How Does
How Do Scuba Regulators Work?
By Kirk Brown
eHow Contributing Writer
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An Underwater-Breathing Apparatus
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One of the most important and typically expensive pieces of diving gear, a scuba regulator makes it possible for a diver to breathe underwater. Regulators are equipped with two mechanical stages that reduce the high pressure of breathing gases in a scuba tank to an ambient pressure. In addition to a breathing mouthpiece, most regulators include a pressure gauge, a buoyancy compensator inflation hose and an extra mouthpiece called an octopus.
First Stage Components
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The first stage of a regulator fits onto the top of the scuba tank via a knob or screw mechanism called a yoke. The first stage contains two separate chambers that decrease the pressure of breathing gases from 3,000 pounds per square inch inside the scuba tank to about 150 psi. The first stage is also equipped with either a piston or diaphragm to compensate for pressure changes related to the depletion of breathing gases inside the tank and changes in a diver's depth. The first stage has several ports where the second stage, octopus, inflator hose and pressure gauge are connected.
Second Stage Components
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The second stage of a scuba regulator further reduces the pressure of breathing gases to an ambient level. These gases are delivered through a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece includes an exhaust valve that lets exhaled air escape and a purge button that can be used to force out water.
Annual Maintenance
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Most manufactures require scuba regulators to be serviced annually under terms of their warranties. This is sound advice given the important function of a regulator, not to mention a replacement cost that could run several hundred dollars.
eHow Article: How Do Scuba Regulators Work?
