Apeks TX50 - Cleaning and Lubrication; General Part Cleaning Procedure; Lubrication and Nitrox Compatibility

16
TX Second Stage Regulator Maintenance Manual
17
TX Second Stage Regulator Maintenance Manual
Cleaning & Lubrication Procedure
General Cleaning of all Parts
1. Place all components in an ultrasonic cleaning bath containing an appropriate cleaning solution, such as Biox.
2. The components should be cleaned for 6 minutes, depending upon their condition. Longer cleaning times may used if
required.
3. Rinse the components in warm fresh water.
4. The components should then be blown dry or left to dry naturally.
Lubrication and Dressing
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 forenger. Avoid applying excessive amounts of Christo-Lube grease, as
this will attract particulate matter that may cause damage to the ‘O’ Ring.
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
inlet pressures. High inlet pressures lead to adiabatic compression or heating of the gas. As they leave the factory, standard Apeks
regulators are suitable for use with oxygen enriched gases (i.e. nitrox, etc.) providing the oxygen content does NOT EXCEED 40%
(EAN40).
Any Apeks regulator, when properly cleaned, lubricated and assembled, is authorised for use with enriched air nitrox (EAN) up
to 100% (EAN100). It is authorised because it has undergone adiabatic compression testing and the authorised service kit com-
ponents and lubricants are compatible in elevated oxygen environments. During cleaning, a mild detergent is used to remove
condensed hydrocarbons (compressor oils) from the inside passageways of the rst stage. For the rst stage to remain EAN100
compatible, only use hyperltered compressed gas (hydrocarbons < 0.1 mg/m3). Ordinary compressed breathing air to BS EN
12021:1999 does not meet this criteria. Once ordinary breathing air is used, the rst stage is no longer EAN100 compatible until it is
cleaned and serviced again.
Although regulator second stage components are not exposed to high pressure EAN, Apeks 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.
WARNING: Please check the regulations regarding Nitrox in your particular country as this may differ
from Apeks standard policy.