First stage environmental protection – Aqua Lung Apeks Regulator User Manual

Page 21

First Stage Environmental

Protection

For diving in contaminated or cold water

conditions, some Apeks first stages

feature a “DRY” environmental sealing

system which completely eliminates the

need for messy silicone oil or grease

filling. An external diaphragm seals the

ambient chamber from the surrounding

sea water, while a specially designed

piston, transfers ambient water pressure

to the internal diaphragm.

This helps to prevent ice from forming

inside the ambient chamber, and also

extends the life of the first stage internal

diaphragm. It is important to remember,

however, that this environmental

protection will not completely prevent the

second stage from icing or freezing.

Second Stage Cold Water Protection

With the exception of the XTX20, AT20 & T20 and some Flight

models, Apeks second stages incorporate a thermo-dynamic heat

exchanger at the second stage hose fitting. This patented (Patent No.

U.S. Pat. 5,265,596) feature is designed to draw in the surrounding

water temperature, thereby warming the valve mechanism and greatly

reducing the possibility of second stage freeze-up.

For important information about diving in cold water, refer to the

section titled, Diving in Cold Water, on page

33.

Regulator Owner’s Manual

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