SI Tech balanced P-valve usage

[Goldmember]

Hi,

I will start using a SI Tech balanced P-valve. Before I do, however, I'd like to know a little more about the workings because what's in the manual is not entirely clear to me...

The valve:
When I push the valve on the outside of the suit, I can turn it clockwise as well as counter clockwise. In both cases it seems to lock the button in a slightly lower position than where it is when it's not turned left or right. On the USIA board someone reported that in any of these positions fluid could go from the inside to the outside of the valve.

The manual:
"As the dump valve is under constant pressure while diving, the valve should be closed (turned off) when not used to minimize the risk of leakage. Push the lid down and turn to close (off) and turn to open (on). When using, turn the valve open, then urinate. Turn off when done."

My questions:
- Does the manual text apply to a balanced P-valve as well? Can I not just leave it 'open'
- This leaves the other question: What is 'open'? Or in other words, what do the various settings do in a balanced valve?

 

[Peter_C]

No comment on that valve as I have not used one.

This might be a worth while read though.
The Deco Stop

 

[Goldmember]

Thanks Peter. I had read the thread before. Very informative indeed (especially first post). Unfortunately no information about the particular valve I use...

 

[Plug]

if its the same as my Sitech, the centre position is open and the other two are closed.

it wasn't a bad valve once it got the bugs worked out of it.

Brendan

 

[USIA]

Is your valve the new smaller one, or the larger one that is the same size as the Exhaust Valve?

 

[Goldmember]

Hi Jerry. It's the smaller one...