Dräger Plus Series - User Manual

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Plus Series and PSS

Series Lung Demand Valve

Types A, AE, ESA and N

Instructions for Use

PSS

is a registered trademark of Dräger. Dow Corning

and Molykote

are registered trademarks of Dow Corning Corporation 3360562 (A3-D-P)

1 For your safety

1.1 General safety statements

● Before using this product, carefully read the Instructions for

Use.

● Strictly follow the Instructions for Use. The user must fully

understand and strictly observe the instructions. Use the

product only for the purposes specified in the Intended Use

section of this document.

● Do not dispose of the Instructions for Use. Ensure that they are

retained and appropriately used by the product user.

● Only fully trained and competent users are permitted to use

this product.

● Comply with all local and national rules and regulations

associated with this product.

● Only trained and competent personnel are permitted to

inspect, repair and service the product. Dräger recommend a

Dräger service contract for all maintenance activities and that

all repairs are carried out by Dräger.

● Properly trained service personnel must inspect and service

this product as detailed in the Maintenance section of this

document.

● Use only genuine Dräger spare parts and accessories, or the

proper functioning of the product may be impaired.

● Do not use a faulty or incomplete product, and do not modify

the product.

● Notify Dräger in the event of any component fault or failure.

1.2 Definitions of alert icons

Alert icons are used in this document to provide and highlight text

that requires a greater awareness by the user. A definition of the

meaning of each icon is as follows:

WARNING

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not

avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not

avoided, could result in physical injury or damage to the

product or environment. It may also be used to alert against

unsafe practices.

2 Description

2.1 Product overview

Dräger lung demand valves are high-performance valves that

control the breathing air supplied into the mask of a breathing

apparatus wearer. The lung demand valve connects the medium-

pressure supply from the breathing apparatus to the mask, and a

sealed and balanced piston unit inside the valve controls the

quantity of air flow through the valve in response to the wearer’s

breathing demand.

Lung demand valves are either integral or removable. Integral

variants have a medium-pressure hose with a pneumatic end

fitting that connects to the breathing apparatus pressure reducer.

Removable variants have a male quick coupling that connects to

a female quick coupling on the breathing apparatus medium-

pressure hose.

Lung demand valves are positive-pressure or negative-pressure

(see Section 2.1.2), and some variants have a manually operated

supplementary air supply (see Section 2.1.4).

2.1.1 Lung demand valve to face mask coupling

The lung demand valve to face mask coupling types are shown in

the table below:

Lung demand valve couplings have a swivel feature at the face

mask to allow radial movement of the valve without leaking during

head and body movement of the wearer.

Lung demand valve connection and disconnection methods

● N-type connect/disconnect (see Fig A)

● AE-type connect/disconnect (see Fig B)

● A-type connect (see Fig C)

● A-type disconnect (see Fig D)

● ESA-type connect (see Fig E)

● ESA-type disconnect (see Fig F)

2.1.2 Positive-and negative-pressure valves

Negative-pressure

A negative-pressure valve allows air to flow through the lung

demand valve when a negative-pressure occurs inside the mask

during wearer inhalation. The pressure in the mask is at times less

than external (atmospheric) pressure.

A negative-pressure lung demand valve is activated on each

breath (each inhalation from the breathing apparatus by the

wearer).

Positive-pressure

A positive-pressure valve maintains a greater pressure than

atmospheric inside the mask. Although the pressure drops as the

wearer inhales, the pressure inside the mask remains above

atmospheric.

A positive-pressure lung demand valve is activated by first breath

(first inhalation from the breathing apparatus by the wearer) or by

pressing the front button (Fig G, Item 2). Once activated, positive-

pressure valves have a reset button (Fig G, Item 1) to switch off

the flow of air through the valve to prevent exhausting the cylinder

air when not being worn.

2.1.3 Special use lung demand valves

Lung demand valves with a green rubber cover at the reset button

(Fig G, Item 1) indicate that the valve contains a non-silicone

diaphragm. The non-silicone diaphragm has a greater permeation

resistance than a silicone diaphragm. This is suitable for use in

environments containing vapours and gases such as H

S –

hydrogen sulphide.

