Easytek's Regulator Flow Bench.

The only one in Thailand. 

Our 'state-of the-art' Flow Bench is not something you'll find at your typical dive centres service department.

Then again, we're not your average SCUBA service department!

The Flow Bench is designed to test diving regulators under both static and dynamic conditions. In addition to the standard “static tests” for cracking effort and intermediate pressure, the “dynamic performance” of the complete regulator (first and second stage) can be monitored while the regulator is drawing air at different flow levels.
These dynamic tests are very important on modern regulators that utilize venturi assists as part of the overall work of breathing. If the regulator venturi overpowers the mechanical resistance of the demand valve, the crossover flow rate can be determined and adjusted for optimum performance.

What this means in layman terms is that without a flow bench your regulator is set up and tested on the bench with a magnehilic; it may work perfectly but there is no way of knowing how well until you take it diving. By testing it on the flow bench we can take it on a simulated dive (down to 100metres+) and check its perfomance whilst at depth.  Certain regulators like the Poseidon Jetstream 2nd stage venturi adjustment can have dramatic effects on the regulators performance if not set correctly. This effect can be seen very easily on the flow bench . Poseidon venturi adjustment video.

Regulator Test Procedure.

• Precision Cracking Effort: The cracking effort (minimum opening effort) can be pinpointed on a Dwyer 5-0-5 Magnehelic gauge by slowly increasing the vacuum on the regulator via the flow control valve. Since this vacuum is constant and steady, the exact cracking effort can be maintained providing the most accurate Magnehelic reading. For a more precise measurement the Dwyer 0-2 Magnehic gauge can be used.

• Precision IP: Static intermediate pressure is measured on a precision 4.5” IP gauge. This gauge is accurate to within ±1% of the full swing (±3psi). The gauge can be connected to almost any manufacturers’ low pressure hose coupling by using different adaptors. 

• Dynamic Tests:  Demand Effort vs Flow: The regulator 2nd stage is connected to the flow meter and the Magnehic gauge senses any vacuum or pressure change that occurs as the flow is increased. This dynamic feature constantly monitors the amount of demand effort required to generate any specific flow rate.  

• Venturi Performance: The boost provided by the venturi reduces the demand effort in direct relationship to the flow level. As the flow is increased through the flow meter, the venturi performance can be evaluated by monitoring the Magnehelic gauge. This test can spot “venturi crossover” and indicate at what flow level it occurs.  

• Dynamic IP: Any decrease/increase in intermediate pressure while the regulator is under flow conditions can be read directly from the IP gauge. This test can spot anything from a plugged HP filter to the increased performance of a preferred first stage port. 

     

© Samui Easytek Co., Ltd. (Pattaya)