Black Powder on Self Sealing Disc Valves

Q: After using the FM50 respirator with FM61EU filters, the user noticed a black powder on the Self Sealing Disc Valves.

A: FM61EU Filter Carbon Dust

The FM61EU filter is considered a “Combination Filter.” That means it has a particulate filter (like a HEPA) and impregnated activated carbon for gas/vapor protection. The carbon naturally has some dust that will come off during use. This is not unique to FM61EU filters but is shared by all combination filters to varying degrees.

Because this is a given for combination filters, health considerations occur when the carbon is selected to make sure the end user is not at risk if they breath in the dust.

Every lot of FM61EU filters produced has samples taken and the amount of carbon dust that can leave the filter is measured. This requirement is called “Dust Emissions.”

FM61EU filters are designed to meet NATO AEP-73 and CE EN14387 requirements. EN14387 does not have dust emission requirements. The FM61EU easily passes the NATO AEP-73 dust emission requirements.

We felt that the NATO requirements were not stringent enough. Not because of health risks, but because end users don’t want to breathe in carbon dust even if it does not pose a health hazard.

Therefore, we put an additional dust emission requirement on the FM61EU that is based on U.S. Department of Defence filter requirements. During this test, the filter is knocked back and forth and has air pulled through it for 20 minutes and the amount of dust that is released, is measured. The requirement we have placed on ourselves is significantly stricter than the NATO standard.

When used under reasonable conditions and in accordance with the applicable Users Instructions, this product will not present a health hazard. However, use or processing of the product in a manner not in accordance with the User Instructions or the information provided by the Supplier regarding the use of this product may affect the performance of the product and may present potential health and safety hazards.

• FM50 Self Sealing Disc Valve-2.png80 KB
• FM50 Self Sealing Disc Valve-1.png80 KB