View source for Scuba cylinder valve

{{short description|Valve controlling flow of breathing gas into and out of a scuba cylinder}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Infobox diving equipment
|name         = Scuba cylinder valve
|image        = 7 litre steel cylinder with parallel neck thread P1220053.jpg
|alt          =
|caption      = Top of 7 litre steel cylinder with parallel neck thread with valve fitted
|acronym      =
|other_names  = Pillar valve
|uses         = Controlling gas supply to scuba equipment
|inventor     =
|manufacturer =
|model        =
|related      =
}}
A '''scuba cylinder valve''' or '''pillar valve''' is a high pressure manually operated screw-down shut off [[valve]] fitted to the neck of a [[scuba cylinder]] to control [[breathing gas]] flow to and from the [[pressure vessel]] and to provide a connection with the [[scuba regulator]] or [[filling whip]].<ref name="NOAA Diving Manual 2001" /> Cylinder valves are usually machined from [[brass]] and finished with a protective and decorative layer of [[chrome plating]].<ref name="PADI" /> A metal or plastic ''dip tube'' or ''valve snorkel'' screwed into the bottom of the valve extends into the cylinder to reduce the risk of liquid or particulate contaminants in the cylinder getting into the gas passages when the cylinder is inverted, and blocking or jamming the regulator.<ref name=Harlow /><ref name="Barsky"/>
Cylinder valves are classified by four basic aspects: the thread specification for attachment to the cylinder, the connection to the regulator, pressure rating, and some functional distinguishing features. Standards relating to the specifications and manufacture of cylinder valves include ISO 10297 and CGA V-9 Standard for Gas Cylinder Valves.<ref name="Cavagna" />
==Structure of the valve==
[[File:Scuba cylinder valve cutaway schematic.png|thumb|alt=Cut-away section through a scuba cylinder valve mounted in a cylinder, showing the air passages and working parts |Schematic view of a section through a plain scuba cylinder valve]]
The valve body is usually machined from a solid brass casting or forging, which is screwed into the cylinder neck thread, and sealed by o-ring or thread tape. The outlet is machined to fit one of the standard scuba regulator connection systems, and a gas passage is provided from the interior of the cylinder to the regulator connection. Control of gas flow through the gas passage is by opening and closing a valve orifice machined into the valve body, by turning the valve knob to drive the valve spindle which moves the valve seat towards or away from the orifice. The spindle engages with the valve seat by a flat and slot or a square socket on the inner end of the spindle, which passes through the spindle seal in the valve bonnet. Rotation of the seat drives it along its axis on a screw thread concentric with the orifice. The spindle is usually sealed by an O-ring where it passes through the bonnet, and axial loads on the spindle are usually carried by a teflon or similar low friction coefficient washer. Other arrangements have been used, but the one described is very common and is known as a balanced valve because the pressure of the gas in the cylinder is exerted on both sides of the valve seat when it is not sealed, because the gas can leak past the threads of the seat. Historically, two other spindle arrangements were also used, the unbalanced valve where the periphery of the seat is sealed, and the glandless valve, where the valve seat does not rotate, but is sealed into the valve body behind a diaphragm. The valve outlet is connected to a regulator for diving, or a filling whip for charging. The valve must be open for these operations, and closed to keep the gas inside the cylinder for storage.<ref name="Roberts" /><ref name="Harlow" />
===Cylinder neck threads===
[[File:Draeger 300 bar taper thread DIN cylinder valve P5070178.JPG|Draeger 300 bar taper thread DIN cylinder valve|thumb |left |alt=Cylinder valve with 17E taper thread and in-line valve knob. The outlet is a lateral 7-thread G5/8" DIN socket.]]
[[File:Pillar valve DIN 232.jpg|A 232 bar DIN connection cylinder valve with [[Metric screw thread|M25x2 parallel thread]] cylinder connection|thumb |alt= Cylinder valve with M25x2 parallel thread and lateral valve knob in right hand side configuration. The offset 5-thread G5/8" DIN socket can accept a plug to allow use of a Yoke connector.]]
