Cleaning And Lubrication Procedure - Apeks XTX FSR 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
film of grease, and remove any visible excess by running the 'O' Ring between thumb and forefinger. Avoid applying excessive
amounts of Christo-Lube grease, as this will attract particulate matter that may cause damage to the 'O' Ring.
Caution: Use a small amount of an appropriate lubricant (such as Christo-Lube) LIGHTLY applied to the thread of the Din Hand-
wheel periodically. This prevents seizing on the Cylinder Valve. DO NOT OVER LUBRICATE or apply to the internals of the
handwheel or cylinder valve gas-way.
Enriched Air Nitrox Use – Outside EEC (European Economic Community) Countries Your Apeks regulator has been prepared for use with
Enriched Air Nitrox (EAN) where the percentage of oxygen in the EAN does not exceed 40%. This is possible because each regulator is built to a
high standard of cleanliness using EAN compatible components and lubricants. In addition, each regulator design has passed stringent adiabatic
compression testing to ensure its safety and compatibility with increased percentages of oxygen. If it is your intention to use your new Apeks
regulator with Nitrox EAN (O2 not to exceed 40%), it is imperative that you maintain the internal cleanliness of the regulator (see section on Care
and Maintenance). If it is your intention to use the regulator interchangeably with breathing air, the breathing air should be oxygen-compatible
or "hyperfiltered" where the condensed hydrocarbons do not exceed 0.1 mg/m3. Your local authorised Apeks dealer can help you determine
whether the breathing air that they provide meets this criterion.
Standard compressed breathing air meeting the EN 12021 standard, often referred to as Grade E in the United States, does not necessarily
meet this criterion. Grade E or EN 12021 breathing air may contain a certain level of hydrocarbons, including traces of compressor oils that
while not considered harmful to breathe, can pose a risk in the presence of elevated oxygen content. Passing hydrocarbons through a valve
and regulator creates a cumulative effect where the hydrocarbons build up over time along the internal passageways of the equipment. When
these hydrocarbons come into contact with high-pressure oxygen enriched air, they can pose a very real hazard that can lead to combustion.
Therefore, if a regulator has had use with Grade E or EN 12021 breathing air, it should be returned to an authorised Apeks dealer for overhaul
service including oxygen cleaning, prior to being put back into nitrox service. Although 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.
Enriched Air Nitrox Use – Inside EEC (European Economic Community ) countries EN 1443-3 and EN13949In CEE countries, diving with
Nitrox/O2 is controlled by Standards EN 144-3 – Respiratory protective devices - Gas cylinder valves - Part 3: Outlet connections for diving gases
Nitrox and oxygen - and EN 13949 – Respiratory equipment - Open circuit self-contained diving apparatus for use with compressed Nitrox and
oxygen - requirements, testing, marking.
NOTE : Apeks offers a range of regulators designed and manufactured specially for use with oxygen-enriched mixtures, over 21% and up to
100% oxygen. This range has been certified according to the EN 144-3 and EN 13949 standards and meets the requirements of the adiabatic
compression tests. They have received CE certification for this type. For further information on this range, contact your Apeks specialist center.
WARNING : These regulators fitted with special connections should be used only with complementary equipment (tank valves, tanks, pressure
gauges, etc.) designed and prepared for use with an oxygen-enriched mixture. These items are marked Nitrox/O2.
WARNING: If the regulator that you use is fitted with a yoke or DIN connection, it is designed for use only with compressed breathing air (21%
oxygen and 79% nitrogen) which meets the EN 12021 standard. DO NOT USE this equipment with other mixtures or with gases containing more
than 21% oxygen. Disregarding this rule could result in serious injury or death caused by fire or explosion.
Every Nitrox/O2 regulator is assembled in a clean workshop, using compatible components and special lubricants. It is important to maintain the
interior of the regulator in a clean state. Breathing air used in the production of a mixture should be oxygen compatible and double filtered with
a hydrocarbon content not greater than 0.1 mg/m3. Your Apeks technical specialist should be able to help you determine if the breathing air he
supplied meets these criteria.
WARNING:
differ from Apeks standard policy.
MCG-111 or PerFluoroLube® 20/1. Dress the 'O' Rings with a very light
®
Please check the regulations regarding Nitrox in your particular country as this may
XTX FSR & FST First Stage Regulator Maintenance Manual
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