Contact Dräger for further details about diaphragm types and

operating environments.

2.1.4 Supplementary air flow

Some lung demand valve variants are able to provide

supplementary air flow into the face mask to clear a misted visor

or to provide a temporary increased air supply. The supplementary

air flow can be activated by pressing the front button (Fig G,

Item 2).

This functionality is not present in lung demand valves used with

dedicated escape breathing apparatus.

WARNING

Do not use the supplementary air flow with self-contained

breathing apparatus that are not connected to an airline

unless it is essential. The supplementary air flow

decreases the breathing time from the air cylinder.

2.2 Intended use

Dräger lung demand valves are used with Dräger breathing

apparatus to protect the wearer when working in a contaminated

or oxygen-deficient atmosphere.

Dräger recommend that only Dräger face masks be used with

Dräger lung demand valves to guarantee trouble-free operation.

2.3 Approvals

The European standards, guidelines, and directives according to

which this product is approved are specified in the declaration of

conformity (see declaration of conformity or www.draeger.com/

product-certificates).

2.4 Explanation of marking and symbols

Examples of marking on the lung demand valve:

BRCD-1461 Dräger serial number

P Positive-pressure

N Negative-pressure

09/09 Month and year of manufacture

3356812 or R21034 Dräger part number

Barcode of serial number

The reset button cover (Fig G, Item 1) is colour-coded to indicate

the lung demand valve properties:

● Blue – silicone diaphragm, negative-pressure

● Red – silicone diaphragm, positive-pressure

● Green– non-silicone diaphragm

3 Use

The preparation for use and during use instructions are detailed in

the breathing apparatus instructions for use.

3.1 Before use

For breathing apparatus with a medium-pressure coupling,

disconnect and then reconnect the male coupling. To connect,

press the male coupling into the female coupling until an audible

click is heard. If there is any difficulty disconnecting or connecting,

see the troubleshooting information in the breathing apparatus

instructions for use.

3.2 Connecting lung demand valve to face mask

1. Ensure the lung demand valve coupling and face mask

connection are clean and undamaged.

2. Connect the lung demand valve to the face mask:

○ Types N and AE: screw the lung demand valve into the face

mask connection hand tight.

○ Types A and ESA: push the lung demand valve into the

face mask connection, rotating the lung demand valve

slightly if necessary, until it clicks into place.

3. Check that the lung demand valve is securely retained by

attempting to gently pull the coupling apart.

4. If required by local regulations, have a second person verify

that the connection is firm and correct.

4 Troubleshooting

See the breathing apparatus Instructions for Use.

5 Maintenance

5.1 Maintenance table

Dräger recommend that regular inspection, testing and servicing

of the lung demand valve is carried out in accordance with the

table below.

Additional maintenance may be required in the country of use to

ensure compliance with national regulations governing the use,

maintenance, examination and testing of this product.

Lung

demand

valve

coupling

Face

mask

coupling

Apparatus type Coupling type

N RA Negative-pressure Screw-in – 40 mm round

thread to EN 148-1

AE PE Positive-pressure Screw-in – M45 × 3 to

EN 148-3

A P Positive-pressure Push-in – Dräger specific

ESA ESA Positive-pressure Push-in – DIN 58600 and

EN 136/137

Component Task

After

use

Every

month

Every

year

Lung

demand

valve

Check push-in type

connectors for

lubricant (see Note 1)

Notes

O Dräger recommendations

1 For type A check the O-ring on the lung demand valve; and for

type ESA check the outer surface of the male part of the push-

in connector on the lung demand valve. As a guide, lubricant

should be felt on the fingers but not seen. If relubrication is

required, lightly apply Dow Corning

Molykote

111 (other

lubricants are not tested and may damage the equipment).

Visual inspection (see

Section 5.3)

Functional test (see

Section 5.4)

Breathing cycle and static

tests (see Note 2)

2 These maintenance tasks may only be carried out by Dräger or

trained service personnel. Details of the tests are contained in

the technical manual which is issued to service personnel that

have attended a relevant Dräger maintenance course.

Check the male element of the

quick coupling for burring (see

Section 3.1)

2866

2865

2863

2864

2867

2868

2739

Need help?