[[File:Parallel thread scuba cylinder valve with sintered filter on dip tube and concentric valve spindle P1220056.jpg|thumb|Parallel thread scuba cylinder valve with sintered filter on dip tube and concentric valve spindle]]
[[File:Small aluminium cylinder with taper neck thread P1220057.jpg|thumb|View of neck thread on a small aluminium cylinder with taper neck thread]]
[[File:7 litre steel cylinder with parallel neck thread P1220052 1.jpg|thumb|View of neck thread on 7 litre steel cylinder with parallel neck thread showing the chamfer against which the o-ring seal is pressed]]
The ''neck'' of the cylinder is the part of the end which is shaped as a narrow concentric cylinder, and internally threaded to fit a cylinder valve. Cylinder threads may be in two basic configurations: Taper [[Screw thread|thread]] and parallel thread.<ref name="NOAA Diving Manual 2001" /> The valve thread specification must exactly match the neck thread specification of the cylinder. Improperly matched neck threads can fail under pressure which can have fatal consequences.<ref name="IMCA SF 05/10" /><ref name="IMCA SF 19/14" /><ref name="IMCA SF 01/16" /><ref name="Inquest 96/2015" /> Parallel threads are more tolerant of repeated removal and refitting of the valve for inspection and testing.<ref name="Barker 2002" />{{rp|s9}}
There are several standards for neck threads, these include:
* Taper thread (17E),<ref name="ISO 11116-1" /> with a 12% taper right hand thread, [[British Standard Whitworth|standard Whitworth]] 55° form with a pitch of 14 threads per inch (5.5 threads per cm) and pitch diameter at the top thread of the cylinder of {{convert |18.036 |mm |in |2}}. These connections are sealed using thread tape and torqued to between {{convert |120 |and |150 |Nm |lbfft |lk=in}} on steel cylinders, and between {{convert |75 |and |140 |Nm |lbfft |abbr=on}} on aluminium cylinders.<ref name=ISO13341 />
Parallel threads are made to several standards:
* M25x2 [[ISO metric screw thread|ISO parallel thread]], which is sealed by an O-ring and torqued to {{convert |100 |to |130 |Nm |lbfft |abbr=on}} on steel, and {{convert |95 |to |130 |Nm |lbfft |abbr=on}} on aluminium cylinders;<ref name=ISO13341/>
*  M18x1.5 parallel thread, which is sealed by an O-ring, and torqued to {{convert |100 |to |130 |Nm |lbfft |abbr=on}} on steel cylinders, and {{convert |85 |to |100 |Nm |lbfft |abbr=on}} on aluminium cylinders;<ref name=ISO13341/>
* 3/4"x14&nbsp;[[British Standard Pipe|BSP]] parallel thread,<ref name="BS2779" /> which has a 55° Whitworth thread form, a pitch diameter of {{convert |25.279 |mm |in}} and a pitch of 14 threads per inch (1.814&nbsp;mm);<!--this is how they are defined in the standard, please do not change specifications to other units.--><!-- The definition in the standard is worthless unless readers can understand them - conversions supplied --><!-- Conversions like these are fine as long as the original specification is preserved -->
* 3/4"x14&nbsp;[[National Gas Standard|NGS]]<ref name="Metal Cutting Tool" /> (NPSM) parallel thread, sealed by an O-ring, torqued to {{convert |40 |to |50 |Nm |lbfft |abbr=on}} on aluminium cylinders,<ref name=Catalina /> which has a 60° thread form, a pitch diameter of {{convert |0.9820 |to |0.9873 |in |mm |abbr=on}}, and a pitch of 14 threads per inch (1.814&nbsp;mm);
* 3/4"x16&nbsp;[[Unified Thread Standard#Designation|UNF]], sealed by an O-ring, torqued to {{convert |40 |to |50 |Nm |lbfft |abbr=on}} on aluminium cylinders.<ref name=Catalina/>
*7/8"x14&nbsp;UNF, sealed by an O-ring.<ref name="XS Scuba" />
The 3/4"NGS and 3/4"BSP are very similar, having the same pitch and a pitch diameter that only differs by about {{convert |0.2 |mm |in |abbr=on |sigfig=1}}, but they are not compatible, as the thread forms are different.
All parallel thread valves are sealed using an O-ring at the top of the neck thread which seals in a chamfer or step in the cylinder neck and against the flange of the valve.
