Aqua Lung Regulator User Manual
1. Certification
The manufacturer of this diving regulator is Aqua Lung, 1ère Avenue, 14ème Rue, Bp148, 06513 Carros CEDEX, France. The UK importer is Aqualung UK Distribution, Neptune Way, Blackburn, Lancashire, England. BB1 2BT. This regulator has been awarded an examination certificate from the following notified and approved bodies INPP, Port de la Pointe Rouge Entrée n°3, BP157 Marseille CEDEX 08. This product is compliant with standard EN250:2014, with European Regulation (EU) 2016/425. The production monitoring is carried out by the notified body DEKRA Testing and Certification GmbH, notified body No. 0158, Handwerkstraße 15, 70565 Stuttgart. This demand regulator is a category III Personal Protective Equipment that protects against “substances and mixtures that are hazardous to health.” This demand regulator is a respiratory protection device, designed to protect a diver’s airways in an underwater environment. The equipment certification covers a depth of 50m. Declarations of conformity can be consulted on the website: www.aqualung.com
2. Application
The demand diving regulators described in this manual are only intended for underwater diving using an aqualung. In compliance with the EN250: 2014 standard, this diving regulator is envisaged to only be used with breathable compressed air. This breathable air must comply with the EN12021:2014 standard.
This demand diving regulator comprises a pressure reducer (commonly known as the first stage), with a pressure hose and a demand valve (commonly known as the second stage) with a mouthpiece.
The minimum water temperature for use depends on the regulator’s marking:
- If the regulator is marked “EN250 A >10 °C”, it can only be used in water over 10°C. In compliance with the EN250 standard, this regulator was tested at a water temperature between 9°C and 10°C.
- If the regulator is marked “EN250 A”, it can be used in water under 10°C. In compliance with the EN250 standard, this regulator was tested at a water temperature between 2°C and 4°C.
WARNING: To be able to use this dive regulator, users must have been trained and awarded a scuba diving qualification by an authorised organisation. Use of a regulator by a person who is not qualified or has not been trained for this purpose is dangerous and can cause serious accidents or even death.
3. Assembly
3.1. Authorised connectors
On the first stage, the HP high pressure outlets (7/16-20 UNF) are indicated by the “HP” marking. They are only intended to connect a pressure gauge in compliance with the EN250:2014 standard.
The other outlets are MP medium pressure outlets (3/8-24 UNF) and they are only intended for connections to the following accessories:
- Hoses for the dry suit inflation system in compliance with the EN14225-2: 2017 standard
- Hoses for the BCD inflation system in compliance with EN1809: 2016
- Emergency auxiliary breathing systems. (Octopus) (see chapter 3.2)
The regulator should be connected on the cylinder using a valve that complies with EN ISO 12209: 2013. Following this standard, this regulator has a connection that is either:
- Yoke (A-Clamp) fitting with maximum operating pressure of 232 Bar,
3.2. Authorised assemblies between 1st stage and Octopus
The following table shows the authorised assemblies between the 1st stage and the Octopus:
| First stage / 1er étage / Erste Stufen / Eerste trappen / Первые ступени / Primeras etapas / Primi stadi | Octopus / Oktopus / Октопус | |
|---|---|---|
| Calypso Titan | Calypso Titan | Authorised |
| Helix / Helix PRO | Helix / Helix PRO | Authorised |
| Leg3nd | Leg3nd | Authorised |
| Mikron / Helix Compact / Helix Compact PRO | Mikron / Helix Compact / Helix Compact PRO | Authorised |
4. Use in diving
4.1. Cold water immersion
If you are diving in cold water (water temperature below 10°C), you must have received specific training and certifications from a recognized organization. To reduce the risk of ice formation in the regulator during cold water dives, follow these recommendations:
- Protect the regulator from accidental water entry into the first and second stages.
- Protect your equipment before diving. Store the regulator and its accessories in a warm, dry place.
- Perform the pre-dive checks in a warm, dry location.
- Do not breathe from the regulator or press the purge button before diving in cold temperatures.
- Once in the water or on the surface, avoid removing the regulator from your mouth to prevent cold water from entering the second stage.
- As far as possible, avoid excessive exertion when diving.
- Check at your filling station that the air used to fill the cylinder is dry and complies with the EN 12021 standard on breathable air quality.
- Avoid pressing the purge button on your regulator when diving.
NB: If you are diving in cold water, Aqua Lung recommends that you use two independent demand regulators.
4.2. Visibility
Your emergency auxiliary breathing system and your pressure gauge must be fitted in a visible place on your equipment and must be easy to access.
4.3. Type of work:
This regulator is intended for aqualung diving in a subaquatic environment. This regulator is not intended for subaquatic jobs requiring specific protection for the breathing equipment. In particular, this equipment is not intended for diving in highly contaminated water (chemical products, water with large quantities of suspended solids...). Regardless of your underwater activity or the type of work envisaged, an air outage is a major risk to consider in autonomous diving. Your regulator must be connected to the appropriate volume of air for your planned dive.
