|
|
|
|
Regulators How to choose your regulator Not surprisingly divers tend to develop a special 'feeling' towards their regulators. A smooth, reliable air source can make you feel that breathing underwater is the most natural thing to do; conversely, a problem with your air source can transform your dive into a nightmare. For the safety of all divers, international standards have defined strict performance parameters and all modern regulators are now conceived to guarantee you safe operation under all circumstances during recreative dives. All divers know that a regulator is made of three parts: a first stage, a hose and a second stage. 
The first stage of a regulator attaches to the tank and reduces the pressure of the air in the tank to
ambient pressure plus a preset intermediate pressure.
The inner mechanism of the first stage may be based on a piston or a diaphragm. The two technologies,
despite all passionate dicussions between divers, are more or less equivalent. Perhaps the piston may
present an advantage in cold waters, althogh in these cases it is always better to mount an anti-freeze kit
on the first stage.First stages are usually made of chrome plated brass; some producers have also introduced hi-tech metals like titanium that have higher corrosion and abrasion resistence but with higher costs. All first stages on the market are 'balanced'. This means that they are disgned to maintain the intermediate pressure constant independently from depth and tank internal pressure. The hose connects the first stage to the second. The best ones have a larger internal diameter to allow a higher high flows. They also have special coatings and protections to increase their robustness. The second stage is the piece of the regulator that has evolved most in the last years. Initially built with metal, now many producers prefer polymers that are both extremely rugged and lightweight. 
The aim of the second stage is to minimize breathing efforts and guarantee a smooth air flow in all conditions.
To achieve this, second stages often offer external adjustments that can be made by the diver while
diving to vary the performance of the regulator. The venturi assist is a two position adjustment that creates a
venturi effect to optimize breathing performance and help prevent free flows at the surface.
Another type of adjustment is the adjustable air flow knob or dial. This adjustment alters the flow rate
to compensate for depth changes.
An important characteristic of a good regulator is a simple internal mechanism with few moving parts.
This helps reduce internal wear, leading to more consistent performance between service intervals
and lower maintenance costs.
Finally, an advise to guarantee a long life and a consistent performance to your regulator:
always clean it in fresh water after dive and have it serviced at least once a year by a specialised
service centre.
|
|
|||||
|