===Connection to the regulator===
[[File:DIN-INT ISO12209-2-3.jpg|thumb|alt=Tops of two cylinders showing regulators connected via DIN and yoke connectors |Regulators with DIN-valve (left) and yoke-valve (right)]]
A rubber [[O-ring]] forms a seal between the metal of the cylinder valve and the metal of the [[diving regulator]]. [[Fluoroelastomer]] (e.g. [[viton]]) O-rings may be used with cylinders filled with oxygen-rich [[breathing gas]] mixtures to reduce the risk of fire.<ref name="Oxyhacker" /> There are two basic types of cylinder valve to regulator connection in general use for scuba cylinders. They are both very widely used for cylinders containing air and in many countries also for other breathing gases for diving:
====Yoke connectors====
{{see also|Mechanism of diving regulators#CGA 850 connection}}
[[File:INT ISO12209-3 cut.jpg|thumb|alt=Section view of valve to regulator connection |Section view of A-clamp-, yoke- or Int-valve to regulator connection, showing the sealing surfaces, according to ISO 12209-3]]
The yoke connector, also known as an A-clamp or international connector, is a component of the regulator that fits around the valve body at the outlet and presses the outlet [[O-ring]] of the valve against the inlet seat of the regulator. The connection is officially described as connection CGA&nbsp;850 yoke.<ref name="HCG" /> The yoke clamping screw is screwed down snug by hand to ensure metal to metal contact between the valve and regulator to sufficiently constrain the O-ring against extrusion. Overtightening can make the yoke impossible to remove later without tools. The seal is created by clamping the O-ring mounted in a groove on the face of the valve between the surfaces of the regulator and valve. When the valve is opened, cylinder pressure expands the O-ring against the outer surface of the O-ring groove in the valve and the face of the regulator inlet. This type of connection is simple, cheap and very widely used worldwide. Several O-ring sizes are in use, and both overall and section diameters may vary, but the correct size for the valve is necessary for a reliable seal and so that the O-ring does not easily fall out during handling and storage. It has a maximum pressure rating of 240 bar, and is not well protected against overpressurisation. Insufficient clamping force may allow the pressure to slightly stretch the yoke structure, opening a gap between the sealing faces of the valve and the regulator sufficient to extrude the O-ring through the gap, resulting in a potentially catastrophic leak. A similar effect can occur if the first stage is bumped against the environment, flexing the yoke enough to open a gap. When underwater this is most likely in an overhead environment where the diver cannot make an immediate emergency ascent. The risk of this cause for O-ring extrusion is roughly proportional to the pressure in the cylinder, and is less for a more rigid yoke structure.<ref name="DGE2" /><ref name="Harlow" /> Older regulators may have a yoke rated at 200 bar, and these may not fit over more recent 240 bar valves.
====DIN connectors====
{{see also|Mechanism of diving regulators#DIN connection}}
[[File:DIN ISO12209-2 cut.jpg|thumb|alt=Section view of valve to regulator connection |DIN-valve to regulator connection, showing the sealing surfaces, according to ISO 12209-2]]
In the [[DIN]] screw thread connectors, the regulator screws into the cylinder valve, trapping the O-ring securely between the sealing face of the valve and the O-ring groove in the regulator. These are more reliable than A-clamps because the O-ring is well protected and the assembly is considerably more rigid, and has a lower profile, making O-ring extrusion under impact less likely, but operators in many countries do not widely use DIN filling connectors on compressors, or cylinder valves which have DIN fittings, so a diver traveling abroad with a DIN system may need to take an adaptor, either for connecting the DIN regulator to a rented cylinder, or for connecting an A-clamp filler hose to a DIN cylinder valve. The DIN connection is slightly more complex to manufacture, but if the seal is good when the valve is opened it is likely to remain good throughout a dive, even if banged against a solid overhead, and is consequently preferred by technical divers even where the yoke fitting is more generally popular. DIN connections are available in two specifications; for working pressures up to 232 bar, and for 300 bar. The original design 200 bar regulator fitting with five threads will not seal in a 300 bar valve, preventing potential overload, particularly of the high pressure hose and submersible pressure gauge, but the DIN 300 bar regulator inlet fitting with seven threads available on almost all recent regulators is compatible with 200 and 232 bar valves as well as the 300 bar valves. The thread form is G5/8" x 14&nbsp;tpi. The O-ring is carried in a groove on the regulator. Two sizes of O-ring are in common use.<ref name="Harlow" />
====Adaptors====
[[File:Diving cyinder valve DIN insert 1 P5180281.JPG|DIN plug adaptor for compatible cylinder valves|thumb |alt= A screw plug to fit inside a DIN socket of a pillar valve. The central orifice is in the form of an Allen socket on the face which accepts the Yoke fitting. Both ends have face sealing O-ring grooves.]]
