Kirby Morgan KMB-18 A/B User manual

Kirby Morgan Band Mask
KMB-18 A/B and KMB-28B
Operations and Maintenance Manual

KMB 18 & 28 MANUAL
© Copyright 1970-2003 Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.All rights reserved. Document # 010518001
This page not used at this time.

KMB 18 & 28 MANUAL
Document # 010518001 © Copyright 1970-2003 Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.All rights reserved.
Kirby Morgan Band Mask
KMB 18A/B and KMB 28
Operations and Maintenance Manual
Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.
425 Garden Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA
Telephone [phone]
FAX [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web Site:www.KMDSI.com
Manual prepared by Marine Marketing and Consulting & Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.
SuperLite-17, SuperLite-27, SuperLite-17C, SuperLite-17K, Band Mask, Kirby Morgan, DCS-2A and KMB
are all registered trademarks of Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc. Use of these terms to describe products that
are not manufactured by KMDSI is not permitted.
© Copyright 1970-2003 Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.All rights reserved.This manual is made available for
the express use of owner of this Kirby Morgan product. No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in any
retrieval system, or transmitted, or used in any form or by any means, whether graphic, electronic, mechanical,
photocopy, or otherwise by technology known or unknown, without the prior written permission of Kirby Mor-
gan Dive Systems, Inc.
Document # 010518001
DANGER: Diving with compressed breathing gas is a hazardous activity. Even
ifyoudoeverythingrightthereisalwaysthepotentialforseriousinjuryordeath.Noone
piece of diving equipment can prevent the possibility that you may be injured or killed
any time you enter the water. We do not herein make any effort to teach the principles
of diving. It is our assumption the reader is a qualified diver.
KMDSI Part # 100-002

KMB 18 & 28 MANUAL
© Copyright 1970-2003 Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.All rights reserved. Document # 010518001
This page not used at this time.

KMB 18 & 28 MANUAL
Document # 010518001 © Copyright 1970-2003 Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.All rights reserved.
DEFINITION OF SIGNAL WORDS .................................................................................................. 1
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ........................................................................................... 2
WARRANTY INFORMATION ........................................................................................................... 4
Chapter 1 GENERAL INFORMATION ......................................................................................... 7
1.1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 7
1.2 KMB 18A, KMB 18 B and KMB 28 BAND MASK CONFIGURATIONS ............................ 10
1.3 DESIGN PURPOSE ..................................................................................................................10
1.4 CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................... 11
1.5 GENERAL DESCRIPTION...................................................................................................... 11
1.5.1 Gas Flow Systems .................................................................................................................. 11
1.5.2 Auxiliary Gas Supply System................................................................................................. 13
1.5.3 Reducing Carbon Dioxide ...................................................................................................... 14
1.5.4 Main Exhaust System .............................................................................................................14
1.5.5 Communications..................................................................................................................... 15
1.5.6 Hood and Face Seal ................................................................................................................ 15
1.5.7 Hood and Face Seal Retainer Band ........................................................................................ 15
1.5.8 Head Harness or Spider ..........................................................................................................15
1.6 IMPORTANCE OF PROPER MAINTENANCE ..................................................................... 15
1.6.1 Special Tools........................................................................................................................... 15
Chapter 2 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.................................................................................. 17
2.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 17
2.1.1 First Use of Kirby Morgan 18A/B & 28................................................................................. 17
2.2 PRE DRESS-IN PROCEDURE ................................................................................................ 18
2.2.1 Pre-dive Inspection ................................................................................................................. 18
2.2.2 Clean Face Port....................................................................................................................... 19
2.2.3 Check Moving Parts ............................................................................................................... 19
2.2.4 One Way Valve Check ............................................................................................................ 19
2.2.5 Connecting the Band Mask to the Diver’s Umbilical............................................................. 20
2.2.6 Gas Flow Systems Check ....................................................................................................... 21
2.2.7 Sealing Integrity Check .......................................................................................................... 22
2.2.8 Check Communications.......................................................................................................... 22
Contents