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Summary

For your safety

General safety statements

Crucial safety instructions for users, emphasizing adherence, proper training, and correct product use to prevent injury or damage.

Definitions of alert icons

Explains the meaning of alert icons (WARNING, CAUTION) used in the document to highlight potential hazards and safety information.

Description

Product overview

Introduces Dräger lung demand valves, their function, connection types, and variants like positive/negative pressure and supplementary air.

Lung demand valve to face mask coupling

Details the types of couplings between the lung demand valve and face mask, including apparatus type and coupling specifications.

Positive-and negative-pressure valves

Differentiates between negative-pressure valves activated by inhalation and positive-pressure valves maintained above atmospheric pressure.

Special use lung demand valves

Describes lung demand valves with non-silicone diaphragms for specific environments, noting H2S resistance.

Supplementary air flow

Explains the function of supplementary air flow for visor clearing or temporary air supply, warning against its use with SCBA without airlines.

Intended use

Specifies that Dräger lung demand valves are for protecting wearers in contaminated or oxygen-deficient atmospheres with Dräger breathing apparatus.

Approvals

Refers to European standards and directives for product approval, directing users to the declaration of conformity or website.

Use

Before use

Instructions for preparing the breathing apparatus with a medium-pressure coupling before connecting the lung demand valve.

Connecting lung demand valve to face mask

Step-by-step guide on how to properly connect the lung demand valve to the face mask, including checks for security.

Maintenance

Maintenance table

Provides a table outlining recommended inspection, testing, and servicing frequencies for the lung demand valve components.

Cleaning

Detailed procedures for cleaning the lung demand valve, including precautions for drying and specific instructions for external and internal cleaning.

External cleaning

Steps for manually cleaning the exterior of the lung demand valve with a cloth and cleaning solution, followed by rinsing and drying.

Internal cleaning and disinfecting

Instructions for trained personnel to internally clean and disinfect the lung demand valve, with warnings against ultrasonic methods and damage to parts.

Visual inspection

Guidance on visually inspecting the lung demand valve for damage like impact, abrasion, or cutting, emphasizing checks on levers, diaphragm, and hoses.

Functional test

Describes performing a functional and leak test for the lung demand valve as per the breathing apparatus instructions, highlighting fault reporting.

Replacing the diaphragm

Procedure for replacing a defective diaphragm, referencing internal cleaning steps and requiring a subsequent functional test.

The Dräger Plus Series and PSS® Series Lung Demand Valves (Types A, AE, ESA, and N) are high-performance valves designed to control the flow of breathing air from a breathing apparatus to the wearer's mask. These valves are essential for protecting users in contaminated or oxygen-deficient atmospheres.

Function Description

The lung demand valve connects the medium-pressure supply from the breathing apparatus to the mask. A sealed and balanced piston unit inside the valve precisely controls the quantity of air flow in response to the wearer's demand.

These valves can be either integral or removable. Integral variants feature a medium-pressure hose with a pneumatic end fitting for connection to the breathing apparatus pressure reducer. Removable variants have a male quick coupling that connects to a female quick coupling on the breathing apparatus medium-pressure hose.

The valves are available in two primary types: positive-pressure and negative-pressure.

Negative-pressure valves allow air to flow when a negative pressure occurs inside the mask during inhalation. In this state, the pressure within the mask is temporarily lower than the external (atmospheric) pressure. A negative-pressure lung demand valve activates with each inhalation from the breathing apparatus.
Positive-pressure valves maintain a pressure inside the mask that is greater than atmospheric pressure. While the pressure may drop during inhalation, it always remains above atmospheric. A positive-pressure lung demand valve activates either with the first breath (first inhalation) or by pressing the front button. Once activated, positive-pressure valves include a reset button to switch off the air flow when the valve is not being worn, preventing unnecessary cylinder air exhaustion.

Some variants also offer a manually operated supplementary air supply. This feature can provide additional air flow into the face mask to clear a misted visor or to offer a temporary increase in air supply. This supplementary air flow is activated by pressing the front button. However, it's important to note that this functionality is not present in lung demand valves used with dedicated escape breathing apparatus. Using the supplementary air flow with self-contained breathing apparatus not connected to an airline should only be done when essential, as it decreases the breathing time from the air cylinder.

