Optima Rebreather
EZ Solenoid Inline Shut-off
Manufacturer Dive Rite
Product Code : #DRT-43-4
Brainchild of rebreather diver and instructor, Gregg Stanton, the EZ Inline Solenoid Shut-off gives control to the rebreather diver dealing with ascents and troubleshooting. Located near the manual addition valve, it also allows for easy connection of an off board oxygen source. Only one hose leaves the oxygen cylinder and plugs into the manifold mounted to the oxygen addition. A RG1350 right angle adapter must be used to route the solenoid hose up thru the slot with manual addition hose from the first stage. It is suggested to move the OP valve to the position of the solenoid hose to better protect it and install a port plug in vacant port.
CAUTION: The EZ Solenoid Inline Shutoff adds one more failure point in the oxygen delivery system, which must be monitored. Divers should train on the use of the EZ Solenoid Inline Shutoff once configured correctly, by turning it on and verifying that it works while doing your system's checklist. In the water you should become familiar with and easily locate the OIV and operate it. Be sure it is configured to open in the same direction as the diluent isolation valve (DIV).
A RG1350 right angle adapter must be used to route the solenoid hose up thru the slot with manual addition hose from the first stage.
It is suggested to move the OP valve to the position of the solenoid hose to better protect it and install a port plug in vacant port.
Using the quick disconnects while in-water to switch between on board and off board oxygen supply to the solenoid may risk introducing contamination to the solenoid and might cause a solenoid malfunction. The diver should close the slide valve, perform the switch, then operate the manual addition valve to clear the line as much as possible before opening the slide valve. Dive Rite recommends in-water switching of oxygen supply using the quick disconnects should only be performed as an emergency procedure.
With an oxygen isolation valve (OIV), you can shut off the oxygen to the solenoid, still have the oxygen cylinder valve open and deliver oxygen manually to the counter lung. The hazard with the OIV is the possibility it will be accidentally closed. When closed, there will be no access to solenoid delivered oxygen if you fail to dive the rig manually. The electronics will try to automatically activate the solenoid, but will not deliver oxygen at a pre-programmed PO2 or fail-safe .20 PO2 should you fail to manually dive the rig because the solenoid’s source of oxygen will be closed by the OIV.
CAUTION: The OIV adds one more failure point in the oxygen delivery system, which must be monitored. This valve has O-rings which like the diluent isolation valve, which must be maintained as you were trained. The current oxygen hose from the regulator to the solenoid is disconnected and added to the OIV at the "Y" block. The 40 inch long black or green hose coming from the "Y" block is attached to the oxygen regulator. This long hose is brought over the shoulder to the "Y" block, which may be attached on the outside or inside of the right or left counter lung, depending upon where you are manually injecting your oxygen. Please be sure all fittings are tight before diving the system.
You should train on the use of the OIV once configured correctly, by turning it on and verifying that it works while doing your system's checklist. In the water you should become familiar with and easily locate the OIV and operate it. Be sure it is configured to open in the same direction as the diluent isolation valve (DIV). If the solenoid fails during a dive, expect a sudden increase in buoyancy and an elevated oxygen spike. Such a "Boom" scenario requires that you turn off both cylinders, monitor your PO2 and (if the PO2 elevates beyond 1.6) bail out to your stage, then close your OIV. Once the PO2 has stabilized, open the cylinder oxygen valve slowly and monitor your displays for oxygen PO2 and pressure. If the PO2 and pressure remain stable or are slowly dropping, continue the dive on manual control. If the failure is the manual inflation valve (located on the counter lung), then disconnect the quick disconnect fitting and OPEN the OIV for solenoid delivery of oxygen. Always monitor the PO2 carefully. If you wish to continue manual oxygen control, try moving the oxygen quick disconnect fitting below the OIV "Y" block to the opposite counter lung and reattach it to that valve. Again monitor the PO2 carefully as the quick disconnect could also be the failure point. Be sure to conduct the same recovery protocol on the diluent side. If the buoyancy was caused by a diluent system failure, the PO2 will abruptly spike downward.
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