How does a regulator work?

[smellzlikefish]

I feel a little embarrassed asking this after having used a regulator for life support for so long, but I somehow never absorbed the inner workings of a first stage regulator from my dive class. I understand that there are two types; piston and diaphragm, but how exactly do they work? Is there a website with a good visual or easy to understand drawing? Thanks.

 

[jeckyll]

HowStuffWorks "Regulators and Scuba Breathing Apparatus"

That should be a start

 

[DoubleHoseDiver]

Excellent article. Tim

 

[princessaprilia]

That's a great website!

 

[blues]

A visual explanation might also be helpful

 

[herman]

If you want a more detailed explaination and to get a really good understanding of regulator operation get "Regulator Savvy" by Pete Wolfinger. It goes into the hows and why of regulator operation, a must read for anyone who wants to know their regulator. Scuba Tools - Regulator Savvy Book

Another great book on the subject is "Regulator Maintenance and Repair" by Van Harlow. SCUBA REGULATOR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR by Vance Harlow

 

[halocline]

The one thing about the "howstuffworks" article that's missing is the mainspring. This is a big spring in the chamber where the water is in the drawing. This spring forces the 1st stage valve open, and the stage must overcome both the pressure of the water and the spring to close. That's how "intermediate pressure" is achieved and sent to the 2nd stage. Otherwise ambient (water) pressure alone would close the 1st stage, and you'd have what amounts to a single stage regulator.

Adjusting the intermediate pressure to a specified value over ambient pressure is done by adjusting the amount of tension on that spring.

 

[smellzlikefish]

Great websites and explanations, thanks a lot!