Genesis Advanced Technologies GRXXX & Scuba Diving Equipment User Manual


 
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Copyright ©2001 Liberty Group
Service & Repair Manual
EAN/Nitrox Cleaning Procedure
(For Equipment Used With Oxygen Enriched Air)
Introduction
Genesis Scuba regulators may be upgraded for dedicated use with
mixtures of oxygen enriched air (EAN/Nitrox), not exceeding 40% oxy-
gen. This upgrade must only be performed by an Authorized Genesis
Dealer, and requires the installation of the first stage Nitrox overhaul/
upgrade parts kit that is provided specifically for each model first stage
regulator (refer to the schematic parts list).
Genesis Nitrox upgrade/overhaul parts kits contain O-rings, seats, and
washers made of materials that are proven compatible with oxygen en-
riched air, up to 40% oxygen. It is very important to replace all standard
replacement parts with those provided in each kit, and not to reuse any of
them or replace parts individually under any circumstances.
The parts contained in each kit have been specially cleaned and pack-
aged to ensure the absence of contaminants, and must be handled accord-
ing to the instructions provided in this procedure to avoid accidental con-
tamination.
NOTE: It is important to handle the contents of the Nitrox upgrade parts
kits with care, wearing rubber or plastic gloves to prevent contamination
with skin oil. In the event that contamination occurs, the parts must be
cleaned according to the procedure outlined below.
Prior to the installation of a Nitrox upgrade/ overhaul parts kit, the
regulator must undergo a complete overhaul service that includes special
cleaning and parts inspection according to the steps outlined in this proce-
dure. Special cleaning is necessary to remove contaminants from the
regulator that may react with oxygen enriched air.
Standard compressed air usually contains a certain level of hydrocar-
bons, including invisible traces of compressor oil, that are not considered
harmful or dangerous when kept within the acceptable limits for Grade E
compressed air. When these same levels of hydrocarbons come in contact
with oxygen enriched compressed air, however, they can pose a very real
hazard that can lead to an oxygen fire or explosion. For this reason, it is
important to clean the individual parts and components of any regulator or
valve before it can be used with enriched air, in order to remove all traces
of hydrocarbon contamination.
Although acidic cleaning is very effective for removing corrosion and
scale, it is not sufficient by itself to remove certain sources of contamination.
It is therefore necessary to perform an additional cleaning procedure that is
specifically formulated to remove all traces of silicone grease, skin oil,
compressor oil residue, and other hydrocarbon contamination.