RS Series chemical permeation and biological penetration tests

RS1050 and RS1500 These suits are designed primarily for public-safety, commercial and nuclear divers who dive in contaminated conditions. The RS1050 series suits are listed on the Approved For Navy Use (ANU) list.
  • Vulcanized rubber construction drysuit shell
  • Shoulder-entry zipper
  • Suspenders for holding the crotch of the suit in place for improved swimming and climbing. Also allows the suit to be worn down around the waist between dives
  • Reinforced pads: Knees, waist, hips, seat and shoulders
  • Swivel inlet and low-profile adjustable, automatic exhaust valves
  • Attached latex hood and hood liner
  • Wrist rings
  • Vulcanized rubber boots
  • Suits can be provided with a variety of helmet yokes
  • Repair kit
  • Drysuit bag, zip ease and talc
  • Available in orange or black

RS1050 1050 gm/m2 rubber coating RS1500 1500 gm/m2 rubber coating

Chemical Permeation and Biological Penetration Tests for DUI RS1050 and RS1500 Vulcanized Rubber Drysuit Materials

Diving in contaminated or potentially contaminated environments is a necessity for commercial, police, fire, rescue or military divers. These environments may contain chemical and/or biological risk factors. To assist the diving supervisor in planning such dives, the following testing was done on DUI’s RS1050 and RS1500 suits by Texas Research Institute (TRI). These results are only intended as a guide and are to be used as such to determine the suitability of a suit for each anticipated exposure.

The tests were done on new suit material. Aging, abrasion, cuts, or previous exposures to hazards may deteriorate the performance of the suits material.

The suit should be used in conjunction with a suitable glove and ring system to protect the hands. To protect the head, a helmet yoke with helmet system should be used or an attached dry hood with a full facemask in lower risk environments.

The Chemical Testing was performed as follows:

  • Tests were performed to two method standards: ASTM F739-96, which is particularly applicable to American and Canadian markets; and EN369, which is particularly applicable to European markets
  • Tests were carried out across the material with containing seam, on RS1050 and RS1500 materials against 21 chemicals and oils
  • Further tests were then carried out on RS1050 and RS1500 materials only without a seam and against a battery of 8 of the most aggressive chemicals and oils
  • The results are an average of 3 cells

Tests were carried out ACROSS THE SEAM, as this is potentially the weak link in any suit. It has been the experience of the TRI that seams in all types of martial (not just dive suits) often exhibits flaws during chemical permeation testing.

The Bacteriophage Test was carried out as fellows:

  • Tests were performed to ASTM F1671 standards
  • Tests were carried out at 2 pressure settings and 3 different exposure levels
  • Tests were carried out on NEW MATERIAL ACROSS THE SEAM
CHEMICAL PERMEATION TEST RESULTS (MATERIAL SEAMS)
ASTM
EN369
Average Normalized Breakthrough Time (Min) 0.1 µg/cm2*min
Average Normalized Breakthrough Time (Min) 0.1 µg/cm2*min
% Con % Max Water Solubility DUI RS1050 DUI RS1500 DUI RS1050 DUI RS1500
Acetone 10 100 >480 >480 >480 >480
Acetonltrile 10 100 >480 >480 >480 >480
Ammonia Solution 10 100 >480 >480 >480 >480
Carbon Disulfide 100 0.2 <3 6 <5 10
Clichloromethane 100 1.3 9 17 12 19
Diethylamine 10 82 >480 >480 >480 >480
Dimethylformamide 10 100 >480 >480 >480 >460
Ethyl Acetate 8.7 8.7 172 251 369 >480
Hexane 0.014 0.014 412 420 >480 >480
Methanol 10 100 >480 >480 >480 >480
Sodium Hydroxide 10 50 >480 >480 >480 >480
Sulfuric Acid 10 100 >480 >480 >480 >480
Tetrachloroethylene 0.015 0.015 102 48 197 59
Tetrahydrofuran 10 100 231 179 446 344
Toluene 0.05 0.05 371 129 >480 338
ASTM Oil No.1 100 Not Sol. >480 >480 >480 >480
ASTM Oil No-3 100 Not Sol. >480 >480 >480 >400
Liquid B 70% lsooctane
30% Toluene 100 Not Sol. 53 56 65 71
Liquid C 50% lsooctane
50% Toluene 100 Not Sol. 26 45 31 52
Liquid F 80% Paraffin oil
20% Methylnaphthalene 100 Not Sol. >480 >480 >480 >480
JPB Jet Fuel 100 Not Sol. 195 285 360 >480

This data was derived from testing in accordance with ASTM Standard F739-96 and ENN369. These tests were performed under laboratory conditions. DUI neither warrants or guarantees protection provided by the use of this material against the tested chemical. The user should determine the applicability of test conditions when assessing the suitability of material for actual anticipated exposure.

