Individual Distribution Systems

Hunter Manufacturing Company offers a full range of collective protection CBRN systems and components for vehicles, vans, and shelters that provide individual protection against CBRN agents when positive pressure cannot be maintained. Individual distribution (ID) systems are also called micro- or ventilated face piece- collective protection systems.

Description
In individual distribution systems, small filter units supply 3 to 4.5-cfm (5.1-7.7 m3/hr) of purified air through CBRN-resistant hoses to each crewmember’s protective mask. The air inside the vehicle is not purified, as in positive pressure systems.

Advantages
Individual distribution systems have the lowest volume, weight, and power consumption of any collective protection system. ID systems are designed to provide a positive pressure condition inside the mask allowing for effortless normal respiration. An added benefit of the presence of positive pressure is a cooling effect on the wearer’s face and a significant reduction in fogging on the inside face plate of the mask. Positive pressure also helps to compensate for any irregularities in the seal between the occupants face and the mask itself.

Application
The US and allied militaries employ individual distribution systems as primary CBRN systems in vehicles that cannot maintain overpressure and as secondary CBRN systems (Backup System) in positive pressure protected vehicles.

Originally designed for older combat vehicles, they are currently installed on virtually all classes of combat and tactical vehicles.

System Types
Hunter Manufacturing Company manufactures the two individual distribution systems in wide use by the US military today, the 12 cfm M8A3 and the 20-cfm M13A1.

M8A3 Filter System
The M8A3 is the smallest CBRN system Hunter Protective Systems offers. It provides 3 to 4.5-cfm of purified air for up to four crewmembers, with maximum airflow of 12-cfm. All major filtration components (gas and particulate filters) are contained in the single M2A2 housing.

M13A1 Filter System
The 20-cfm M13A1 filter system uses the same housing and blower assembly (tune for a higher flow) as the M8A3, but it employs a gas filter separate from the main filter unit. The M13A1 supplies air for up to five persons.

Mounting and Installation
Though the M8A3 and the M13A1 have standard configurations, Hunter Manufacturing Company recommends that a system be customized for each vehicle configuration. Some vehicles employ non-standard system configurations or ‘mix-and match’ components to get the desired configuration.

Both the M8A3 and the M13A1 CBRN systems are described in greater detail in separate technical data sheets.

Please contact Hunter Manufacturing Company for further information.