The OMS Workhorse Regulator is a diving regulator designed for use with compressed air. It consists of an unbalanced piston first stage and a downstream demand valve second stage, working together to deliver breathable air to the diver at a safe and consistent pressure.
Function Description:
The first stage of the regulator connects to the diving cylinder and reduces the high-pressure air from the tank to an intermediate pressure. This intermediate pressure is then supplied to the second stage and any other low-pressure accessories (e.g., buoyancy compensator, dry suit inflator). The second stage further reduces the intermediate pressure to ambient pressure, making the air breathable for the diver on demand. The "unbalanced piston" design of the first stage refers to a mechanism where the pressure acting on the piston is not equal on all sides, which can affect its performance at varying tank pressures. The "downstream demand valve" in the second stage means that the valve opens in the direction of the airflow, making it a reliable and commonly used design.
Important Technical Specifications:
- First Stage Type: Unbalanced Piston
- Second Stage Type: Downstream Demand Valve
- Intermediate Pressure (Lock-up Pressure): 135 PSI (± 9 PSI) when pressurized to 200 bar (3000 PSI) at the first stage.
- Intermediate Pressure Drop during Purge: Should not drop by more than 15 PSI.
- Torque Specification for Endcap: 12 ft/lbs.
- Recommended Lubricant: OMS® Oxygen Compatible Grease.
- Cleaning Solution: CORROSTOP cleaning solution or ultrasonic cleaner.
- Ultrasonic Cleaning Limit: Do not expose parts to ultrasonic agitation for more than five minutes to prevent damage to chrome-plated surfaces.
Usage Features:
The regulator is designed for general diving use with compressed air. It is crucial for users to understand that there are no "user serviceable" parts or adjustments inside the regulator. All adjustments or repairs must be performed by authorized technicians.
- Pre-Dive Inspection: Before each dive, users should inspect external regulator parts such as hoses and mouthpieces for any damage or wear.
- Post-Dive Maintenance: Users should follow the post-dive maintenance procedures outlined in the user manual to ensure the longevity and proper function of the regulator.
- Purge Button: The second stage has a purge button to clear water from the mouthpiece. However, it is critical never to depress the purge button while submerged if there is no pressure from the first stage, as this could allow water to enter the demand valve.
- Moisture Prevention: Moisture should never be allowed to enter the inlet of the first stage.
Maintenance Features:
The OMS Workhorse Regulator requires annual servicing by OMS-trained and authorized technicians, regardless of usage. This is due to seals being under constant spring tension, which necessitates yearly replacement to ensure peak performance. Regulators under heavy use may require more frequent service.
- Annual Service Kit: All parts found in the annual service kit must be replaced, regardless of their apparent condition.
- Part Authenticity: Only parts from OMS repair kits should be used for OMS regulators. Substituting parts can compromise the regulator's function and potentially lead to equipment failure, serious injury, or death.
- Inspection during Service: Technicians must inspect the second stage housing for cracks or damage, and the first stage body for corrosion or damage, especially compromises in the chrome finish that could lead to pitting. Threaded areas and the internal orifice (where the high-pressure seat contacts) require particular attention.
- Cleaning: Parts should be cleaned in CORROSTOP cleaning solution or an ultrasonic cleaner. A soft nylon brush can be used for stubborn deposits. After cleaning, all parts must be thoroughly rinsed in clean fresh water and dried with clean, dry compressed air.
- Lubrication: A minimal amount of OMS® Oxygen Compatible Grease is recommended for O-rings. Excess lubricant should be avoided as it can trap particulates and act as a contaminant.
- Oxygen Service: If the regulator is to be used for oxygen service, all parts must be cleaned using appropriate O2 cleaning procedures.
- Troubleshooting: The manual provides a troubleshooting guide for common first stage issues, including high or low intermediate pressure and buzzing/honking sounds, along with possible causes and corrective actions. For example, high intermediate pressure might indicate a seeping high-pressure seat or orifice corrosion, while low pressure could be due to decreased spring tension or low inlet pressure.
- Tool Usage: Specific tools are required for disassembly and reassembly, such as open-end wrenches, an allen wrench, and a heavy strap wrench (or pipe spanner) for the first stage end cap. A padded vise is recommended for securing the first stage during disassembly to prevent damage.
- Threadlocker: A small drop of mild threadlocker solution is applied to the internal threads of the first stage body when mating it with the DIN connector body during reassembly.
Safety Warnings:
The manual explicitly states that OMS® service manuals are to be utilized only by OMS-trained and authorized technicians. Improper service or repair attempts by untrained or uncertified persons are not authorized by OMS and could result in equipment failure, causing serious injury or death. Technicians encountering unusual situations not outlined in the manual are instructed to contact OMS technical support immediately. Aerosol products (lubricants or cleansers) should never be used on OMS regulators, as their propellants can attack rubber and plastic components.
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