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Post by Tom Madere on Jun 1, 2003 8:29:43 GMT -8
I see the duckbill valves are being made again but why not in silicone instead of pure rubber. I know the pure rubber is original but the silicone is more durable.
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Post by Dennis on Jun 2, 2003 5:19:49 GMT -8
Why stop with the duckbill? How about hoses, flapper valves, mouthpieces and diphragms. I read that the late model Nemrods had silicone hoses and mouthpieces.
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Post by stuart jefferies on Jun 9, 2003 6:30:46 GMT -8
Tom, Regarding the material that the flapper valves are made from, it's all down to cost. To make them from silicon would be ideal, but since standard dipping is only done with latex, and a few other modern materials, to make them from silicon would require injection moulds. The silicon cures with a combination of pressure and baking. These moulds are far to expensive. A latex valve will give many years of service if looked after. Copper containing alloys degrade rubber. (brass Box). So when not being used for long periods remove the valve and store in a cool dark place. I looked into all the options and learnt a lot from the experts before having the valves produced. Natural valves are better than no valves!
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Post by Captain on Jun 9, 2003 8:34:16 GMT -8
I kind of thought cost was the reason. I remove the valves if I will not be using regulator. I have stored valves for up to 10 years in a zip lock bag in the refrigerator and they are good as new. This also works on speargun rubber slings.
Tom
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Post by BLT on Jun 9, 2003 15:39:15 GMT -8
I just bought a replacement Duckbill earlier this month (thanks guys ) but I did have a question about a substitute. Could you use a suitably trimmed condom? That way you could use either Latex or Poly (or whatever else you could find) and replacement would be as simple as your nearest pharmacy (or mens room at the gas station on the way to the dive site)...
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Post by Dennis on Jun 10, 2003 11:41:42 GMT -8
BLT: I made a duckbill valve out of a ten-speed bicycle innertube some years back. It didn't work very well.
Stuart: As referenced above, a big thanks for bringing these hoses and duckbill valves back into production. Without you, I would still be stuck with my bicycle innertube. When I was asking "why not silicone", I was not complaining so much as asking a genuine question. I thought that you guys were using neoprene in order to be "historically correct". Which is OK, and I would understand that. I also understand your explanation of using neoprene because of cost limitations. But, really, THANKS for doing what you have done. You have made it possible to bring all these great old regulators back to life. I love 'em!
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Post by stuart jefferies on Jun 10, 2003 12:05:59 GMT -8
Dennis, Thanks for that. I love the idea of using a trimmed Jonny (condom) as we call then here in the UK, but I think that is pushing the boundries a bit far. Who is going to put the sexuality into vintage scuba and do a product report. Not me! About the hose rubber. When I approached the rubber company about the hoses, I wanted them to be made of the same rubber as the originals WRT as described in the USDivers catalogue, but was immediatly told "NO WAY". The curing agent used in WRT is seriously carcinagenic to the guys operating the tools. The new hoses are made of a new neoprene, that is basically the same as WRT but not dangerous to the makers, It is a little softer and lighter in weight. The yellow and green are softer than the black as they are a pure polymer except for the colour. The black ones are harder because they have a filler called carbon black. This gives the black ones more strength. I'm told that these hoses will outlive the originals.
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