Specialized lung demand valves with a green rubber cover at the reset button indicate the presence of a non-silicone diaphragm. This non-silicone diaphragm offers greater permeation resistance compared to a silicone diaphragm, making these valves suitable for use in environments containing vapors and gases such as hydrogen sulphide (H2S).

Usage Features

Dräger lung demand valves are designed for use with Dräger breathing apparatus to ensure wearer protection. Dräger strongly recommends using only Dräger face masks with these lung demand valves to guarantee trouble-free operation.

Connecting the lung demand valve to the face mask involves ensuring both the valve coupling and face mask connection are clean and undamaged. For N and AE types, the lung demand valve is screwed into the face mask connection hand-tight. For A and ESA types, the valve is pushed into the face mask connection, rotating it slightly if necessary until it clicks into place. After connection, the valve should be securely retained, which can be checked by gently pulling the coupling apart. If local regulations require, a second person should verify the connection's firmness and correctness.

The lung demand valve couplings feature a swivel at the face mask, allowing radial movement of the valve without leaking during head and body movement.

Maintenance Features

Regular inspection, testing, and servicing of the lung demand valve are crucial for maintaining its performance and safety. Dräger provides a maintenance table outlining recommended tasks and their frequency (after every use, every month, or every year). Additional maintenance may be required to comply with national regulations.

Maintenance tasks include:

Checking push-in type connectors for lubricant: For type A, the O-ring on the lung demand valve should be checked, and for type ESA, the outer surface of the male part of the push-in connector. Lubricant should be felt on the fingers but not seen. If relubrication is needed, a light application of Dow Corning® Molykote® 111 is recommended (other lubricants may damage the equipment).
Visual inspection: The lung demand valve should be checked for cleanliness and damage, with particular attention to levers, diaphragms, springs, hoses, and connectors. Signs of damage such as impact, abrasion, cutting, and discolouration should be reported to trained service personnel or Dräger, and the valve should not be used until faults are rectified.
Functional test: A full functional and leak test procedure, as detailed in the breathing apparatus Instructions for Use, must be performed. Failure to meet any specified standards or parameters indicates a system fault, requiring immediate reporting to trained service personnel or Dräger, and the apparatus should not be used until the fault is rectified.
Breathing cycle and static tests: These specialized tests can only be carried out by Dräger or trained service personnel, with details provided in the technical manual for those who have attended a relevant Dräger maintenance course.
Checking the male element of the quick coupling for burring: This check is performed as part of the preparation for use.

Cleaning Procedures:

External cleaning: The lung demand valve should be cleaned manually with a cloth moistened with cleaning solution to remove dirt, followed by rinsing with clean water and drying with a dry cloth, in a heated dryer, or air. Only clean, lint-free cloths should be used.
Internal cleaning and disinfecting: This procedure should only be carried out by properly trained personnel, as disassembly by untrained personnel can damage the equipment. Ultrasonic cleaning methods are not recommended for any part of the lung demand valve as they can damage the diaphragm. Cleaning solutions will eventually remove lubricants, so functional tests and relubrication are required after cleaning, disinfecting, and drying. The internal cleaning process involves disassembling the valve, immersing components (valve, diaphragm, slip ring, bayonet cap) in cleaning and disinfecting solutions, rinsing them, and then drying. During this process, care must be taken not to damage the balanced piston lever or stretch/compress the spring. After drying, if relubrication is needed, specific areas of the main and secondary levers should be lightly lubricated with Silkospray silicone lubricant. The valve is then reassembled, and a full functional test is performed.

Diaphragm Replacement:

If the diaphragm is defective, it can be replaced by following the instructions in the internal cleaning procedure. After replacement, a full functional test of the lung demand valve must be carried out.

Storage:

The equipment should be stored between -15 °C and +25 °C in a dry, dust-free, and dirt-free environment, protected from abrasion and direct sunlight. The medium-pressure hose should be routed to avoid small bend radii, stretching, compression, or twisting.