Diving Regulator By: Annastasia Clarke 11/12/2013

What is a diving regulator?

A diving regulator is a device used in scuba diving which regulates the air pressure of breathable gases allowing the diver to breathe. The gas is stored in a cylinder or tank worn by the diver.

What is scuba?
Scuba is an acronym for Self-contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. Scuba is different from other forms of diving because it does not require the diver to hold their breath and the air is not supplied from the surface. Scuba divers carry their own supply of compressed air. Scuba divers have increased dive time, depth, and the ability to move more freely.

Webster Definition:
1. One that regulates, as: a. The mechanism in a watch by which its speed is governed. b. A highly accurate clock used as a standard for timing other clocks. c. A device used to maintain uniform speed in a machine; a governor. d. A device used to control the flow of gases, liquids, or electric current. One, such as the member of a governmental regulatory agency that ensures compliance with laws, regulations, and established rules: banking regulators; price regulators. A substance that affects the amount of product or the progress of a biochemical reaction or process: a

2. 3.

A diving regulator fits definition 1d. The other definitions are examples of other ways in which the word regulator may be used but are not pertinent to this definition.

History of diving regulators:

The very first regulator was invented by Dr. Manuel Theodore Guillaumet in 1838. The time of the demonstration was limited to just 30 minutes due to the cold temperature of the water. The diver who demonstrated the regulator was not dressed in a proper exposure suit to prevent the negative effects of cold water diving. Prior to the invention of the regulator, divers used diving helmets which were cumbersome and more dangerous due to leaks.

The parts of a regulator:

Figure 1 below shows the basic structure of a regulator. The first stage connects into the tank, the connecting tube delivers air to the second stage, and the second stage or demand valve allows the diver to breathe at will.

Figure 1: Basic Structure of a Regulator http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diving_regulator

According to http://adventure.howstuffworks.com, the first stage usually has several ports with hoses that lead to the second stage as well as to other devices, such as an additional second stage, tankpressure gauge and/or buoyancy control device. The regulator's second stage consists of: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Plastic chamber with an outer rubber diaphragm that is in contact with ambient water pressure Purge button Inner valve that is connected to a movable lever Exhaust valve Mouthpiece

Many regulators also have valves the divers can adjust in order to change the amount of air received in each breath. Figure 2 shows the parts of the second stage in more detail.

Figure 2 Parts of the Second Stage http://adventure.howstuffworks.com

How does a diving regulator work?

You can think of a diving regulator like a tap for a beer keg. The regulator delivers breathable air to the diver on demand the same way a tap would allow the user to pour beer on demand. Below is a step by step explanation for how the regulator works. 1. When the diver inhales the pressure in the intermediate-pressure chamber is lowered to below the ambient water pressure. 2. The water pressure pushes inward, opening the valve or piston see figure 3 for details. 3. The open valve connects the high-pressure chamber with the intermediate pressure chamber. 4. Air flows from the high-pressure chamber into the intermediate-pressure chamber, thereby increasing the pressure in the intermediate-pressure chamber. 5. When the pressure in the intermediate-pressure chamber equals the ambient water pressure, the valve or piston closes. 6. The process repeats when the diver inhales again.

Figure 3 shows how air circulates through the second stage of the regulator allowing the diver to breathe on demand.

Figure 3 Air flow on Demand through the Second Stage http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diving_regulator

Figure 4 shows how exhaust escapes the second stage.

Figure 4 Exhaust is vented through the Second Stage http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diving_regulator

Conclusion:
Diving regulators allow divers to more fully enjoy the sport of scuba diving by giving them the ability to carry their air source with them. Regulators may also allow search and rescue professionals to perform their jobs more quickly and potentially save lives. Diving regulators are an important part of modern scuba diving; without them, divers would resort back to diving with clunky helmets. The regulator allows for a controlled, safe amount of air for the diver to breathe.