Diving regulator

Diving regulator is a pressure-regulating device that reduces pressurized breathing gas to ambient pressure and delivers it to the diver. The gas may be air or one of a variety of specially blended breathing gases. The gas may be supplied from a scuba cylinder carried by the diver or via a hose from a compressor or high-pressure storage cylinders at the surface in surface-supplied diving.

History

The concept of the diving regulator was first patented by Emile Gagnan and Jacques Cousteau in 1945. They developed the first Aqua-Lung, a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) that could supply divers with pressurized air, allowing them to stay underwater for longer periods of time.

Function

A diving regulator consists of one or more pressure-reducing valves, arranged in stages, with each stage reducing the pressure of the gas supply to a level more manageable or usable than the previous stage. The first stage reduces the cylinder pressure to a medium pressure and the second stage reduces the medium pressure to ambient pressure.

Types

There are two types of diving regulators: single hose and double hose. The single hose regulator is the type commonly used in recreational diving. It is called a single hose regulator because the diver breathes from it through a single mouthpiece, and the exhaled air is vented off to the surrounding water directly from the mouthpiece. The double hose regulator has two hoses, one for inhalation and one for exhalation.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance of a diving regulator is important for its longevity and for the safety of the diver. This includes regular cleaning, inspection for damage and wear, and periodic servicing by a qualified technician.

See also

• Scuba diving
• Underwater diving
• Diving cylinder
• Diving equipment

Diving regulator Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia