precision CNC machined to tight tolerances, to ensure proper fit to all other mating parts. The shell is durable and easy to maintain. Easily cleaned using a Scotch Brite® or similar type cleaning pad.

Whisker Wings
Bubble deflecting Whisker wings keep bubbles further from face port and ears, improving visibility and decreasing internal noise.

Specifications:

This section includes a detailed description of the KM 97, as well as important operational specifications.

• Weight: KM 97 - 31.09 pounds
• Helmet Shell: Stainless Steel
• Control Knobs: Polyurethane
• Face Port/Lens: Scratch Resistant Polycarbonate
• Neck Dam: Neoprene. Optional latex neck dam available
• 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 ask components that are used with gas mixtures containing less than 50% oxygen.
• Regulator: The 455 balanced regulator on the KM 97 offers high performance. The regulator has been tested at Dive Lab at Panama City, Florida. It meets or exceeds all current U.S. Navy and European diving standards.
• Cage Code: The cage code for identifying KMDSI products for U.S. government purposes is 58366.
• CR Standards: This helmet meets or exceeds all standards established by Dive Lab of Panama City, Florida, and are CR (Commercially Rated) marked.
• CE Approved: The KM 97 helmet is CE Approved. (view examination certificate) (view declaration)

Note
The minimum operating temperature recommended for this helmet is 37 degrees F, only in regards to regulator performance. At the time of this writing, no hot water shroud is available for this helmet for heating the diver’s breathing gas. 

Without a hot water shroud, the diver may be subject to hypothermia due to cold gas inspiration temperatures. Kirby Morgan makes no physiological recommendations regarding minimum safe operating temperatures for divers using this helmet. 

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. 

Recommended overbottom (OB)gas supply pressure for best performance at depths are calculated by the formula (fsw x 0.445+14.7) + recommended p.s.i. g.