Aqua Lung Apeks Regulator User Manual

Page 29

Attaching the First Stage to a Cylinder Valve (DIN)

WARNING: OPEN VALVES

SLOWLY TO AVOID OVER-

PRESSURISATION. When

pressurising your SCUBA system,

be sure to open the cylinder valve

slowly to minimise the generation

of heat. Failure to do so, with

Enriched Air Nitrox (EAN) present, increases

the risk of combustion that can lead to

serious injury or death.

It is considered safe practice, especially when

using EAN, to open the cylinder valve slowly

and let the first stage pressurise slowly.

Rapid pressurisation causes adiabatic

compression of the breathing gas, which generates heat inside the first stage.

Heat, along with elevated percentages of oxygen and an ignition source (from

contamination) are the ingredients that can cause combustion. This is why it

is necessary to keep the interior of the regulator clean and the percentage of

oxygen below 40% along with the slow opening of the valve.

To attach a DIN-style first stage to the cylinder valve, follow these steps:

1. Remove the protector cap from the cylinder valve, if fitted. With the cylinder

valve facing away from you, release a small amount of air from the cylinder

by turning the handwheel anti-clockwise to open the valve slightly. When air

is heard exiting, immediately close the valve. This will clear any moisture or

debris that may be inside the threaded cylinder valve opening.

2. Position the first stage near the cylinder valve so that the LP hose of the

primary second stage will be routed over the desired shoulder. Thread the

first stage DIN connector into the cylinder.

Regulator Owner’s Manual

............................................................................................

Caution: Use a small amount of an appropriate lubricant (such as

Christo-Lube) LIGHTLY applied to the thread of the Din Handwheel

periodically. This prevents seizing on the Cylinder Valve. DO NOT

OVER LUBRICATE or apply to the internals of the handwheel or

cylinder valve gas-way.