Releasing air from a 30# donut bladder

[LanceRiley]

How do you release the air of the bladder of the xtec donut bladder? I see 2 ways... thru the inflator.. and the dup valve.. in front? isn't it suppose to be in the back? why is it facing the diver?

sorry.. im new to this...

 

[SCUBAPRO Harry]

Depending on the training agency, most techs prefer the rear dump opv valve to be on the 'front' side of the bladder to avoid getting caught and ripped off while cave or wreck diving; sometimes referred to as a "potential failure point".

 

[Dr. Lecter]

If the bladder is full, pressure will force out plenty of air regardless of where the valve is facing. If the bladder is not full, the wing will be curved up, placing the valve at or near the highest point away from the diver.

In addition to being more likely to catch on something, it would also be harder to reach in the 'bladder less full' situation were it on the back.

 

[TSandM]

It's actually a pretty easy move to dump from the downward-facing dump valve. Grab the string between your thumb and forefinger, and then rotate your wrist to the outside. That brings the dump valve to an outward position AND pulls on the string.

The dump valve is located on the downward side of the wing for a couple of reasons. It's less exposed to injury (even on the boat) and if the spring isn't working perfectly or the valve doesn't seat right, the wing won't leak as long as you are horizontal.

 

[DevonDiver]

The location of the lower pull-dump (OPV) is designed so that when in horizontal trim, the wing will wrap up around the cylinder. This puts the OPV on the outside (facing out/up) where it is easily accessed and effective for releasing air.