KMB 18 & 28 MANUAL
© Copyright 1970-2003 Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.All rights reserved. Document # 010518001
2.3 DIVING PROCEDURES .......................................................................................................... 22
2.3.1 Fogging Prevention ................................................................................................................ 22
2.3.2 Bleeding the Umbilical........................................................................................................... 23
2.3.3 Auxiliary Gas System ............................................................................................................. 23
2.3.4 Securing the Band Mask on the Diver.................................................................................... 26
2.3.5 Attaching the Umbilical to the Harness.................................................................................. 27
2.3.6 Diver Check Gas Flow Systems ............................................................................................. 28
2.3.7 Communications Check.......................................................................................................... 28
2.3.8 Diver Ready............................................................................................................................ 28
2.3.9 Water Entry and Descent ........................................................................................................ 28
2.4 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES ............................................................................................... 29
2.4.1 Flooding.................................................................................................................................. 29
2.4.2 Inhalation Resistance.............................................................................................................. 29
2.4.3 Gas Flow Stops....................................................................................................................... 29
2.4.4 Demand Regulator Free Flow................................................................................................. 30
2.5 POST DIVE PROCEDURES.................................................................................................... 30
2.5.1 Removing the Equipment ....................................................................................................... 30
Chapter 3 TROUBLESHOOTING................................................................................................ 31
3.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................................ 31
3.2 COMMUNICATIONS MALFUNCTIONS .............................................................................. 31
3.3 ONE-WAY VALVE MALFUNCTION ..................................................................................... 32
3.4 SIDEBLOCK MALFUNCTION............................................................................................... 32
3.5 DEMAND REGULATOR MALFUNCTION........................................................................... 33
3.6 WATER LEAKAGE INTO BAND MASK............................................................................... 34
3.7 AUXILIARY VALVE MALFUNCTION.................................................................................. 34
Chapter 4 INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE TIMETABLE ....................................................... 35
4.1 DAILY MAINTENANCE ......................................................................................................... 35
4.2 MONTHLY MAINTENANCE ................................................................................................. 35
4.3 EVERY SIX MONTHS OR 200 OPERATING HOURS.......................................................... 35
4.4 YEARLY OR EVERY 400 OPERATING HOURS .................................................................. 36
Chapter 5 PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE .......................................................................... 37
5.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 37

KMB 18 & 28 MANUAL
Document # 010518001 © Copyright 1970-2003 Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.All rights reserved.
5.2 REQUIRED TOOLS, CLEANING AGENTS, AND LUBRICATING AGENTS.................... 37
5.2.1 Component and Parts Cleaning ............................................................................................. 38
5.2.2 Component and Parts Lubrication .......................................................................................... 38
5.2.3 Teflon Tape ............................................................................................................................. 38
5.2.4 RTV Sealant............................................................................................................................ 38
5.3 GENERAL ................................................................................................................................ 39
5.4 DAILY MAINTENANCE ......................................................................................................... 39
5.5 MONTHLY MAINTENANCE (OR BETWEEN JOBS).......................................................... 41
5.5.1 Communications Inspection ................................................................................................... 41
5.5.2 Lubricate Nose Block O-Rings............................................................................................... 41
5.5.3 ONE-WAY VALVE ................................................................................................................ 42
5.5.3.1 Disassembly of the One-Way Valve .................................................................................... 42
5.5.3.2 Reassembly of the One-Way Valve ..................................................................................... 43
5.5.4 DEMAND REGULATOR ...................................................................................................... 44
5.5.4.1 Demand Regulator Test for Correct Adjustment, Fully Assembled .................................... 44
5.5.4.2 Inspection of Regulator Body Interior................................................................................. 45
5.5.5.1 Adjustment System Lubrication .......................................................................................... 45
5.5.5.2 Reassembly of Adjustment System .................................................................................... 47
5.6 DEMAND REGULATOR INTERNALADJUSTMENT ......................................................... 48
5.7 HOOD AND FACE SEAL ........................................................................................................ 50
Chapter 6 CORRECTIVE MAINTENANCE .............................................................................. 53
6.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................................ 53
6.2 PORT RETAINER..................................................................................................................... 53
6.3 FACE PORT .............................................................................................................................. 53
6.3.1 General.................................................................................................................................... 53
6.3.2 Face Port and Nose Block Device Removal........................................................................... 54
6.3.3 Face Port and Nose Block Replacement................................................................................. 55
6.4 COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM............................................................................................. 57
6.4.1 General.................................................................................................................................... 57
6.4.2 Earphone Inspection ............................................................................................................... 57
6.4.3 Microphone Removal and Replacement................................................................................. 58

