Sherwood SRB5900 Parts Cleaning Recommendations, Commonly Used Cleaning Solutions, Handling Tips

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 O-rings. For this reason, remove all O-rings before placing parts in a cleaning bath.

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.

Fast-acting solution that must be made and used with care. Use gloves and safety glasses. Can 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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