Drick DRK265 Positive-Pressure Firefighter Air Respirator Dead Space Tester

Overview

The Drick DRK265 Positive-Pressure Firefighter Air Respirator Dead Space Tester is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument designed to quantify carbon dioxide (CO₂) rebreathing in respiratory protective devices under standardized breathing simulation conditions. It operates on the principle of dynamic gas sampling and real-time dual-channel infrared CO₂ analysis during controlled mechanical ventilation through anthropometric headforms. The system replicates human respiratory patterns—including adjustable tidal volume (0.5–3.0 L) and breathing frequency (10–40 breaths/min)—to simulate realistic inhalation/exhalation cycles. By measuring CO₂ concentration in the inhaled gas stream downstream of the respirator facepiece, the DRK265 enables objective assessment of dead space volume and CO₂ retention—critical parameters directly linked to user fatigue, cognitive impairment, and physiological stress during prolonged use. Its design aligns with internationally recognized test methodologies for respiratory protective equipment, supporting regulatory verification and quality assurance across fire service, industrial safety, and occupational health laboratories.

Key Features

• Integrated dual-channel non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) CO₂ analyzers with 0–12 % range and ±0.1 % accuracy, enabling simultaneous measurement of inspiratory and expiratory CO₂ concentrations.
• Calibrated mass flow meter (0–60 L/min, ±1 % FS) for precise control and monitoring of airflow during simulated breathing cycles.
• Adjustable artificial lung module with independent regulation of breathing frequency (10–40 breaths/min) and tidal volume (0.5–3.0 L), compliant with ISO 16900-2 and EN 13272 test protocols.
• Dedicated CO₂ gas supply system delivering certified (5 ± 0.1) % v/v CO₂ in synthetic air, traceable to NIST-certified standards for analytical reproducibility.
• Three anthropometric headforms (large, medium, small) conforming to ISO 16900-1 facial dimensions, ensuring representative fit evaluation across diverse user populations.
• Touchscreen HMI interface with embedded control logic, data logging, and real-time visualization of CO₂ traces, flow profiles, and velocity measurements (0–10 m/s, ±0.1 m/s + 5%).
• Modular pneumatic architecture with isolated calibration gas inlets (CO₂ and N₂), facilitating routine verification per ISO/IEC 17025 internal quality control requirements.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DRK265 is validated for testing positive-pressure self-contained open-circuit compressed-air respirators (SCBAs), negative-pressure air-purifying respirators (APRs), filtering half-masks (e.g., FFP2/FFP3), and escape-type filtering fire-rescue hoods. It satisfies mandatory test clauses specified in multiple national and international standards, including EN 149:2001+A1:2009 (Clause 8.7), GA 124–2013 (Clause 6.13.3), GB 2890–2009 (Clause 6.7), GB 2626–2019 (Clause 6.9), and GB 21976.7–2012 (Clause 6.6.3). All hardware and software components are designed to support GLP-compliant operation, with audit-trail-capable data storage and timestamped calibration records. The system accommodates both static and dynamic dead space evaluation protocols and supports traceable linkage to reference gases certified to ISO 6141 and ISO 6145-7 specifications.

Software & Data Management

The DRK265 operates with embedded firmware that logs all sensor outputs—including CO₂ concentration (inspiratory and expiratory), mass flow rate, tidal volume, breathing frequency, air velocity, and ambient temperature—at configurable intervals (100 ms to 1 s resolution). Raw data is exportable in CSV format via USB or Ethernet interface, preserving metadata such as operator ID, test date/time, headform size, and calibration status. Software architecture complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures when deployed in regulated environments; optional password-protected user roles (operator, supervisor, administrator) enable access control and change management. Calibration history, maintenance logs, and test reports are stored locally with automatic backup to external drives, ensuring full data integrity and long-term archival capability per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 7.5.2.

Applications

• Verification of CO₂ rebreathing performance for firefighter SCBA certification per GA 124–2013 and NFPA 1981.
• Quality control testing of filtering facepieces during production and batch release in accordance with GB 2626–2019 and EN 149.
• Research and development of low-dead-space valve designs and exhalation port configurations.
• Third-party conformity assessment by CNAS-accredited labor protection product testing institutions.
• Validation of respirator fit and seal integrity under simulated exertion conditions using standardized breathing waveforms.
• Support for technical documentation required under EU PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 Annex IV conformity assessment procedures.

FAQ

What breathing parameters does the DRK265 simulate?
It replicates human breathing with adjustable tidal volume (0.5–3.0 L) and frequency (10–40 breaths/min), aligned with ISO 16900-2 and EN 13272 requirements.
Is the CO₂ analyzer calibrated traceable to national standards?
Yes—dual-channel NDIR analyzers accept certified reference gases (e.g., (5 ± 0.1) % CO₂ in air) traceable to ISO 6141 and NIST SRM 1602.
Can the system be used for both positive- and negative-pressure respirators?
Yes—its modular airflow path and bidirectional flow measurement support testing of SCBAs, APRs, and filtering half-masks per applicable standards.
Does the DRK265 meet requirements for ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories?
Yes—the system provides full audit trails, calibration documentation, uncertainty budgets, and data integrity controls required for accreditation.
Are headforms included, and do they comply with international sizing standards?
Yes—three headforms (large, medium, small) conform to ISO 16900-1 facial dimensions and are supplied with mounting fixtures and sealing gaskets.