KMB 18 & 28 MANUAL
© Copyright 1970-2003 Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.All rights reserved. Document # 010518001
6.4.4 Earphone Removal and Replacement..................................................................................... 59
6.4.5 Waterproof Connector ............................................................................................................59
6.4.5.1 Waterproof Connector Removal .......................................................................................... 59
6.4.5.2 Connector Replacement....................................................................................................... 60
6.4.6 Communications Posts ........................................................................................................... 60
6.4.6.1 Communications Post Removal .......................................................................................... 60
6.4.6.2 Communications Post Replacement .................................................................................... 61
6.5 SIDEBLOCK ASSEMBLY ....................................................................................................... 61
6.5.1 General.................................................................................................................................... 61
6.5.2 Sideblock Assembly Removal ................................................................................................ 62
6.5.2.1 KMB 18A ............................................................................................................................ 62
6.5.2.2 KMB 18B & 28 ................................................................................................................... 62
6.5.2.3 Separating the Sideblock Assembly from the Band Mask Frame ....................................... 63
6.5.3 Sideblock Assembly Replacement.......................................................................................... 64
6.6 DEFOGGER VALVE ................................................................................................................ 66
6.6.1 Disassembly of the Defogger Valve ....................................................................................... 66
6.6.2 Cleaning and Lubricating ....................................................................................................... 67
6.6.3 Reassembly of the Defogger Valve ........................................................................................ 67
6.7 AUXILIARY GAS SUPPLY VALVE ASSEMBLY .................................................................. 68
6.7.1 Disassembly of the Auxiliary Valve Assembly....................................................................... 68
6.7.2 Cleaning and Lubricating ....................................................................................................... 68
6.7.3 Reassembly of Auxiliary Valve .............................................................................................. 69
6.8 MODEL "A" REGULATOR HOSE ASSEMBLY .................................................................... 70
6.8.1 Hose Removal ........................................................................................................................ 70
6.8.2 Inspection, Cleaning, and Lubricating.................................................................................... 70
6.8.3 Hose Replacement .................................................................................................................. 71
6.9 "B" BENT TUBE ASSEMBLY................................................................................................. 72
6.9.1 General.................................................................................................................................... 72
6.9.2 Removal of the Bent Tube Assembly ..................................................................................... 72
6.9.3 Inspection of Bent Tube Assembly ......................................................................................... 72
6.9.4 Replacement of the Bent Tube Assembly............................................................................... 73
6.10 NOSE BLOCK ASSEMBLY................................................................................................... 74

