17
PROCEDURE A: CLEANING AND LUBRICATING
Aqua Lung and Apeks Regulators and Nitrox
When it comes to issues of nitrox safety and compatibility, the concerns lie primarily with the rst stage as it is subjected to high in-
let pressures. High inlet pressures lead to adiabatic compression or heating of the gas. The Aqua Lung or Apeks regulator product
described in this manual, when properly cleaned and assembled, is authorized for use with enriched air nitrox (EAN) that does not ex-
ceed 40% (EAN 40). It is authorized because the second stage will only see MP levels of (10 bar) or less and the authorized service kit
components and lubricants are compatible in elevated oxygen environments. During cleaning, a mild detergent must be used to re-
move condensed hydrocarbons (compressor oils) from the inside passageways of the rst stage. For the rst stage to remain EAN40
compatible, only use hyper ltered compressed gas (hydrocarbons < 0.1 mg/m3). Ordinary compressed breathing air (Grade E) usually
does not meet this criterion. Once ordinary breathing air is used, the rst stage is no longer EAN40 compatible until it is cleaned and
serviced again.
Although regulator second stage components are not exposed to high pressure EAN, Aqua Lung recommends that the same cleaning
procedures be followed for the complete regulator. This prevents the possibility of cross contamination and guarantees the cleanliness of
the entire regulator.
Cleaning Brass and Stainless Steel Parts
1. Preclean in warm, soapy water* using a nylon bristle tooth brush.
2. Thoroughly clean parts in an ultrasonic cleaner lled with soapy water. If there are stubborn deposits, household white distilled
vinegar (acetic acid) in an ultrasonic cleaner will work well. DO NOT place plastic, rubber, silicone or anodized aluminum parts
in vinegar.
3. Remove parts from the ultrasonic cleaner and rinse with fresh water. If tap water is extremely “hard,” place the parts in a bath
of distilled water to prevent any mineral residue. Agitate lightly, and allow to soak for 5-10 minutes. Remove and blow dry
with low pressure (25 psi) ltered air, and inspect closely to ensure proper cleaning and like-new condition.
Cleaning Anodized Aluminum, Plastic & Rubber Parts
Anodized aluminum parts and parts made of plastic or rubber, such as box bottoms, box tops, dust caps, etc., may be soaked and cleaned
in a solution of warm water mixed with mild dish soap. Use only a soft nylon toothbrush to scrub away any deposits. Rinse in fresh water
and thoroughly blow dry, using low pressure ltered air.
Cleaning Hoses
1. Hose ttings: Ultrasonically clean with soapy water*; vinegar OK on tough corrosion
2. Run soapy water through hose if needed
3. Thoroughly rinse with fresh water
4. Blow out hose before installing
Lubrication and Dressing
Wear powderless, latex gloves when handling and lubricating o-rings. Keeping internal parts free from skin oils and other contaminates is
important when running enriched air nitrox through a rst stage. All o-rings should be lubricated with Christo-Lube
®
MCG-111. Dress the
o-rings with a very light lm of grease, and remove any visible excess by running the o-ring between thumb and forenger. Avoid applying
excessive amounts of Christo-Lube
®
grease, as this will attract particulate matter that may cause damage to the o-ring.
*Soapy water is dened as “household” grade liquid dishwashing detergent diluted in warm water.
CAUTION: Do not place plastic and rubber parts in acid solutions.
Doing so may alter the physical properties of the component, causing
it to prematurely degrade and/or break.
DST First Stage Technical Maintenance Manual
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