Just out of curiosity, I'm wondering if anyone has the figures for the maximum airflow rates on the various high performance regulators such as Poseidon, Apex, Atomic, and Scubapro. Also, how does this relate to its breathing performance at various depths. In effect, how deep can you go before you have the possibility of outbreathing any of these regs. I know that Poseidon claims to be "certified" to nearly 200 meters, but what does this mean and how do others compare, particularly on maximum airflow? I am currently diving with a Scubapro Mk17 and G250V. I understand that I will probably never at any level of diving through trimix be able to outbreathe this regulator. I'm just asking on a hypothetical level. Thanks!
Maximum airflow questions
- Thread starter GForceV
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rcs9250
Contributor
I have a MK17 that I can put on a flowmeter with a std 30'' or 84'' hose and post the results but got rid of all my Apeks's so I can't compare to those. I do have a couple MK25's too.
Let me know if you want me to run it.
Let me know if you want me to run it.
halocline
Contributor
I'm pretty sure that the limiting factor will be the tank valve. What source of air do you have to really test the flow capacity of the regs?
As an example, try to test the flow of the MK17 and the MK25 on the same tank, no second stage. I'm not sure how you'd arrange for all the ports being open and routed through the same flowmeter, but you could try just one port I guess. I suspect the rates will be exactly the same. You'll have to make sure the tank pressure is the same for each reg.
There have been a few threads lately about regulator flow rates.
That would be really interesting if you feel like doing the test. I understand that the mk25 has a much higher flow rate being a balanced high performance piston vs the mk17 which is diaphram. Still, any information and comparison is cool. Thats what I'm hoping to find! I guess if its worth your time I wouldn't mind hearing your results!
scubafanatic
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I suspect that if you were at a depth and gas demand level to overbreathe a reasonable top of the line modern reg, where the physical flow of gas was a real limiting factor, you'd be out of gas in very short order anyway, so max theoretical flow rates wouldn't be your biggest problem.
rcs9250
Contributor
You are correct as far as the tank valve being the limiting factor. But then who cares about flow beyond what a tank valves going to flow anyway.
The test will be for the port intended for the primary first stage. I know the MK25 doesn't have a preferred port, don't remember for sure on the 17. I'm at work right now.
I've got several full cylinders so it will be on a full tank for each test.
I'll look in the 17's LP ports to see which one would give best flow and use it if there isn't a preferred ports. Any other tips you might think of to do it let me know.
Test duration won't be very long as wide open it will be noisy and icy cold.
I'll do it in a couple hours.
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rcs9250
Contributor
The MK17 has two HI FLO ports of which one was used for flow test.
The MK17 showed 30 CFM at full tank, valve full on.
The MK25 was connected up using the port that comes straight out the end of
turret not the side ports on the turret. Flow was 37 CFM. Same thing, using full
tank, valve full on.
The MK17 showed 30 CFM at full tank, valve full on.
The MK25 was connected up using the port that comes straight out the end of
turret not the side ports on the turret. Flow was 37 CFM. Same thing, using full
tank, valve full on.
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