5. Checks before use
5.1. Positioning and adjustments
5.1.1. Venturi control flap
This two-position flap is located on the demand valve opposite the hose. It is a dive/pre-dive control. Depending on the regulator, the pre-dive and dive adjustment are marked on the following table:
| Regulator | Pre-dive adjustment | Dive adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Calypso / Titan regulator | Flap on “PREDIVE” | Flap on “DIVE” |
| Helix / Helix PRO | Flap on “MIN” | Flap on “MAX” |
| Helix Compact / Helix Compact Pro | Flap on “MIN” | Flap on “MAX” |
| Leg3nd / Leg3nd Elite regulator | Flap on “-” | Flap on “+” |
We recommend adjusting to “dive” mode when you put the regulator in your mouth.
5.1.2. Sensitivity adjustment knob
This adjustment knob is located on the demand valve opposite the hose. By screwing down this sensitivity adjustment knob, the force of the valve on the seat increases and it is harder to breathe in. When the button is unscrewed, it is easier to breathe in.
NB: Because the Mikron does not have a venturi effect adjustment knob, the sensitivity adjustment knob must be completely screwed in each time the regulator is not in your mouth. Otherwise, the regulator might start up in continuous flow after a collision or pressing the button.
5.1.3. MBS adjustment knob
This adjustment knob is located on the demand valve opposite the hose. The MBS system combines the venturi effect adjustment with the sensitivity adjustment.
- In the MAX position (unscrewed knob): the venturi effect is at a maximum plus sensitivity is at a maximum, it is easy to breathe in.
- In the MIN position (screwed in knob): the venturi effect is at a minimum plus sensitivity is at a minimum, it is harder to breathe in.
We recommend that you put the regulator in the MIN position (knob screwed in) when the regulator is not in your mouth and to put it on MAX (knob unscrewed) when you are breathing through the regulator.
5.2. Verifications before diving
WARNING: Do not use the 1st stage of the regulator as a carrying handle to raise a cylinder because this can damage the regulator or the valve.
- Check all hoses connected to the 1st stage and verify that they are correctly screwed in their respective outlets. They must not come loose by hand. Check along their whole length to make sure that they are not twisted, cut or trapped.
WARNING: Do not dismantle the connection linking up the 2nd stage with the hose when the regulator is pressurised.
- Visually check that the 1st and 2nd stage are in good general condition.
- Check that the mouthpiece is in good condition: no rips.
- Check that the submersible pressure gauge needle is on zero.
- Briefly purge the cylinder valve when opening the conservation buffer in order to remove any particles or humidity that might be left in the valve.
- Check that the valve’s O-ring (yoke connection) or the 1st stage of the regulator (DIN connection) is in good condition.
- Position the 1st stage of the regulator to compare the regulator seat with the valve O-ring (yoke connection) or the threaded part of the regulator with the valve (DIN connection).
- Direct hoses appropriately: the second stage hose must be parallel to your right shoulder.
- Whilst holding the regulator in position, screw it right down without forcing the clamp screw or the DIN flap.
WARNING: Never try to redirect your hose outlets once the regulator is under pressure. If they are in the wrong position, purge your regulator and redirect them.
- Adjust the regulator in pre-dive mode
- Set the pressure in the regulator progressively by opening the valve slowly.
- When the valve is completely open, take it back a 1/4 turn.
- Check that there is no leak in the equipment.
- Check the pressure gauge. The pressure gauge must show the pressure in the cylinder.
WARNING: Never pressurise the regulator if the 2nd stage is disconnected from its hose.
- Check that there is no leak around the hoses or any other pressurised parts.
WARNING: Never dive with equipment that leaks under pressure. If there is a leak between the regulator and the cylinder, check that the regulator is correctly assembled and that the O-ring is in good condition.
6. Use in diving
- Kit yourself out with the aqualung assembly.
- Press the purge button to clear out any dust or fragments that might have got into the 2nd stage.
Position the venturi adjustment flap in dive mode.
Put the regulator in your mouth, breathe in normally on the surface to check that all the equipment is working properly.
- Breathe in through the regulator several times. The regulator must provide the quantity of air requested without excessive exertion and without continuous flow.
You can now submerge.
Breathe normally throughout the dive. Never hold your breath.
- Check your cylinder pressure gauge regularly and follow surface return procedures.
Note: Underwater, the 2nd stage might start off in continuous flow if it is not in your mouth. In this case, turn the regulator by directing the mouthpiece downwards or by blocking the mouthpiece to stop this flow.
7. After diving
7.1. Disconnection
- Close the cylinder valve.
- Completely purge the regulator by pressing the 2nd stage purge button several times until the pressure gauge is at 0.
