Procedure A: Cleaning And Lubricating - Aqua Lung ABS SECOND STAGE Technical Maintenance Manual

Table of Contents

ABS Second Stage Technical Maintenance Manual

Aqua Lung and Apeks Regulators and Nitrox

When it comes to issues of nitrox safety and compatibility, the concerns lie primarily with the regulator's ﬁrst stage as it is subjected

to high inlet pressures. High inlet pressures lead to adiabatic compression or heating of the gas. The Aqua Lung or Apeks regulator

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condensed hydrocarbons (compressor oils) from the inside passageways of the ﬁrst stage. For the ﬁrst stage to remain EAN40 compat-

ible, only use hyperﬁltered compressed gas ( hydrocarbons < 0.1 mg/m3). Ordinary compressed breathing air (Grade E) usually does

not meet this criterion. Once ordinary breathing air is used, the ﬁrst stage is no longer EAN40 compatible until it is cleaned and serviced

again.

Although regulator second stage components are not exposed to high pressure EAN, Aqua Lung and Apeks recommend 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.

Cleaning Brass and Stainless Steel Parts

1. Preclean in warm, soapy water* using a nylon bristle tooth brush.

2. Thoroughly clean parts in an ultrasonic cleaner ﬁlled with soapy water. If there are stubborn deposits, household white distilled

vinegar (acetic acid) in an ultrasonic cleaner will work well. DO NOT place plastic, rubber, silicone or anodized aluminum parts

in vinegar.

3. Remove parts from the ultrasonic cleaner and rinse with fresh water. If tap water is extremely "hard," place the parts in a bath

of distilled water to prevent any mineral residue. Agitate lightly, and allow to soak for 5-10 minutes. Remove and blow dry with

low pressure (25 psi) ﬁltered air, and inspect closely to ensure proper cleaning and like-new condition.

Cleaning Anodized Aluminum, Plastic & Rubber Parts

Anodized aluminum parts and parts made of plastic or rubber, such as box bottoms, box tops, dust caps, etc., may be soaked and

cleaned

fresh water and thoroughly blow dry, using low pressure ﬁltered air.

CAUTION:

in contact with acid solutions. This could alter

their physical properties and cause degradation

and premature breakdown.

Cleaning MP Hoses

1. Hose ﬁttings: Ultrasonically clean with soapy water; vinegar OK on tough corrosion

2. Run soapy water through hose if needed

3. Thoroughly rinse with fresh water

4. Blow out hose before installing

Lubrication and Dressing

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is important when running enriched air nitrox through a ﬁrst stage. All o-rings should be lubricated with Christo-Lube

the o-rings with a very light 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.

*Soapy water is deﬁned as "household" grade liquid dishwashing detergent diluted in warm water.