Aqua Lung Apeks Regulator - Manual (Page 8)

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Standard compressed breathing air meeting the EN 12021 standard, often
referred to as Grade E in the United States, does not necessarily meet this
criterion. Grade E or EN 12021 breathing air may contain a certain level of
hydrocarbons, including traces of compressor oils that while not considered
harmful to breathe, can pose a risk in the presence of elevated oxygen
content. Passing hydrocarbons through a valve and regulator creates a
cumulative effect where the hydrocarbons build up over time along the
internal passageways of the equipment. When these hydrocarbons come
into contact with high-pressure oxygen enriched air, they can pose a very
real hazard that can lead to combustion. Therefore, if a regulator has
had use with Grade E or EN 12021 breathing air, it should be returned
to an authorised Apeks dealer for overhaul service including oxygen
cleaning, prior to being put back into nitrox service. Although second stage
components are not exposed to high pressure EAN, Apeks recommends
that the same cleaning procedures be followed for the complete regulator.
This prevents the possibility of cross contamination and guarantees the
cleanliness of the entire regulator.
Enriched Air Nitrox Use – Inside EEC (European Economic
Community ) countries EN 1443-3 and EN13949
In CEE countries, diving with Nitrox/O2 is controlled by Standards EN
144-3 – Respiratory protective devices - Gas cylinder valves - Part 3:
Outlet connections for diving gases Nitrox and oxygen - and EN 13949
– Respiratory equipment - Open circuit self-contained diving apparatus for
use with compressed Nitrox and oxygen - requirements, testing, marking.
NOTE : The maximum depth of the dive is determined by the type
of mixture used.
NOTE : Apeks offers a range of regulators designed and manufactured
specially for use with oxygen-enriched mixtures, over 21% and up to
100% oxygen. This range has been certified according to the EN 144-3
and EN 13949 standards and meets the requirements of the adiabatic
compression tests. They have received CE certification for this type.
For further information on this range, contact your Apeks / Aqualung
specialist centre.
Regulator Owner’s Manual
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