KMB 18 & 28 MANUAL
Document # 010518001 © Copyright 1970-2003 Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.All rights reserved.
6.10.1 Nose Block Assembly Removal ........................................................................................... 74
6.10.2 Nose Block Device Replacement ......................................................................................... 74
6.11 BAND MASK FRAME KMB 18A/B ..................................................................................... 74
6.12 RUBBER WHISKER .............................................................................................................. 75
6.12.1 Whisker Removal .................................................................................................................75
6.12.2 Whisker Replacement........................................................................................................... 76
6.13 MAIN EXHAUSTASSEMBLY ............................................................................................. 77
6.13.1 Exhaust Valve Removal........................................................................................................ 77
6.13.2 Main Exhaust Body Replacement ........................................................................................ 77
6.14 DEMAND REGULATOR ASSEMBLY ................................................................................. 78
6.14.1 General.................................................................................................................................. 78
6.14.2 Demand Regulator Assembly Removal................................................................................ 78
6.14.3 Disassembly of the Demand Regulator ................................................................................ 79
6.14.4 Inspection of Demand Regulator Parts................................................................................. 80
6.14.5 Reassembly of the Demand Regulator ................................................................................. 81
6.14.6 Unexplained Demand Regulator Steady Flow When Underwater ....................................... 83
6.15 ORAL NASAL MASK............................................................................................................ 84
6.15.1 Oral Nasal Mask Removal.................................................................................................... 84
6.15.2 Inspection of Oral Nasal Mask ............................................................................................. 84
6.15.3 Oral Nasal Mask Replacement ............................................................................................. 84
6.15.4 Oral Nasal Valve Replacement ............................................................................................. 84
Chapter 7 ACCESSORIES ............................................................................................................. 85
7.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 85
7.2 HOT WATER SHROUD INSTALLATION PROCEDURES ................................................... 85
7.3 LOW PRESSURE INFLATOR HOSE INSTALLATION ON THE “B” SIDEBLOCK ........ 87
7.4 WELD LENS ASSEMBLY INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ........................................... 87
7.5 USE OF QUICK-DISCONNECT ............................................................................................. 88
7.6 MASK CARRYING BAG ........................................................................................................ 88
Appendix I Torque Specifictions ..................................................................................................... 89
Appendix 2 Maintenance Log.......................................................................................................... 90
Table of Equivalents ......................................................................................................................... 91

KMB 18 & 28 MANUAL
© Copyright 1970-2003 Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.All rights reserved. Document # 010518001
This page not used at this time

KMB 18 & 28 MANUAL
page 1
Document # 010518001 © Copyright 1970-2003 Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.All rights reserved.
WARNING: Diese Mitteilung ist wichtig. Bitte übersetzen lassen.
WARNING: Ceci est important. Veuillez traduire.
WARNING: Quest è un avviso importante. Tradurlo.
WARNING: Este es un aviso importante. Sirvase mandario traducir.
WARNING: Este é um aviso importante. Queira mandá-lo traduzir.
Definitions of Signal Words Used in this Manual
For your protection, pay particular attention to items identified by signal words in this manual. These
terms are identified as, CAUTION, WARNING AND DANGER. It is especially important for you to
read and understand these signal words.
CAUTION: This word indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against
unsafe practices.
WARNING: This word indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
DANGER: This word indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
If English is not your native language and you have any difficulty understanding the language of any
warnings as they appear in the manual, please have them translated.
If you have any questions regarding the information in this manual, or the operation of your mask,
call Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc. at [phone] or E-Mail: [email protected]

KMB 18 & 28 MANUAL
page 2 © Copyright 1970-2003 Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.All rights reserved. Document # 010518001
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
This Kirby Morgan Band Mask (KMB 18 A/B & 28) diving mask is intended for use only by trained
divers who have successfully completed a recognized training course in surface supplied diving.
WARNING:Follow alltheinstructionsinthismanualcarefully and heed allsafety
precautions. Improper use of this diving mask could result in serious injury or death.
DANGER: Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.(KMDSI) warnsall diverswho use the
Kirby Morgan Band Mask (KMB 18A/B & 28) to be sure to use only KMDSI original spare
parts from a KMDSI authorized dealer. Although other parts, O-rings and fittings may
appear to fit on the Kirby Morgan Band Mask (KMB 18A/B & 28), they may not to be
manufactured to the same standards maintained by KMDSI. The use of any parts other
than KMDSI original parts may lead to equipment failure and accidents.
DANGER: Diving in an environment that is chemically, biologically, or radiologi-
cally contaminated is extremely hazardous. Although the Kirby Morgan Band Mask
(KMB 18A/B & 28) may be adapted for use in some contaminated environments, special
training, equipment, and procedures are necessary. Do not dive in a contaminated
environment unless you have been thoroughly trained and equipped for this type of
diving.
Read this manual before using or maintaining the mask, even if you have experience with other
diving masks. If you have purchased the mask new from a dealer, be sure to send in the warranty
registration card so we may keep you informed regarding any safety notices that affect this
product.Ifyouresellorloanthismasktoanotherdiver,besurethismanualaccompaniesthemask
and that the person reads and understands the manual.
DANGER: Diving is a life threatening occupation. Even if you do everything right
there is still the potential for serious injury or death. Diving a Kirby Morgan band mask
or helmet cannot prevent accidents, injuries, or death.
WARNING: This mask was completely checked and should be ready to dive as it
was shipped from the factory. However, it is always the diver's responsibility to check
all the components of the mask prior to diving.

