What is a diving regulator?

A diving regulator is a device used to supply compressed air to the diver through a hose from the scuba tank. The regulator reduces the pressure of the tank's compressed air, which is normally 200 atm, to a constant, proper breathing air pressure, allowing the diver to breathe safely and comfortably while submerged.

The regulator consists of two main stages: the first stage and the second stage. The first stage of the regulator is connected to the bottle and reduces the pressure of the bottle or high pressure (200 atm at the beginning), to an intermediate pressure of the order of 10-12 atm that is supplied to the second stage of the regulator. The second stage of the regulator is the part that the diver wears in his mouth and is used to breathe the air supplied from the first stage.

There are several types of scuba regulators, each designed to meet different needs of divers. Some of the more common types of scuba regulators are:

• Piston Regulators: This is the most common type of scuba regulator. It uses a piston to reduce the air pressure in the scuba tank to an intermediate pressure, which is then supplied to the second stage of the regulator.
• Diaphragm Regulators: Instead of using a piston, diaphragm regulators use a diaphragm to reduce air pressure. The membrane moves in and out to reduce air pressure and supply the diver with breathable air.
• Diaphragm Regulators: This type of regulator uses a diaphragm to reduce air pressure and supply breathing air to the diver. The diaphragm moves in and out to reduce air pressure.

The regulator can have other connected devices such as a manometer with a hose to know the air pressure in the cylinder and connected to the first stage, a hose connected to the jacket and to the second stage, a hose connected to the dry suit and to the second stage, how more usual

In short, the regulator is a key item in scuba equipment that allows the diver to breathe safely and comfortably while submerged. If you want to learn more about this and other fundamental elements of diving, sign up for our scuba diving courses in Barcelona.