Greg Barlow
Contributor
I have been using and servicing Mares regs since the days that the MR22 was considered to be a new model. One fairly common problem area was that of the HP valve assembly failing before 100 hours or so accumulated on the reg, particularly when pressures in excess of 200bar/3,000psi where used. The laminated material would often show evidence of a small "chunk" of material missing, thereby causing an increase in the intermediate pressure. Mares experimented with different laminates, and with various finishes but the problem persisted. They even marked the poppet with symbols to make a valiant attempt of determining which ones worked better than others.
I am very pleased to report that their latest strategy has taken a very different road. They are now using a poppet that is composed of three different materials. It has a much thicker pad of translucent polymer that mates to the HP orifice. The shaft is also covered with a synthetic material that should seal better to the O-ring in the balance chamber, and be less effected by normal wear.
After having obtaining a supply of these new versions, I carefully examined them to better comprehend the engineering changes. One very impressive point is the incredible consistency in tolerances from one example to another. I found that the exterior dimensions are held to within 0.001" in the six that I have in my possession. For those of you not familiar with that measurement, a human hair will often measure around 0.003". This is pretty darn impressive.
I am going to be installing these new poppets in a number of my Mares regs. I am also going to keep accurate records of their performance, and longevity. If I have enough interested readers, then I can even post the results every few months or so.
Greg Barlow
I am very pleased to report that their latest strategy has taken a very different road. They are now using a poppet that is composed of three different materials. It has a much thicker pad of translucent polymer that mates to the HP orifice. The shaft is also covered with a synthetic material that should seal better to the O-ring in the balance chamber, and be less effected by normal wear.
After having obtaining a supply of these new versions, I carefully examined them to better comprehend the engineering changes. One very impressive point is the incredible consistency in tolerances from one example to another. I found that the exterior dimensions are held to within 0.001" in the six that I have in my possession. For those of you not familiar with that measurement, a human hair will often measure around 0.003". This is pretty darn impressive.
I am going to be installing these new poppets in a number of my Mares regs. I am also going to keep accurate records of their performance, and longevity. If I have enough interested readers, then I can even post the results every few months or so.
Greg Barlow