KMB 18 & 28 MANUAL
page 3
Document # 010518001 © Copyright 1970-2003 Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.All rights reserved.
This manual is supplied to the original purchaser of this mask. If you have any questions about the use,
maintenance,oroperation of this mask, or youneedanothercopy of this manual, Part Number100-002,
contact your nearest KMDSI dealer or Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc. (KMDSI). Telephone:(805)
965-8538, Fax: [phone], E-Mail: [email protected]
DANGER: Kirby Morgan masks and helmets are not cleaned or lubricated for
oxygen service. Using this mask with oxygen percentages above 50% by volume may
lead to fire or explosions that can result in serious injury or death.
AllKirbyMorganhelmetsandmasksmustnotbeusedwithoxygenbreathingmixturesinexcessof50%
by volume without first insuring all gas transporting components have been cleaned and lubricated for
oxygenservice.Onlyoxygencompatible lubricantssuch asKrytox®andChristolube® shouldbe used.
Lubricants must be used sparingly.
The information contained in this manual is intended to aid the user in optimizing the performance of
this helmet. Some of the information will depend on the diving situation and the use of associated
equipment. Many countries have specific laws and rules regarding commercial diving. The operating
and performance specifications listed in this manual on page 8 is separated into two charts. These
charts demonstrate different operation requirements, which are required or imposed by countries or
regulating bodies. It is important for the user to understand the rules, regulations, and philosophy
imposed by the governing regulating bodies whenever using commercial diving equipment. These
charts show the basic operating pressures, depths, and umbilical configurations as required by some
regulating bodies. Whenever Kirby Morgan helmets or masks are used in European Countries, which
have adopted the C.E. certification programs they must only be used with C.E. certified components.
Diving operations should only be conducted within the limits of the operational specifications, and in
accordance with the rules and regulations established by the governing authority in the specific country
or geographical location where the diving operations are being conducted. Please call Kirby Morgan Dive
Systems, Inc. (KMDSI) regarding any operational or performance questions.

KMB 18 & 28 MANUAL
page 4 © Copyright 1970-2003 Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.All rights reserved. Document # 010518001
Warranty Information
Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc. (KMDSI) warrants every new mask, helmet, or Dive Control System (DCS) to be free
from defects in workmanship for a period of ninety (90) days from date of purchase. This warranty does not cover rubber
parts or communications components.
Should any part become defective due to materials or workmanship during the warranty period, contact your nearest
authorized KMDSI dealer. If there is no dealer in your area, contact KMDSI directly at [phone], E-Mail:
[email protected] or Fax [phone]. You must have a return authorization number (RMA#) from KMDSI prior to
the return of any item. Upon approval from KMDSI, return the defective part, freight prepaid, to KMDSI, 425 Garden
Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101. The part will be repaired or replaced at no charge as deemed necessary by KMDSI.
This warranty becomes null and void if:
1. The product is not registered with KMDSI within ten (10) days of purchase.
2.The producthas notbeenproperlyserviced and maintained according to theappropriateKMDSImanual.
3. Unauthorized modifications have been made to the product.
4. The product has been abused or subjected to conditions which are unusual or exceed the product's
intended service.

