Description
Ocean-Reef First Stage SL35TX
Fit your IDM with Ocean-Reef First Stage SL35TX for the ultimate breathing experience! OCEAN REEF IDMs are CE certified with with these high performance and balanced diaphragm first stage with anti-freeze kit.
- Standard yoke connection 232 bar (3364 Psi).
- Adjustable intermediate pressure
- Made of chrome plated brass with a stainless steel piston and spring and a Teflon seat.
- 2 high pressure ports 7/16-20 UNF.
- Flow rate of approx 4600 l/m at 140 bar
How a Scuba Diving Regulator’s First Stage Works
Like the diver’s beating heart that moves air from the lungs to the rest of the body, the scuba regulator’s first stage provides the critical connection between divers and the air in our cylinder, allowing us to work and play underwater.
The regulator first stage’s main function is to reduce the high tank pressure to an intermediate pressure that can be utilised by the second stage and provide air on demand to the diver. Modern regulator first stages are precision-made and designed to work under demanding conditions wherever divers care to explore.
We’ll be examining both piston and diaphragm first stages, and their differences and similarities to help you understand how this vital piece of equipment allows us to breath while enjoying the ocean’s depths.
1. The Parts
Both piston and diaphragm regulators have either a DIN or yoke style fitting to connect them to the scuba cylinder; an inlet filter to prevent contaminants from entering the regulator; a regulator body incorporating intermediate- and high-pressure chambers; a bias spring; medium-pressure fittings for second stages, inflator assemblies, and accessories; and high-pressure fittings for gauges and transmitters. Piston regulators have a piston-style valve assembly with a high-pressure seat separating the first stage’s high- and intermediate-pressure chambers, while diaphragm regulators have a diaphragm, lifter-poppet valve assembly and high-pressure seat performing the same function.
2. How It Works
As you inhale on the regulator’s second stage, pressure in the first stage’s intermediate chamber is reduced. The force of the bias spring and the ambient water (hydrostatic) pressure push inward on either the diaphragm or the base of the piston head, raising the valve and creating an opening between the intermediate- and high-pressure chambers. Air flows from the high-pressure chamber into the intermediate-pressure chamber and down to the regulator second stage via the connecting hose. When the diver stops inhaling, pressure inside the intermediate chamber increases until it is greater than that of the bias spring and hydrostatic pressure and the valve closes.
