Understanding Scuba Regulators
Why Diving Regulators Are Crucial In Scuba Diving
© Jim Bray
Oct 30, 2008
A scuba regulator is what makes scuba diving possible. It is the life line between the scuba tank and the diver. It is a two-stage gas-supply system that enables a diver to breathe underwater. A regulator takes the high pressure air stored in the tank and reduces it to a safe pressure a diver can breathe at any depth.
How a Scuba Regulator Works
Diving regulators are made up of five parts. The first stage is attached to the scuba tank. The primary second stage or demand valve is what a diver puts in his mouth. The octopus second stage is used in a low on air or out of air situation. They are connected to the first stage by a low pressure hose. Also connected to the first stage are a submersible pressure gauge and a low pressure inflation hose. It is the job of the regulator to supply air to the diver at the right pressure.
- The first stage reduces the air coming out of the tank to a lower pressure of about 145 psi / 10 bar above ambient pressure (the pressure of the water around the diver). This is done by a valve that opens and lets some air into the hose and then closes again.
- The second stage is where the diver inhales the air. The job of this demand valve is to reduce the air to a lower, breathable pressure. As the diver inhales the valve opens and air passes to the diver. When he exhales the valve closes and allows more air into the hose from the first stage. This is the regulator's air flow cycle.
- An octopus second stage works just like the primary second stage. It is normally bright yellow and has a longer hose. This is used in an emergency out of air / low on air situation.
- Another part of the scuba regulator is a submersible pressure gauge. This gauge measures the exact pressure in the scuba tank in psi or bar. This enables a diver to monitor his air supply so he has plenty of air to do a slow, safe ascent or safety stops.
- A low pressure inflator hose is also attached to the first stage. This hose attaches to the BCD and allows the diver to inflate his BCD with air from the scuba tank.
How to Choose the Best Scuba Regulator
The prices of scuba regulators vary greatly. Because they are such an important part of a scuba unit the investment is worth while.
- Basic Regulator: Simple, inexpensive and are usually reliable and durable. These regulators use a piston valve in the first stage. Their air flow is not as smooth as more expensive models.
- High-Performance Regulator: Top-of-the-line regulator. High quality construction and smooth inhalation effort means easy breathing. Some are environmentally sealed for cold water diving and have knobs on the second stage to adjust air flow to the diver.
- Oxygen-Compatible Regulators: For divers who like diving on nitrox mixes. These regulators are built for higher oxygen levels.
When choosing a diving regulator, divers should consider the type of environment they will be diving in and how much money they want to spend. The right scuba regulator will allow a diver to breathe smoothly and effortlessly at any depth.
Scuba Regulator Maintenance
A basic scuba course teaches students how to care for a scuba regulator. Divers should always rinse their regulators after every dive. Servicing scuba regulators should be done by a qualified dive-equipment technician. Most dive shops will have a technician who does scuba regulator repair.
 |