KMB 18 & 28 MANUAL
page 5
Document # 010518001 © Copyright 1970-2003 Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.All rights reserved.
This page not used at this time

KMB 18 & 28 MANUAL
page 6 © Copyright 1970-2003 Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.All rights reserved. Document # 010518001
Head protector
Port retainer
Equalizing
device
Sideblock
Port
Free flow knob
Spider
Regulator
Hood
One-way valve
The KMB 18B Band Mask
(shown with optional Hard Shell)
Regulator
adjustment knob
Auxiliary valve
knob

KMB 18 & 28 MANUAL
page 7
Document # 010518001 © Copyright 1970-2003 Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.All rights reserved.
Bev Morgan, Chairman of the board,
Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.
CHAPTER 1
GENERALINFORMATION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
KirbyMorganDiveSystems,Inc.(KMDSI)started
as the Kirby Morgan Corporation in 1965. Kirby
Morganis aregistered trademarkforour products.
William Bev Morgan started designing
and making diving equipment shortly
afterbecomingabreath-holddiverwhile
working as a beach lifeguard in the late
1940's. There was very little equipment
available in those early days so it was
necessary to make much of his own gear.
Duringtheearly1950'sheoriginatedtheLos
Angeles (California) Underwater Instructor
Program for teaching SCUBA divers/instruc-
tors, then started Dive 'N Surf, one of the first
diving equipment suppliers that integrated Scuba
diving instruction into the same operation as sales
and service of equipment. He, along with his
partners, Bill and Bob Meistrell, designed and
manufactured diving equipment that remains a
standard in the diving industry today.
In 1957 Morgan sold Dive 'N Surf to his partners.
In 1960 he started commercial diving along with
designing and making diving equipment for the
commercial market.
The Kirby Morgan Corporation was formed to
manufacture commercial diving helmets. The
copperandbrass"heavygear"or"StandardDress"
helmets were the first manufactured by the com-
STOP!
BEFORE GOING FURTHER-
Locate the exploded view at the back of this manual. Fold it out and follow the numbers as you read. All
the numbers in parentheses in the text refer to the numbers on the exploded drawing. These numbers are
called “location” numbers on the parts list. They are used to find the referred to parts on the exploded
drawing only. They are not the part number. Always check the part number when ordering to make
sure it is correct. Always specify the mask model number as well. There is only one exploded view
drawingwhichincludesboth the Kirby Morgan Band Mask(KMB18A)and Kirby Morgan Band Mask
(KMB 18B), as well as the Kirby Morgan KMB 28 Band Mask.
pany. Over the years Kirby Morgan designed,
manufactured, and sold many different helmets
and masks for commercial divers.
Staying active in commercial diving has
contributedtothesuccessfuldesign innovations
of KMDSI products. This may be the pri-
mary reason for the acceptance of our de-
signs by professional divers. Over the years,
Morgan has designed more than forty diving
helmets and forty five diving masks.