[[File:Parallel thread cylinder valve with DIN thread attachment point and plug adaptor P5190307.JPG|thumb|DIN valve with plug adaptor for yoke attachment fitted |alt=A cylinder valve showing a DIN plug fitted.]]
[[File:Scuba block adaptor 20160805 165041.jpg|A block adaptor screws into a DIN cylinder valve to allow connection of a yoke regulator|thumb |alt=A roughly cubic block with a male DIN connector on one face. The face of the block is configured to take a yoke clamp, and shows the orifice and O-ring seal on one face. The opposite face will have a dimple for the yoke screw to seat.]]
[[File:Adaptor (yoke to DIN).jpg|A yoke (A-clamp) to DIN adaptor allows connection of a DIN regulator to a Yoke cylinder valve|thumb |alt= A yoke adaptor shows the DIN socket at one end. The opposite end of the socket piece has the annular ridge for sealing against the O-ring of the cylinder valve, and the yoke with co-axial clamping screw at the far end.]]
Adaptors are available to allow connection of DIN regulators to yoke cylinder valves (A-clamp or yoke adaptor), and to connect yoke regulators to DIN cylinder valves.<ref name="Scuba Doctor" /> There are two types of adaptors for DIN valves: plug adaptors and block adaptors. Plug adaptors are screwed into a 5-thread DIN valve socket, are rated for 232/240&nbsp;bar, and can only be used with valves which are designed to accept them. These can be recognised by a dimple recess opposite to the outlet opening, used to locate the screw of an A-clamp. Block adaptors are generally rated for 200&nbsp;bar, and can be used with almost any 200&nbsp;bar 5-thread DIN valve. A-clamp or yoke adaptors comprise a yoke clamp with a DIN socket in line. They are slightly more vulnerable to O-ring extrusion than integral yoke clamps, due to greater leverage on the first stage regulator.
====Conversion kits====
[[File:Parts and tools to convert an Apeks first stage diving regulator from DIN to Yoke connector P1240152.jpg|thumb|Parts and tools to convert an Apeks first stage diving regulator from DIN to Yoke connector]]
Several manufacturers market an otherwise identical first stage varying only in the choice of cylinder valve connection. In these cases it may be possible to buy original components to convert yoke to DIN and vice versa. The complexity of the conversion may vary, and parts are not usually interchangeable between manufacturers. The conversion of [[Apeks]] regulators is particularly simple and only requires an [[Allen key]] and a [[ring spanner]].
====Valves for gases other than air====
There are also cylinder valves for scuba cylinders containing gases other than air:
* The [[European Norm]] EN&nbsp;144-3:2003 introduced a new type of valve, similar to existing 232 bar or 300 bar DIN valves, but with a metric M26×2 thread connecting the cylinder to the regulator. These are intended to be used for [[breathing gas]] with [[oxygen]] content above that normally found in natural atmospheric air (i.e. 22–100%).<ref name="DGE" /> From August 2008, these were ''required'' in the [[European Union]] for all diving equipment used with [[nitrox]] or pure oxygen. The idea behind this new standard is to prevent a rich mixture being filled to a cylinder that is not [[oxygen clean]]. However even with use of the new system there still remains nothing except human procedural care to ensure that a cylinder with a new valve ''remains'' oxygen-clean<ref name="DGE" /> - which is exactly how the previous system worked. The enriched oxygen valve may alert the user to a non-air breathing gas, but will give no indication of the actual composition of the contents. Filling adaptors are available as a stock item to allow filling of cylinders fitted with these valves from a standard G5/8" DIN filling connector.<ref name="Divestock" />
* An M&nbsp;24x2 male thread cylinder valve was supplied with some Dräger semi-closed circuit recreational rebreathers (Dräger Ray) for use with nitrox mixtures.<ref name="Draeger Ray" /> The regulator supplied with the rebreather had a compatible connection.
