Diving equipment includes a set of special devices and devices that are worn and fixed on a person, ensuring his normal life. The diver is capable of such equipment for a long time to stay under water, without experiencing excessive overloads under pressure of the surrounding liquid and gas environment. The sets under consideration provide normal physiological prerequisites for human activity, including air supply, isolation from water, prevent overcooling of the body, guarantee a stable connection with the surface.
Balloon blocks
Cylinders in diving equipment are hollow tanks of a cylindrical configuration with a convex or straight bottom, as well as an elongated neck on the other hand. From this part, the cylinders have a conical or cylindrical threaded thread, on which a shut-off valve is fixed.
The tanks under consideration are oriented to storage under high pressure of compressed air (up to 300 atm.), Intended for breathing by the user. To increase the indicator of compactness and mobility, several cylinders are connected in blocks of 2-3 pieces. The shape of the containers is standard, but there are several variations. The main technical parameters include:
- Capacity (l or cubic dm).
- Pressure (test and working).
- Case material (steel or aluminum).
Aluminum cylinders
Diving equipment made of this material appeared relatively recently. This is due to the fact that the characteristics of this metal are lower than that of steel. Nevertheless, aluminum tanks have several advantages. They are practically not subject to corrosion, both internal and external.
In addition, such modifications are enhanced by increasing the thickness of the walls, while having a significantly lower weight. This leads to a decrease in the volume of the tank, compared with steel counterparts, which affects the duration of the dive. Also, aluminum is more sensitive to any kind of physical impact, sometimes dents appear on the case during transportation or as a result of accidental shock.
Masks
To ensure clarity of the image under water and to protect your eyes from irritation, use special glasses or a mask. Diving two or more meters should be carried out in the second device.
The diving equipment under consideration makes it possible to equalize the pressure in the submask space with a similar indicator of the environment. The design of any mask includes a soft body, a hard rim with a porthole and a mounting strap. Most of the modern versions have a silicone case, which is softer than rubber. For the rim, the material is metal or reinforced plastic.
The porthole should have a high strength parameter so that chips with sharp edges do not form, and also withstand the chemical effect of sea water. It is worth noting that the safety indicator "window" is confirmed by the inscription Tempered for glass and Safety for plastic. The fastening belt is made of silicone or rubber. To check the mask for leaks, it is necessary to attach it to the face, without using a belt, take a small breath through the nose. If the model is held and attached, then the form fits optimally.
Wetsuits
One of the most important elements of diving gear and equipment are insulating suits. Depending on the depth of immersion and the current temperature, the models are divided into wet, dry or semi-dry versions. The first variations are made of neoprene (rubber with pores), which guarantees the presence of air bubbles, which provides excellent thermal insulation performance.
Dry models protect the swimmer's body from water. Fans usually use these varieties with open parts in the area of ββthe face and hands. This type of diving equipment includes a full-face or half mask, as well as wet gloves. Additional sealing is guaranteed by paired sleeve cuffs and cervical obturation.
Under a dry type suit with a rubber base, special heaters are put in the form of wool linen and foam overalls. If partial or complete depressurization occurs, the liquid will displace air, reducing the user's buoyancy. Neoprene analogues initially have good thermal insulation parameters, which allows them to be worn on a bare torso. Its loss of buoyancy during depressurization is an order of magnitude lower than that of a rubber prototype.
Compensators
To balance the position of air and water exposure, as well as stabilize control up and down, buoyancy compensators are used.
In modern types of diving equipment, three versions of these devices are used. Among them:
- The vest is stabilizing. The inside of this device includes three paired cameras (two on the sides, one on the back). The shell acts as a supporting element. The pluses of such modifications include a substantial working volume, convenient placement on the human body. Among the minuses - significant hydrodynamic resistance and some stiffness of movements.
- Adjustable expansion joints. These models have an improved compartment behind, the side chambers are on the diverβs hands or are completely absent. The shoulder straps are equipped with adjustable buckles, the vest is well suited for any type of physique, it is most convenient to use. The disadvantage is the small working volume.
- Professional modifications. Externally, they have a U-shaped configuration, a headrest roller, a well-designed chest element. Among the advantages are a good indicator of stability, freedom of movement in air and in water, compactness and low hydrodynamic resistance parameter.
Special appliances
After checking the diving equipment before diving, you will also need to control various parameters in the water. Various devices allow you to do this. Among them:
- Watches to control the duration of swimming.
- Compass with enlarged symbols on the scale.
- Depth gauge in wrist or console execution.
- Pressure gauge for monitoring working pressure.