KMB 18 & 28 MANUAL
page 8 © Copyright 1970-2003 Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.All rights reserved. Document # 010518001
All members of the KMDSI staff partici-
pate as part of the Kirby Morgan design
team. It would not be possible for us to
supplythe commercial, military, scientific,
and public service diving industries with our
equipment without the team of people that
make up Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.
(KMDSI)
We feel it is important for the reader to
understand that we atKMDSI consider our-
selves asonly part of the process along the
path in diving equipment design. We wel-
come all input from our customers. The
thinking of many good divers,diving equip-
ment engineers, diving medical special-
ists,divingorganizationadministrators and
their supporting personnel has contributed
to the current state of the art of diving.
Eachpiece ofgear wemanufacturehasinitsome
ofthe thinkingofthose whohavegone beforeus.
To all the people who give something of them-
selvestothemenandwomenwhoworkunderwa-
ter, we express a thank you.
Our extensive dealer network makes it easy to
obtain genuine Kirby Morgan replacement parts
as well as technical assistance world wide. We
have a strong commitment to providing the best
diving equipment and service possible.
Kirby Morgan has always concentrated on de-
signingandmanufacturingdivingequipmentthat
allows most repairs and routine maintenance to
be performed by the user. The KMB 18/28 full
face mask is no exception. Most routine preven-
tative and corrective maintenance can be accom-
plished by the user utilizing this manual, the
KMDSI Tool Kit and common hand tools.
The side block and regulator are of a U.S. Navy
approved design, engineered to provide an opti-
mum flow of breathing gas even under heavy
work conditions.
The mask has been tested and conforms to the
performance requirements as set forth in Annex
II of Directive 89/686/EEC and as far as appli-
cable, the EN250 (edition Jan 2000) and the E
DIN 58 642 (edition Feb 1998). When the mask
is used for air diving in countries that conform to
C.E. regulations it may be used to a maximum
depth of 164fsw (50 msw). I.A.W. EN250.
Only equipment certified and tested according
to EN 250/E DIN 58 642 may be used with the
KMB 18/28 when conducting diving operations
in European EC compliant countries.
Performance of the mask is dependant on many
factorsincludingtype of breathing gas used, work
rate, delivery pressure, umbilical internal diam-
eter, length and number of connections, diving
depth and capability of the gas delivery system
to provide breathing media at the required CFM
or LPM to maintain the optimum static over bot-
tom pressure. Performance of this helmet is mea-
sured in volume averaged pressure, resistive ef-
fort, formally called work of breathing. Volume
averaged pressure is the measurement of aver-
age pressures contributed by resistive compo-
nents within the UBA. This value is normally ex-
pressed in Joules/liter. The performance of this
maskcanbeexpectedto be less than 3.0 J/L when
used within the following guidelines.
Operational Specifications and Limitations:
- Maximum depth on air - 220 fsw (67 msw) with
the standard exhaust whisker assembly.
-Maximumdepth on air-100fsw (30 msw)when
equipped with the double exhaust whisker
assembly*.
Work rate - moderately heavy - 62.5 lpm rmv.
-Umbilical minimum I.D. 3/8” (9.5 mm) of one
continuous length (no splice), total length not to
exceed 600 feet (182m).
-Required over-bottom supply pressure,
0-l00 fsw (0-30 msw), 115-135 psig (8-9.3 bar).
100-150fsw(30-50msw),135-225psig(9.3-15.5bar).
100-220 fsw (30-67 msw),175-225 psig (12.0-15.5
bar).

KMB 18 & 28 MANUAL
page 9
Document # 010518001 © Copyright 1970-2003 Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.All rights reserved.
-Gas supply system capable of supplying 4.5
acfm (127.4 BL/min) to the side block assembly
at depth.
-Temperature limitations: Use at water tempera-
tures below 36oF (2oC) requires use of hot water
shroud and hot water.
The umbilical assembly should be composed of
goodqualitydivinghosethat meets industry stan-
dards. Generally, gas hose will be married to the
communications wire, pneumofathometer hose,
and strength member in a manner that will allow
the strength member to receive all the strain.
There are also good quality umbilicals available
that are assembled at the factory using a twisted
methodwhichdoes not require marrying.Regard-
lessofthesystem used, the umbilical is the divers
life line and should always be of excellent qual-
ity and maintained carefully.
* This assembly has not been tested for CE
compliance. Hooded face masks should NOTbe
used for diving in contaminated water situations.
The double exhaust is provided for the masks for
use during jetting operations. It has been found
that the use of a double exhaust assembly can
help in the prevention of inversion of the exhaust
valve during heavy jetting operations.
Thedivingcontrolstationcanbeatthesurface,in
a diving bell, or out of a submerged habitat. The
diving control station is the center of the air/gas
supply, communications with the diver, and div-
ing procedures.
DANGER: Decompression diving
always involves the risk of decompres-
sion sickness. Omitted decompression
due to loss of gas supply or other acci-
dents can cause serious injury or death.
Use of a KMB 18/28 mask cannot prevent
this type of injury.
WARNING: High pressure regula-
tors and associated piping systems for
surface supplied diving with Kirby Mor-
gan helmets and masks must be capable
ofdeliveringaminimumof4.5acfmtothe
diver at depth. Only systems that can
deliver this required gas flow should be
used. The use of standard SCUBA style
regulators stationed top side is unac-
ceptable as there is no provision for ad-
justing the intermediate pressure sup-
plied to the diver. This can create a dan-
gerous situation where the diver may not
receive an adequate supply of air. Only
regulators which allow a variable setting
forintermediatepressureshouldbeused
for umbilical diving.
Many of the parts on the Kirby Morgan Band
Mask (KMB 18A/B) are interchangeable with
our SuperLite Helmets, and the Kirby-Morgan
Band Mask 28. This helps keep inventory costs
lowfordivingcompaniesandindependentdivers.
The KMB 28 has a durable injection molded
plastic frame (17) rather than a fiberglass frame
as found in the KMB 18A/B.
The KMB 28 uses the SuperFlow regulator, the
KMB 18 uses the large tube SuperFlow 350
regulator.

