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The Scuba Regulator, a Key Life Support Device for Scuba Divers
One of the most important items of diving gear is a scuba regulator. It is the invention that makes scuba diving possible. It is a two-stage gas-supply system that gives a diver air from their dive tank at the correct pressure to be able to breathe underwater.
A scuba tank can contain a large amount of air in a small space. This is because the air in the tank has been highly compressed. Before a diver can breathe this compressed air, it must be reduced to a safe pressure. This pressure differs depending on how deep a diver is underwater. The deeper a diver goes, the greater the pressure of the water pressing on their chest cavity. This is what we call Ambient Pressure. The air a scuba tank supplies must be at the same pressure as Ambient Pressure. If the pressure is not the same, the lungs will not be able to inflate properly. How a Scuba Regulator WorksThe scuba regulator uses two different parts to do its job of supplying air at the right pressure. The 1st stage, which is connected straight to the top of the scuba tank; the 2nd stage, which is also known as the demand valve (the round thing a diver has in their mouth that blows bubbles). It is connected to the 1st stage by a rubber hose. Both stages play an important part in delivering air at the correct pressure.1st Stage The job of the 1st stage is to reduce the air coming out of the tank to a lower pressure of around 116-145 psi (8-10 bars) above ambient pressure. A valve opens in the 1st stage and allows some of the low-pressure air to pass into the hose that connects the 1st stage to the 2nd stage and then closes again. When the air inside the hose is inhaled by the diver, the 1st stage detects a decrease in the pressure in the hose. It then allows more air to flow in, replacing the air that was used by the diver. It automatically adjusts the air pressure in the hose when depth changes occur. It also supplies air to inflate a divers BCD or dry suit. This is done with separate hose going from the BCD or dry suit to the 1st stage. 2nd Stage The second stage, or demand valve, reduces the low-pressure in the hose to the same pressure as the water a diver is swimming through. This allows a diver to breathe normally. Inside the second stage is a diaphragm. This diaphragm is subject to equal forces of water pressure on one side, and air pressure from a breathing diver on the other side. Breathing in from the mouthpiece reduces the air pressure inside the chamber. The water pressure pushes the diaphragm in, opening the intake valve. When the diver stops inhaling, the pressure in the chamber balances and the valve closes. This gives a diver an air delivery system that supplies air only when they ask for it (Inhaling). A well balanced regulator that is properly maintained will do its job so well that breathing becomes natural and effortless. The 2nd stage also has an exhaust valve. This lets a diver exhale air out without letting water in. This is done with a simple one-way valve that lets the air escape. There is also a purge button located on its front surface that, when pushed, allows air into the chamber of the 2nd stage. This air pushes or purges water out of the chamber through the exhaust valve or mouthpiece (this is where the bubbles come from). The Octopus The octopus, or alternate air source, is another 2nd stage. It is a backup 2nd stage which is to be used if a diver’s primary 2nd stage fails or if a diver needs to make an emergency accent with another diver. The octopus and the hose it is attached to are usually colored bright yellow. The bright yellow color makes it easy to find in an emergency. The hose attached to the octopus is longer. This allows it to be offered to a buddy easily and for the buddy pair to remain face to face in a shared-air accent. It is attached to the BC in the area of the diver’s chest. Tips on How to Choose the Right RegulatorA scuba regulator is a vital piece of any diver’s scuba gear. Because of this, most divers choose to buy their own instead of having to rent one every time they dive. Prices vary enormously, but it is worth investing descent money in a good one. After all, a diver’s life depends on it.There are several types of scuba regulators. Basic ones are simple, inexpensive and can be very reliable and durable. High-performance ones are more expensive and combine high build quality with low inhalation effort and toughness. Some are environmentally sealed for cold-water use. And for those divers that are nitrox nuts, there are regulators designed to handle high oxygen concentrations without risk of combustion.Here are some things to think about when choosing a scuba regulator:• A primary second stage that has a comfortable mouth piece and easy to hold • Makes breathing feel “effortless” • External controls which let you make fine adjustment to air flow • A purge button that can easily be pushed while wearing thick dive gloves • Swivel joints on the second stage that offer improved ease of movement • A good warranty • Never buy an unbalanced regulator • Some divers prefer diaphragm regulators for their smooth movement and they have less moving parts The right scuba regulator is the most important purchase a diver can make. It is important to take care of it properly by rinsing it in fresh water after every dive and storing it out of direct sunlight. They need to be serviced periodically by a dive professional. 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