- Unscrew the yoke screw or the DIN flap and disconnect the regulator from the valve.
- Dry the dust cap by blowing gas from the cylinder on the cap.
- Place the dust cap on the regulator seat and hold it in place by screwing down the yoke screw (yoke connection) or placing it on the regulator thread (DIN connection).
8. User upkeep and storage for the regulator
8.1 Upkeep and storage
- Make sure that the dust cap is on properly.
- Soak the regulator in a tray of freshwater.
DANGER: If you are using a hosepipe, do not use the pressure jet to clean the 2nd stage. The jet pressure might damage the membrane and/or the internal valve.
WARNING: When rinsing in the tray, never press the purge button when the regulator is not pressurised. Water might get into the regulator. If this happens, the regulator must be checked by an Aqua Lung specialist.
- Wipe the regulator before drying it.
- Do not leave your regulator in full sunlight for a long time.
- Keep it in a clean, dry place away from sunlight and at a moderate temperature.
- Do not stock your regulator close to a heat source, or in premises that might contain chemical fumes like chlorine or ozone (such as a swimming pool technical room).
- Never store the regulator assembled on a cylinder.
DANGER: Never use solvents or hydrocarbon-based cleaning products to clean or lubricate your regulator. Never use an aerosol pump, propellants can attack plastic.
NB: Any dismantling of all or part of the regulator must be done under no pressure and with the 1st stage disconnected from the block. In any case, this dismantling must be checked by an Aqua Lung specialist.
NB: No assembly, dismantling or adjustment, unless planned for this purpose, can be performed by the user.
8.2 Disinfection
Aqua Lung recommends disinfecting the regulator’s 2nd stages with a 2% glutaraldehyde solution made by Anios (drum of Steranios, Aqua Lung reference: 382062) following the procedure described on the packaging.
8.3. Equipment check frequency
Aqua Lung requires you to get your regulator checked over at least once every two years plus a visual inspection at least once a year. These two examinations must be performed by an Aqua Lung specialist. Depending on the number of dives and the conditions in which it is used, your regulator might need to be checked more frequently.
WARNING: If your regulator receives a major blow, or water accidentally enters the regulator or if you spot a leak when it is pressurised, you must get it checked over before you use it again.
WARNING: If the regulator is rented out or used in a chlorinated (swimming pool) or polluted environment, it must be checked over every six months. Swimming pool chlorine is aggressive. The pH of the water can cause chemical reactions that might make it deteriorate fast.
9. Patents
Our regulator range is protected by the following patents:
- Comfobite mouthpiece: US patent: 4,862,903
- MBS adjustment: US patent: 20080017200
- Compensated HP valve: US patent: 5,746,198
- ACD automatic blocking system: US patent: 20060157123
- Heat exchanger on second stage: US patent: 5,265,596
Note: Use of Nitrox mixtures - countries outside the European Union.
Aqualung regulators and Octopus have been assembled for use with Nitrox, as long as the percentage of oxygen does not exceed 40%. Each regulator is assembled in an in-house workshop, with compatible components and specific lubricant. Furthermore, each regulator is designed to pass adiabatic compression tests to make sure that it is safe and compatible with high oxygen levels.
If you wish to use your regulator with Nitrox (the oxygen percentage should not exceed 40%), it is essential to keep the inside of the regulator clean (see § User upkeep).
If you wish to use your regulator alternately with breathable air, the latter must be oxygen-compatible or over-filtered and the hydrocarbon content cannot exceed 0.1mg/m3. Your Aqua Lung specialist can help you determine whether the breathable air being provided meets these criteria. In Europe, the air complies with the EN 12021 standard and in the United States, the classic breathable air, considered as Grade E, does not meet these criteria. Grade E breathable air or compliant with EN 12021 can contain traces of hydrocarbons, particularly traces of compressor oil; they are considered as non-hazardous to be breathed in, but risks might arise if the oxygen percentage is high.
Hydrocarbons can build up in the valves and the regulators over time. If this hydrocarbon build-up meets an enriched pressurised mixture, it might produce a reaction that leads to combustion.
This explains why, if the regulator has been used with Grade E breathable air or air that complies with the EN 12021 standard, it absolutely must go back to the Agua Lung specialist for a complete check-up that will include cleaning and degreasing, above all before any further use. Even if the regulator’s 2nd stage components are not exposed to high-pressure Nitrox, Aqua Lung recommends applying the cleaning and degreasing procedure to the entire regulator. This limits pollution risks among the regulator stages and guarantees that the entire regulator is clean.
DANGER: It is essential that you have taken a training course and that you hold a qualification for scuba diving with Nitrox, awarded by an organisation that is authorised to give these exams, before using your regulator with Nitrox.
NB: The maximum diving depth and the maximum exposure time are determined by the oxygen content in the mixture.
DANGER: To reduce the risk of oxygen ignition, always open the gas cylinder(s) slowly.
