talk to me about O-rings and yoke DIN adapters

[halocline]

My main concern regarding this incedent is whether such a thing could happen if I bang my first stage into a rock or other obstruction during a dive.

I guess it's possible. It's pretty standard procedure to use DIN regs in any sort of restriction area, specifically because the yoke knob presents an entanglement hazard. But think about it; if a rock or something else hit your regulator hard enough to knock it loose, 6" or less from your head, you probably have other things to worry about, like getting your head knocked loose along with the regulator.

 

[redacted]

I guess it's possible. It's pretty standard procedure to use DIN regs in any sort of restriction area, specifically because the yoke knob presents an entanglement hazard. But think about it; if a rock or something else hit your regulator hard enough to knock it loose, 6" or less from your head, you probably have other things to worry about, like getting your head knocked loose along with the regulator.

I think we are talking about a yoke regulator on a DIN valve with an adapter and the problem O-ring is the adapter face O-ring that interfaces with the yoke regulator.

 

[halocline]

I think we are talking about a yoke regulator on a DIN valve with an adapter and the problem O-ring is the adapter face O-ring that interfaces with the yoke regulator.

I know. I thought he was asking about the possibility of his yoke reg getting knocked loose by a rock, much the way it got knocked loose by the tank falling over. My response was 'yes it's possible' but I mentioned the DIN use because that's how technical divers deal with restricted area diving that presents more of a likelihood of something banging into the regulator.

I guess what I should have said was "if you're really concerned about impact and/or entanglement, use a DIN reg, and wear a helmet!"

 

[cbrich]

"if you're really concerned about impact and/or entanglement, use a DIN reg, and wear a helmet!"

I love it

 

[3D diver]

if a rock or something else hit your regulator hard enough to knock it loose, 6" or less from your head, you probably have other things to worry about, like getting your head knocked loose along with the regulator.

I'm a clutz. A lot of divers tend to swim 5 to 10 feet above the bottom. I'm down there, on the bottom, crawling around looking in the holes & interacting with the neighbors, so the occasional bump happens. (nothing tech though, i.e. no cave penetrations etc.)

I think we are talking about a yoke regulator on a DIN valve with an adapter and the problem O-ring is the adapter face O-ring that interfaces with the yoke regulator.

Yes, this.

I guess what I should have said was "if you're really concerned about impact and/or entanglement, use a DIN reg, and wear a helmet!"

Good advice, fer sure.

 

[Shftrdog]

I would try different orings, that should solve it

 

[ajtoady]

I have found two things with the valves you are concerned with. I have two HP 117's. 1) the right size o-ring is a must and 2) I use duro 90 o-rings due to the high pressure in the tanks when full. I have gotten two years out of my 90 duro vitron o-rings with out any issue or failure. I however will let all pressure out of my regs before any attempt to disconnect. DIN or yoke let the pressure off or o-ring will either fly, cut, or rupture. I also thought the supplied o-rings on the valves were too soft. I also use both yoke and DIN regs by removing the adapter when needed. The 3442 psi with the yoke regs has not been a problem.

 

[3D diver]

Where did you get the duro 90's?

I haven't done any googling on this yet so am not sure yet where to buy the various types recommended in this thread.

The O-rings that came with the tanks were an orange-ish color. The first one developed a "spike" on it after the first dive (probably pinched) & I asked for a replacement when I had the tank filled. The o-ring on the second tank was gone when my buddy returned it & was replaced by the same shop. Both replacement O-rings are black & fit loosely.

 

[spectrum]

Where did you get the duro 90's?

I haven't done any googling on this yet so am not sure yet where to buy the various types recommended in this thread.

The O-rings that came with the tanks were an orange-ish color. The first one developed a "spike" on it after the first dive (probably pinched) & I asked for a replacement when I had the tank filled. The o-ring on the second tank was gone when my buddy returned it & was replaced by the same shop. Both replacement O-rings are black & fit loosely.

With the exception of the itty bitty 003 o-ring in the HP spool most scuba rings will be 90 durometer. McMaster Carr or Orings.com have them. Buy them in bulk, they're cheaper than dirt.

Could the orangish be viton brown? Some OEM o-rings are also a tougher urethane compound. Unless you're passing high O2 mixes through there you can just go with common Nitrile

If you want to stock up the table here is a good guide.

pete

 

[ajtoady]

I found them at a very reasonable price on ebay. Check it out. Be sure to specify duro 90. Buna nitrile and some neoprene o-rings come in softer duro's and will not last as long as the vitron 90. The softer rings that are for scuba purposes are usually used in the lower pressure lines after the first stage.