Demand Regulator; Demand Regulator Test For Correct Adjustment, Fully Assembled - Kirby Morgan KMB-18 A/B Operation And Maintenance Manual

KMB 18 & 28 MANUAL
5.5.4 Demand Regulator (63A/B)
5.5.4.1 Demand Regulator Test for
Correct Adjustment, Fully
Assembled
Check the regulator for adjustment and proper
function with the assembly complete and the
breathing gas supply adjusted between 120-150
psig.
1) Press the purge button (51d) in the cover (51b)
to check flow. There should be between 1/16 inch
and 1/8 inch (1.5-3.0 mm) free travel in the
button, then the gas should start flowing. When
the button is fully depressed, a strong surge of gas
should result.
2) Run the adjustment knob (47) out until a steady
flow of gas is present.
3) Run the adjustment knob (47) in until the free
flow just stops. Depress the purge button several
times to ensure that the regulator has stabilized. If
the flow does not stop, check the supply pressure.
If it is correct, the regulator will require internal
adjustment. See Section 5.6
4) Don the mask and test breathe the mask to
check for resistance. If the adjustment knob (47)
has been set in accordance with Step #2 above and
the regulator breathes hard, internal adjustment is
necessary. See Section 5.6
5) Drain the diver's umbilical but be sure the air
supply is on to the manifold. Check the exhaust
valves (62,66) by turning the defogger control
knob (85) and the auxiliary control knob (100)
off. Don the Band Mask with the zipper on the
hood (2) open. Do not fasten the head harness (1)
(spider). Try to inhale. If any leakage is present
it could be from the regulator exhaust, or other
component leakage.
page 44
© Copyright 1970-2003 Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Document # 010518001
DANGER: Do not perform this test
unless the diver is stationed immediately
adjacent to the diver's air manifold and
you are certain the air is on to the mani-
fold. If the diver is unable to breathe air to
the Band Mask, either from the umbilical
or the bail-out it could lead to panic. A
tender should be standing by during this
test to assist the diver if required.
Start by visually checking the regulator exhaust
valves (62) and the main exhaust (66) for correct
seating. If the leak cannot be located in the other
components, and the regulator is still suspect, it
can be removed, (see Section 6.14.2). Attempt to
inhale directly from the mount tube to check the
regulator for leaks. A finger should be held over
the inlet nipple (61a/b) during this check.
6) When no supply pressure is going to be on the
Band Mask for several hours or more, the regula-
tor control knob (47) should be backed all the way
out. This will prolong the life of the inlet valve
(59).
Fig. 5.13 Back the regulator adjustment knob all the way
out when the mask will not be used for more than a few
hours.