USER MANUAL
DIVATOR LITE CYLINDERS
1 Safety Notice
These instructions contain user level instructions for handling Divator Lite composite cylinders. It is
important to understand that charging cylinders and periodic inspections is governed by country
specific regulations; these instructions do not contain information available in the country specific
regulations.
The document contains images of cylinder damages in order to allow the diver to do a quick
assessment whether a cylinder can be used or not. Assessment of different level of damages is
included for orientation purposes only.
WARNING! DO Not attempt to assess damages beyond small scratches. if you are
uncertain of how the damage occuRred AN ANALYSIS of structural damages must
be undertaken by authorized service centre before continued use. failure to comply
may result in injuries or death.
2technical description
The Divator Lite cylinders are manufactured with full composite materials. A carbon fibre filament
and an outer wrap of glass fibres covers a thermoplastic liner. An epoxy resin reinforces the
carbon and glass fibres. The end fittings are made of acid-proof stainless steel.
The working pressure is 300 bar with a test pressure of 450 bar. The minimum burst pressure of
the Divator Lite cylinders is 900 bar. The cylinders have a Non-Limited Life (NLL) approval.
The cylinder valve has a burst disc to avoid overpressure. The burst disc is designed to open if the
pressure exceeds 450 bar. If the burst disc is released it cannot be reused, it must be replaced at
a service centre.
3 CHARGING OF cylinderS
The breathing air used to charge the cylinders must be free from oil, toxic substances and have
an approved level of humidity. After charging the cylinder should be equipped with a protective
plug.
ATTENTION! the breathing air must meet the requirements of en 12021.
Trained service staff members charge the cylinders in accordance with country specific regulations.
Detailed instructions are not covered by this document.
crackling sound
The Divator Lite cylinder is a full composite cylinder containing many layers of glass and carbon
fibres. These materials are expandable, when the cylinder is pressurized the layers move resulting
in a audible crackling sound. This is perfectly normal and no action is required.
micro scratches
The expansion of the pressurized vessel and the movement of fibres may cause micro scratches
on the surface of the cylinder. These scratches can be seen if you carefully examine the cylinder
surface. The scratches do not go deeper than the epoxy surface protecting the fibres. Like the
crackling sound this is the materials normal behaviour and no action is required.
humidity drain plug
The cylinder may experience a gradual accumulation of humidity, even if the compressed air
meets the approved quality. A humidity drain plug is available for solving this problem.
4 Inspection of cylinder valve
Before use carefully inspect the cylinder valve for damages. Check the body of the cylinder valve
and the outlet. If you see damages, or suspect that there is something wrong, return cylinder and
cylinder valve for inspection at service centre.
5 Inspection of test date
The test date is stated on the cylinder label. The test date discloses the latest date for periodic
inspection. Periodic inspection is carried out according to country specific regulations. If the test
date is older than the country specific requirement, return the cylinder to a service centre.
6assessment of cylinder damages
We strongly emphasise the importance that only trained service personnel do the assessment of
cylinder damages. In this section we briefly describe different types of damages in order to allow
the diver to do a quick check whether a cylinder is safe for continued use.
WARNING! If there is any uncertainty of the type of damage that has occurred
return the cylinder to a service centre for inspection.
When assessing damages you must apply a safety margin. If you have any doubts about the
cylinder performance consider the cylinder not approved for continued use.
Preparations
Before inspection carefully wash the cylinder. Undertake examination assisted by a strong lamp.
damage types and damage levels
We will describe three levels of damages; level one is the only level of damage that is approved
for continued use. The diver should use level 2 and 3 only as a reference for what is not allowed
for continued use. A colour image matrix of damage types and damage levels is included on the
next spread. As a general guideline damages in the epoxy layer – not extending into the fibres
– is approved for continued use.
ATTENTION! Never attempt to repair cylinders, always return to service centre.
Cut/slash damage
Level 1
A cut that is not deep enough to damage a group of fibres is acceptable.
Level 2&3 If the damages cuts across fibres, or if the cut is longer than 20 mm and deeper
than 0.3 mm along the fibres, the cylinder must be returned for assessment.
Wear/scratch damage
Level 1Minor rub marks are acceptable if they only made the surface matte and if they are
not deep enough to damage a group of fibres. If the scratched surface has reached
down to the fibres the cylinder must be returned for repairs.
Level 2&3 The damage is extending into the fibre layers (a guideline to determine this is if
there is a boundary area between the centre and the edge of the torn area).
Impact marks
Level 1
Impact marks causing cracks in the epoxy not exposing fibres. If you suspect that
the impacting object has hit the cylinder with high velocity it should be considered
to be a level 2 damage regardless of the cylinders visual appearance.
Level 2&3 The damage is extending into the fibre layers or a hit by a blunt object/high
impact. Damages with circle segments extended from the point of impact.
Burn/fire damage
Level 1
A charred surface not extending into the fibre layer. Carefully scratch away the
charred material to determine the depth of burn mark.
Level 2&3 The charred surface extend into the fibre layer.
Multiple damages
Level 2
If there are multiple level 1 damages return the cylinder for inspection.
cuts/slash
Level 1
Acceptable
No measurable effect on
cylinder performance,
approved for use.
Level 2
Inspection
Must be examined by
an authorised inspector
before continued use.
Level 3
Rejection
The cylinder do not meet
safety requirements and
will be rendered unusable.
wear/scratches
impact marks
cylindrical part
impact marks
spherical part
burn/fire
Publ No 98605A01