KMB 18 & 28 MANUAL
page 10 © Copyright 1970-2003 Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.All rights reserved. Document # 010518001
inlet nipple (61b) and jam nut (61c), the two
models are identical. The configuration of the
KMB 28 is almost identical to the KMB 18B.
The Kirby Morgan Band Mask A (KMB 18A)
sideblockassembly(120a)receivesthemainand
auxiliary gas supplies from hoses that run down
in front of the diver. The Kirby Morgan Band
Mask18B(KMB18B)sideblockassembly(120b)
receivesthehosesfromoverthediver’sshoulder.
All“location”numbersthatareforthe“A’model
will have a small “a” and all “location” numbers
for the “B” only will have a small “b”.
Some divers prefer the hoses to go over their
shoulder to clear their front when working. Oth-
ers prefer the hoses to go down their front to
prevent fouling. It depends on the type of work
and what the diver finds comfortable.
1.3 DESIGN PURPOSE
The Kirby Morgan Band Masks 18A/B & 28 are
designed for use with an umbilical.
WARNING: Only under very con-
trolledconditions,i.e.,non-movingwater
(such as swimming pools or calm lakes),
can this mask be used with a self con-
tained gas supply. There is no provision
for surface swimming once the SCUBA
air supply is depleted.
The umbilical is usually composed of at least a
gas or air supply hose and communication wire,
assembled with waterproof tape to form a single
unit. Some umbilicals also have included a hose
for hot water, a pneumofathometer hose, and a
strengthmember,suchasacableorstrongline.It
isimperativethatair/gasumbilicalsbemarriedto
a strength member in a manner that allows the
strength member to receive the strain. This will
help reduce the possibility of umbilical and um-
bilical fitting fatigue and possible failure. The
umbilical is the diver’s lifeline to the diving
control station.
Additional differences between the Kirby Mor-
gan Band Mask KMB 18A/B and the Kirby
Morgan Band Mask KMB 28 are as follows:
1) The face port (27) in the KMB 28 is a slightly
different size than the KMB 18A/B.
2)Themain exhaustbody(67)ismolded intothe
mask frame in the KMB 28.
3) The exhaust covers on the two masks are
slightly different.
4) There is a vacuum formed comfort insert (14)
in the KMB 18A/B.
5) The air train in the KMB 28 requires a special
standoff (24) for proper mounting of the side
block.
It is our hope that the Kirby Morgan Band Mask
(KMB 18A/B or KMB 28), will provide comfort
and safety to your diving. This manual is our
effort to explain the operation, maintenance and
useoftheKirbyMorganBandMask(KMB18A/
B & 28).
WARNING: We do not herein make
any effort to teach the principles of div-
ing. It is our assumption the reader is a
qualified diver.
If there is any information in this manual that is
not clear, contact Kirby Morgan Dive Systems,
Inc. at [phone] for clarification.
1.2KIRBYMORGANBANDMASKA(KMB
18A), KIRBY MORGAN BAND MASK B
(KMB 18B), AND KIRBY MORGAN BAND
MASK 28 (KMB 28) CONFIGURATIONS
The Kirby Morgan Band Mask 18 (KMB 18) is
manufactured in two configurations. With the
exception of the side block assembly (120a/b),
the hose assembly (117a) with its inlet nipple
(61a), and the bent tube assembly (117b) with its