In the field of chem-bio systems BLÜCHER SYSTEMS^® provides Spiratec^® Hybrid, a new generation suit that is highly protective and at the  same time comfortable to wear since it lets the skin breathe, flows like a textile and is low in weight.

It combines membrane with adsorber technology. Two protective layers work jointly together in order to provide protection against various threats such as

• War agents in gaseous, liquid and aerosol form
• A wide range of organic as well as inorganic chemicals
• All types of biological substances.

Protection is given in various different scenarios and environmental conditions.

Comfort

The whole protective “sandwich” is breathable. It lets water vapor pass through from the inside to the outside due to a pressure difference on both sides. At the same time the inside surface is water tight; even if it rains the user will stay dry. The protective layer of Spiratec^® Hybrid feels like a textile. It flows naturally and is not stiff nor rigid.

Technical information

The garment is produced in a liner construction where the protective layer hangs loosely inside the shell.

The liner consists of three layers:

• Selectively Permeable Membrane (SPM)
• Activated charcoal
• Soft fabric to provide comfort for contact with skin

The SPM has various tasks. First of all, it provides the initial protection against a wide range of chemicals. This includes war agents as well as industrial chemicals. This is extremely important in the battlefield but also in surroundings where incidents in chemical plants or on oil fields can be expected. Diesel fumes also do not influence the SPM layer. In contrast to adsorbing materials, membranes act like a wall and do not become saturated by liquid chemicals.

The SPM also provides protection against the elements. Water cannot penetrate at all. Therefore, the capacity of the charcoal layer will not be limited if soaked up with water. Additionally, the garment works like a foul weather garment and a protective suit at the same time.

Since membranes are airtight, wind cannot blow through this layer. Stopping the wind means also stopping chemicals or biological substances that otherwise would be carried through to the air-permeable adsorptive layer.

Dangers caused by biological substances are also effectively blocked. Viruses, bacteria and other micro organisms are too big to penetrate through the membrane. They are blocked by size exclusion. This is a fact that should not be ignored. Independent testing institutes state that the amount of anthrax spore simulants that pass through charcoal bead systems are significantly higher than the amount that pass through Spiratec^® Hybrid.

Keep in mind that biological substances attach very well to activated carbon where they find the perfect conditions to multiply next to the skin. Any threat by these dangers must be reduced to a minimum. Even if the substances are not percutaneous there is a risk to infect the person through wounds or scratches e.g. from shaving in the neck area.

The SPM is washable and can also be tumble dried in delicate mode. The material itself stands up to 12 laundering cycles without loosing its protective features against HD.

The membrane provides the initial protection. In case a chemical penetrates through the membrane, it will contact the charcoal layer, the second protective layer. This layer is made of activated charcoal cloth and has a higher adsorption capacity than charcoal beads. Chemicals will arrive there transformed to a gaseous state. This assures that the charcoal can work effectively. With this mechanism, Spiratec^® Hybrid provides reliable protection against liquid agents.

Since the charcoal is only a back-up layer for the membrane, the amount of activated carbon can be reduced. This leads to a reduction in heat stress as well as in the total weight of the garment.

The last layer is a soft fabric that faces the skin and avoids direct contact with the charcoal layer.

Spiratec^® Hybrid is certified according to Oekotex Standard 100, Product Class II. This standard ensures that it contains no allergeneous or harmful substances and can be worn unconsidered directly to the skin. For more information on this please check http://www.oekotex.com.