Our Thor drysuit is manufactured from a vulcanised polymer created from a mix of high-grade rubber and EPDM. Vulcanised laminated polymers are carried on a multidirectional 4-way-stretch knitted polyester, which gives excellent strength and durability. The Thor is suitable for commercial diving applications but is also an excellent option for military and rescue purposes. The Thor has been thoroughly tested at the Austin Institute in Texas, USA. All Thor drysuits are CE approved and conform to the latest EEC PPE directive regarding drysuits. Our quality control management conforms to BS EN ISO 9001:2008, ensuring that all Northern Diver products are of the highest quality and manufacturing standards. Independent tests show that the Thor drysuit is resistant to chemical permeation. Full details are available on request. Thor drysuits can be manufactured to custom specifications, including fitting items such as reflective overprinting, extra reinforcement and pockets.
All Northern Diver stock suits are fitted with a standard sized neck/wrist seals and boots/socks for that size suit. Please refer to the Suits Size Chart in the documents section to view the sizes fitted.
If the standard sizes of neck, wrist and footwear will not fit you, we can alter the suit so that it will. Leave a note for special alteration requirements at check-out stage or email/live chat message us. Please be aware alterations on stock suits may be chargeable.
Thor Options
Thor drysuit neck/wrist seals and boots can be changed. This includes a wide range of options, including lightweight swimming boots, wide-fitting boots for static commercial diver operations and safety boots with steel toe caps and mid-sole foil. Neck yokes, additional pockets, dry glove systems and convenience zips are also available.
Chemical Permeation Penetration Tests
The majority of divers using Thor drysuits in contaminated water require information regarding the drysuit’s protective qualities to be made available. Thor suits underwent permeation testing under worst case scenario conditions – 100% chemical exposure for the entire length of the test.
Although these test conditions are unlikely in any chemical diving environment, the results demonstrate the protection offered under most normal circumstances.
Permeation Test Results
The permeation values are based on the time it takes for the chemical to permeate the suit material. The permeation test is performed up to 480 minutes. The reports that indicate greater than 480 minutes means that no chemical was detected above 0.1 mg/ min/cm2 for 8 hours’ duration.
Actual Breakthrough vs. Normalised Breakthrough
Actual breakthrough is reported in minutes and occurs when initial breakthrough is detected. Each chemical tested has unique characteristics and minimal detectable limits. For example: if a chemical has a minimum detectable limit of 0.059 mg/ min/cm2, actual breakthrough is reported when challenge chemical concentrations reach 0.059 mg/ min/ cm2 or greater. Normalized breakthrough occurs when challenge chemical breakthrough concentrations reach 0.1 mg/ min/ cm2 or greater (AaSTMm Ff739).
Maximum Minimal Detectable Rates
This indicates the maximum level of chemical detection using the permeation test system. The minimal detectable rate is the lowest rate of permeation that is detectable with the permeation system.
Steady State Permeation
The constant rate of permeation that occurs after breakthrough when the chemical contact is continuous and all forces affecting permeation has reached equilibrium.
When Diving in Polluted, Contaminated or Generally Abnormal Environments
Northern Diver’s Thor drysuit has been developed and tested for use in these conditions and as such should be regarded as an integral component of your diving plans. Diving in contaminated environments has the potential to be extremely dangerous.
Decontamination
After exposure to a contaminated environment, the Thor drysuit must be decontaminated, ensuring that all contaminants have been removed from the drysuit.
Diving in contaminated environments should not be undertaken by those without the highest level of training. All risks should be understood prior to any contaminated environment diving, with all risks carefully planned for and the utmost care taken.
