How to Set Breathing System Regulators

Breathing systems are used in many situations such as scuba diving, firefighting and emergencies requiring breathing gases. Portable systems are readily available and can be quickly and easily assembled. Many of the systems allow you to set the flow rate of the breathing gas. A scuba regulator has a flow adjustment valve located on the mouthpiece of the setup, which can be used to regulate how easily the user breathes.

Things You'll Need

  • Adjustable wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Screw the first stage of the regulator -- which converts high pressure air from the tank to intermediate pressure air -- onto the valve of the scuba tank. Match the regulator air portal to the portal of the talk valve. Tighten the knob on the back of the regulator until it is finger tight.

    • 2

      Open the tank valve by twisting the handle next to the valve counter-clockwise. Check the submersible pressure gauge (SPG) located on the right-hand side of the hoses of the regulator system as you face the tank to see how much breathing gas is available. Make sure that when you open the tank valve you hold the SPG face down to avoid the glass flying off. The tank when full should hold 200 bar/3000 psi.

    • 3

      Set the gas flow rate with the adjustment knob, which is on the left-hand side of of the regulator second stage mouthpiece when it is in your mouth. Twist the knob clockwise and counter-clockwise while taking breaths from the regulator until you are happy with the flow to you. This can be adjusted any time during the dive if you are in a strenuous situation and want a better flow.