CHIEMICAL PERMEATION TEST RESULTS (MATERIAL)
ASTM
Average Normalized Breakthrough Time (Min) 0.1 µg/cm2*min
Chemical % Conc. % Max Water Solubility DUI RS1050 DUI RS1500
Carbon Disulfide 100 0.2 7 7
Dichloromethane 100 1.3 9 12
Ethyl Acetate 8.7 8.7 52 116
Tetrachloroethylene 0.015 0.015 >260 >480
Tetrahydrofuran 10 100 112 137
Toluene 0.05 0.05 >180 189
Liquid C 50% lsooctane
50% Toluene 100 Not. Sol. 21 29
JP8 Jet Fuel 100 Not. Sol. 95 101
EN369
Average Normalized Breakthrough Time (Min) 0.1 µg/cm2*min
Chemical % Conc. % Max Water Solubility DUI RS1050 DUI RS1500
Carbon Disulfide 100 0.2 7 9
Dichloromethane 100 1.3 9 15
Ethyl Acetate 8.7 8.7 52 234
Tetrachloroethylene 0.015 0.015 >260 >480
Tetrahydrofuran 10 100 112 206
Toluene 0.05 0.05 >180 >480
Liquid C 50% lsooctane
50% Toluene 100 Not. Sol 21 32
JP8 Jet Fuel 100 Not. Sol 95 128

This date was derived from testing in accordance with ASTM Standard F739-96 and EN389. These tests were performed under laboratory conditions. DUI neither warrants nor guarantees protection provided by the use of this material against the tested chemical. The user should determine the applicability of test conditions when assessing the suitability of material for actual anticipated exposure.

BACTERIOPMAGE TEST ASTM F1671 (MATERIAL SEAMS)

The viral penetration test method ASTM 1671 is used to assess the effectiveness of materials used in protective clothing for protecting the wearer against contact with blood-borne pathogens using a surrogate microbe suspended in a body fluid simulated under conditions of continuous liquid contact. Protective clothing material pass/fail determinations are based upon detection of viral penetration.

Exposure to biological fluids containing viruses which cause HEPATITIS 8 (HBV), HEPATITIS C (HBC), and ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYSDROME (HIV) can pose significant risks to health and life. This test method has been specifically defined for modeling viral penetration by these three viruses transmitted in blood and other potentially infectious body fluids.

The material is challenged for a specified time and pressure sequence with a nutrient broth containing Phi-Xl74 bacteriophage which is not pathogenic to humans, but which does infect bacteria. After the challenge time is complete the inside surface of the material is washed with sterile nutrient broth to collect any bacteriophage which may have penetrated the material barrier. The solution is then assayed using E-coil C bacteria in agar media to determine the presence of bacteriophage. This is indicated by the formation of plaques (measured in plaque forming units (PFUs) in the bacterial lawn of agar media. Plaques are the visible clear areas in the E-coil C bacterial lawn where the bacteria have been destroyed by bacteriophage injection and cell breakup. ANY EVIDENCE OF VIRAL PENETRATION FOR TEST SPECIMEN CONSTITUTES FAILURE.

BLOGICAL PENETRATION TEST RESULTS
Cell Collection Side Assay (PFU/ML) DUI RS1050 DUI RS1500 Results
Blank <1 < < Pass
1 <1 < < Pass
2 <1 < < Pass
3 <1 < < Pass

These tests were performed under laboratory conditions. DUI neither warrants nor guarantees protection by this material and assumes no liability for the use of this material with the biological agent. The user should determine the applicability of test conditions when assessing suitability of the material for actual anticipated exposure.

Additional Sources of Information:

  • Occupational Safety and Health Guidance Manual for Hazardous Waste Site Activities – Section 10
  • Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.120 – Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Responses.
  • Manual of Practice for Marine Safety Officers and On Scene Coordinators Involved in Chemically and/or Biological Underwater operations (NTIS) Publication PB-86-129022
  • Protective Clothing and Equipment Needs of Emergency Responders in Urban Search and Rescue Missions (NTIS)
  • Interim Protocol for Diving Operations in Contaminate Water US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (NTIS) PB86-1280002
  • Diving In High-Risk Environments, Hammerhead Publishing, Steve Barsky
  • Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) www.fema.gov/emanagers has a number of publications available on emergency operations
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