Kirby 77 operating instructions Setting Up to Dive, Flushing Out the Umbilical

Kirby Morgan 77

3.8 Setting Up to Dive

3.8.1 Flushing Out the Umbilical

Before connecting the umbilical to the helmet, the umbilical must be flushed out to remove any dirt, moisture, or other debris. Connect the topside umbili- cal end to the topside diver control console. Ensure there is no pressure in the divers umbilical.

Carefully uncap the helmet end of the umbilical and hold securely while pointing in a safe direction, then slowly bring up gas pressure to approximately 25-40 p.s.i.g. (1.7-2.7 bar). Allow the gas to flow for at least 15 seconds. If it is not going to be used immediately, the umbilical should be recapped.

WARNING

If the one way valve or the adapter is loos- ened this will allow breathing gas to leak out of the breathing system. This could also result in a loss of all pressure to the helmet, leaving the diver with nothing to breathe.

3.8.2 Connecting the Umbilical to the Helmet

When you connect the hose to the helmet be sure to use a wrench to hold the adapter, or inlet fitting, and a second wrench to turn the swivel fitting on the hose. If this is not done, the adapter will turn inside the one way valve. If this happens repeatedly the threads will wear and the valve will need to be replaced.

The connection between the hose and the helmet must only be made up “snug”. Excessive force will deform and ruin the adapter. A second wrench must be used when the helmet is disconnected as well, otherwise the adapter and/or the one way valve assembly may become loose and fail to make a seal.

If you are using waterproof connectors for your com- munications, take extra care in handling these pieces. To connect the male and female parts, align the large pin on the male connector with the yellow mark on the female connector. Press the two connectors to- gether until you hear a distinct “pop”. Do not twist the connectors. Tape the two connectors with a bit of electrical tape to prevent them from pulling apart.

To separate the connectors remove the tape, grasp them at the thickest part, place your thumbs against each other, and push apart until the connectors are disconnected.

Do not twist the connectors. Do not pull them apart by pulling on the thin part of the wires.

Connecting the umbilical to the helmet.

Connecting the waterproof connectors.

52 © Copyright 1970-2008 Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Document #080626002