The diving regulator is one of the most important elements of our diving equipment. The right choice of regulator, correct service and proper use increases our safety under water. A good diver should not only know how to properly connect the respiratory regulator to the tank, but also how the diving regulator works. So let’s start by explaining what a diving regulator is and how it works.
The diving regulator consists of several elements that can be bought together or separately. The regulator’s basis is:
In addition, the diving regulator must also have the following components:
Choosing the right regulator for diving is not a simple matter, and the market offer is very rich. The most popular companies selling diving equipment include Apeks, Scubapro, Cressi or Mares.
Currently, all manufactured regulators meet fairly strict technical standards and are suitable for recreational diving up to a depth of 50m. If you are not sure what type of regulator you should choose, you will certainly get advice at your nearest diving equipment store.
The offer of diving equipment manufacturers is very wide and everyone is trying to come up with new technical solutions to encourage customers to buy. So what should you consider when buying? I suggest the following criteria:
If we conduct deep dives, the regulator should be characterized by high reliability and low breathing resistance. For such a dive, choose more expensive breathing regulators.
Regulators with good frost protection are best suited for cold water. Theoretically, you can attach this protection to any regulator, however it is best when this solution is already installed.
The output port is a place where we can connect to our regulator: manometer, inflator, octopus. The ports in the diving regulator can be distributed symmetrically over the entire circumference or on both sides in parallel.
The ports are standardized and the differences in their sizes are so large that there can be no mistake in connecting the hoses. You cannot screw a medium pressure hose into the HP port. Most diving regulators have six ports:
We have to decide if we want a piston regulator or a membrane regulator. The difference lies in the construction of the regulator, and more precisely its control element.
It is an element that reacts to pressure changes and opens the first stage reduction system of the regulator. This is related to the construction of the regulator, and the difference looks like this:
The disadvantage of piston regulators is the lack of a simple regulation of the average pressure value, and problems with frost protection.
The membrane is the most common system. It is used successfully in the first and second stage of reduction. The piston is only used in the first stage.
Membrane regulator
+ easy regulation of average pressure
+ good protection against external freezing
– more complicated construction
– possibility of deregulation under the influence of low temperature
Piston regulator
+ very simple design
+ small amount of elements
– no good protection against external freezing
– difficult regulation of medium pressure
Another element that you need to pay attention to when buying a regulator is the standard of connection to the tank. There are two basic standards in the world when it comes to the cylinder valve output port:
DIN – in this case the output socket has a G 5/8 “internal thread. The regulator has the same thread, but external. The seal is made on the O-ring after screwing the regulator to the end of the socket. The O-ring is located in the regulator socket, type DIN divided into 200at and 300at. Valves for 200at have a short thread and 300at long thread.
INT – also called a yoke because of its characteristic shape. In this solution, the seal is also made thanks to the O-ring, but the O-ring is located in the cylinder valve seat, and the contact surface of the cylinder and the regulator is flat. INT connections are used up to a pressure of 200at.
Because both systems are used in the world, a reduction has been invented that allows the two systems to be connected. In this way, we can use the DIN regulator with the INT tank and vice versa.
It’s hard to say which type is better because they differ from each other. It’s definitely worth having your own reduction to be able to use your own equipment everywhere in the world.
The above study is only part of the knowledge about scuba regulators. As you can see, to make a service for a diving regulator you must have experience and training.
That is why it is so important to choose good quality equipment. If you need advice regarding diving equipment, please contact us and we will certainly help you choose the right equipment.
Call us or send a message to WhatsApp or email. Our team will be happy to answer your questions.
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