6.2PARTS CLEANING RECOMMENDATIONS
Regulators which see heavy use, particularly those used in salt water, often require extra effort to remove dirt and corrosion from the parts of the regulator. Some suggested cleaning solutions are listed at the end of this section, and there are probably many others being used successfully. Here are a few general suggestions we can make:
1.Don’t expect your cleaning solution to do all the work in a matter of seconds. If the solution cleans extremely rapidly, it is probably too strong and is etching the finish on the parts. Use a wooden or plastic stick or a soft bristle brush to help get rid of the thickest deposits. Take special care not to damage orifice sealing areas. Dress the orifice sealing areas with a fine grit polishing stick or pencil eraser after drying the parts.
2.Immerse only those parts which really need cleaning. With Sherwood’s Dry Air Bleed System, the interior of the first stage is always clean and dry, so the piston and spring should never need cleaning. Immersing the clean Sherwood piston in contaminated cleaning solution can plug the flow control element in the face of the piston, which could slow or stop the flow through the positive air purge system.
3.Many of the solutions used for cleaning metal parts can damage the nitrile compounds
found in
6.3COMMONLY USED CLEANING SOLUTIONS
SOLUTION
Soapy water
Vinegar and water (equal part solution)
1000 cc water
60 gr. sulfuric acid
60 gr. potassium dichromate
Cleaning solutions recommended by ultrasonic cleaner manufacturers
COMMENTS
Good for plastic and silicone parts.
Ingredients easily available. Approx. 15 minutes cleaning time. May damage chrome finish.
The preferred choice. Check with the manufacturer for strengths and recommended uses for their cleaners.
6.4HANDLING TIPS
How your customers treat their regulators will directly influence the unit’s function and durability. Following are a few tips that you can pass on to your customers to help assure the durability of their Sherwood Scuba regulator.
A.Pre-Dive Checks
1.Check the hoses and hose connections for cuts, abrasions or other signs of damage before
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