Valves

Valves

  Valves come in many different materials.  The valves commonly used for mixing in scuba are brass.  There are two different types of valves listed here.    Needle Valves: Needle Valves use a “v” shaped orifice. The needle valve allows better control of the flow of gases.  You have to be very careful buying needle valves. Most needle valves are built using graphite for lubrication internally.  Graphite is one of the worst things you can have inside a valve when it comes to use with oxygen. This is a quick way to get yourself hurt.  If you do not know for sure if the valve is not oxygen compatable do not use it!!!! It is quite common if you buy from gas vendors for their valves to be lubed with graphite be very careful.   Line Valves: These are the valves that are commonly seen on mixing panels. A line valve uses the same internals as a scuba valve.  They do not have the fine adjustments of a needle valve for mixing oxygen. People do use them for this but it takes more effort to master.  Line valves are easy to rebuild and have higher working pressures.