Intertek Electrical elevates respiratory product testing with acquisition of ATOR Labs’ Automated Breathing Metabolic Simulator
17 Jun 2025
ABMS delivers precision testing and compliance solutions for respirator manufacturers
Cortland, NY: Intertek, a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide, has acquired an Automated Breathing Metabolic Simulator (ABMS) from ATOR Labs to further expand its respirator testing capabilities. One of only nine such systems in use globally, this cutting-edge technology empowers Intertek to deliver high-precision testing, accelerated development cycles, and streamlined compliance with global standards to respirator manufacturers, solidifying its leadership in respiratory protective device (RPD) testing.
Developed by ATOR Labs, a pioneer in RPD testing equipment, the ABMS is an advanced system that replicates human respiration and metabolic processes with exceptional accuracy. By simulating respiratory workloads from 0.5 to 6.0 liters of oxygen consumption per minute and ventilation rates up to 150 liters per minute, the ABMS enables Intertek to test respirators, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) under rigorous, real-world conditions.
Addressing critical needs in respiratory protection
With respiratory protection assuming an increasingly vital role in the healthcare, industrial, firefighting, and emergency response sectors, manufacturers require advanced testing solutions to meet stringent performance and safety standards. Intertek’s ABMS acquisition provides clients with access to a world-class testing platform, ensuring their products meet regulatory requirements.
“Our clients demand precision and efficiency in testing to stay ahead in a competitive landscape,” said Jason Allen, Technical Innovations Manager at Intertek. “The ABMS, paired with Intertek’s expertise in global standards and regulatory consultation, will empower manufacturers to develop high-performance RPDs with confidence, delivering safer solutions to end-users.”
Technical capabilities driving client value
The ABMS offers a robust suite of technical capabilities that deliver measurable benefits to respirator manufacturers:
- High-fidelity simulation: Replicates human breathing patterns with precise control over tidal volume, respiratory frequency (5-45 breaths per minute), and oxygen/CO₂ exchange ratios, enabling accurate performance assessments across low- to high-exertion scenarios.
- Real-time analytics: Measures work of breathing (WOB) kilopascals and joules per liter, inhalation/exhalation pressures (±0.1 cmH₂O accuracy), and gas concentrations (O₂/CO₂ ±0.10%) on a breath-by-breath basis.
- Advanced leak detection: Employs negative pressure testing per ISO 16900 to identify micro-leaks, enhancing product safety and compliance with standards like NIOSH 42 CFR Part 84, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, EN 136/137, and NFPA 1981/1970.
- Customizable testing protocols: Allows tailored test configurations for R&D, enabling clients to innovate designs for next-generation RPDs and gain a competitive edge.
These technical features translate into significant client benefits: reduced development timelines through fewer test cycles, cost savings from optimized prototyping, and enhanced product reliability that strengthens market positioning. The ABMS’ automated data logging and analysis capabilities further streamline validation, providing clients with detailed performance reports to support regulatory submissions.
Intertek’s global network of technical experts, who actively contribute to standards development through organizations such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), provide tailored guidance to help clients navigate complex certification processes. By leveraging insights from the ABMS, clients not only achieve compliance more efficiently but also gain valuable data to drive product innovation.
For more information about Intertek’s advanced respiratory product testing services, visit: https://www.intertek.com/life-safety-security/respiratory-protection/.
For Media Information:
Please contact
Amy Paille
NA PR Manager
Amy.paille@intertek.com
For Technical Information:
Please contact
Jason Allen
Jason.allen@intertek.com
About Intertek
Intertek is a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide.
Our network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices in more than 100 countries, delivers innovative and bespoke Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification solutions for our customers' operations and supply chains.
Intertek is a purpose-led company to Bring Quality, Safety and Sustainability to Life. We provide 24/7 mission-critical quality assurance solutions to our clients to ensure that they can operate with well-functioning supply chains in each of their operations.
Our Customer Promise is: Intertek Total Quality Assurance expertise, delivered consistently, with precision, pace and passion, enabling our customers to power ahead safely.
About ATOR Labs
Founded in 2014, ATOR Labs is a mission-driven leader in respiratory protective device testing, providing industry-standard tools for quantifying RPD performance. Its flagship ABMS, launched in 2018, is engineered to meet current and future global standards, including ISO 16900 and NFPA requirements, and is trusted by certifying agencies and manufacturers worldwide. ATOR Labs’ innovative technology continues to advance respiratory protection.