Internal and other replaceable components of valves are often interchangeable amongst other valves from the same manufacturer for similar service.<ref name="Harlow" />
===Handwheel===
The handwheel or valve knob is a knurled or ridged rubber, plastic or metal fitting attached to the valve spindle, used to rotate the spindle to open and close the valve. Hard rubber or tough plastic are the usual materials on recent models, usually incorporating moulded grips and a metal insert to engage the square or flatted part of the spindle, to which they are usually attached by a slotted nut.<ref name="Harlow" />
===Dip tube===
The dip tube, anti-debris tube, or valve snorkel is a short tube screwed into the hole in the bottom of the valve body, which projects into the cylinder internal space. Its function is to prevent any loose debris inside the cylinder from getting into the outlet passages if the cylinder is inverted in use, as such material may clog or jam the regulator. Originally mostly made from brass tube, they are also often made from plastic, but brass is still preferred for high oxygen fraction gas mixes, as it is a lower fire hazard. Some dip tubes have a filter attached to the lower end, often made from sintered brass, but most have a plain opening.<ref name="Oxyhacker" /><ref name="Harlow" />
==Pressure rating==
Yoke valves are rated between 200 and 240 bar, and there does not appear to be any mechanical design detail preventing connection between any yoke fittings, though some older yoke clamps will not fit over the popular 232/240 bar combination DIN/yoke cylinder valve as the yoke is too narrow.
DIN valves are produced in 200 bar and 300 bar pressure ratings. The number of threads and the detail configuration of the connections is designed to prevent incompatible combinations of filler attachment or regulator attachment with the cylinder valve.<ref name="Scuba Doctor" />
* '''232 bar [[DIN]] (5-thread, G5/8)''' Outlet/Connector #13 to DIN&nbsp;477 part 1 - (technically they are specified for cylinders with 300 bar test pressure)<ref name="Scuba Doctor" />
* '''300 bar DIN (7-thread, G5/8)''' Outlet/Connector #56 to DIN&nbsp;477 part 5 - these are similar to 5-thread DIN fitting but are rated to 300 bar working pressures. (technically they are specified for cylinders with 450 bar test pressure).<ref name="Scuba Doctor" /> The 300 bar pressures are common in European diving and in US cave diving.
==Other distinguishing features==
===Plain valves===
[[File:Diving cylinder din.JPG|thumb|A 12-litre, 232 bar cylinder with right hand side-spindle DIN valve. The shoulder colour-coding is the old UK standard for compressed breathing air prior to 2006.|alt= The shoulder of a scuba cylinder and a pillar valve are shown. The cylinder is yellow with black and white quartered shoulder, there is a tape stuck to the shoulder indicating maximum operating depth and the cylinder valve has a DIN connection opening directly above the neck thread, perpendicular to the cylinder axis, and a rubber knob on an orthogonal valve spindle in the right handed configuration.]]
The most commonly used cylinder valve type is the single outlet plain valve, sometimes known as a "K-valve",<ref name=Roberts/> which allows connection of a single regulator, and has no reserve function. It simply opens to allow gas flow, or closes to shut it off. Several configurations are used, with options of DIN or A-clamp connection, and vertical or transverse spindle arrangements.
===Reserve valves===
<!--target for redirects [[Reserve valve]], [[Scuba reserve valve]], [[J-valve]] -->
[[File:Scuba cylinder reserve valve cutaway schematic.png|thumb|alt=Cut-away section through a scuba cylinder valve mounted in a cylinder, showing the air passages and working parts, including the open main valve and the spring-loaded reserve mechanism in the closed position. |Schematic view of a section through a spring-loaded reserve scuba cylinder J-valve]]
[[File:"J" Valve on Diving Cylinder from 1960s.jpg|thumb|left|A J-valve from c.1960 |alt=A yoke style cylinder valve is shown, with the outlet directly above the centreline and the chrome-plated brass knob and reserve lever on opposite sides in the same plane.]]
[[File:Draeger 200 bar cylinder valves with manifold and reserve lever P5070175.JPG|thumb|Draeger 200 bar axial spindle cylinder valves with manifold and reserve lever |alt=The top of a twin set of steel 7-litre cylinders shows a pair of Dräger vertical spindle taper thread valves with rubber knobs and DIN outlets linked by a single DIN centre-outlet manifold. The left side cylinder has a reserve lever with operating rod and a yellow plastic guard over the lever to reduce the risk of it being inadvertently opened by bumping against the surroundings.]]
[[File:Draeger taper thread reserve cylinder valve P5070173.JPG|thumb|Dräger taper thread axial spindle cylinder valve with reserve lever |alt= Close up of a Draeger reserve valve, showing the plastic guard and the connection of the operating lever, which is held on by a spring loaded pin and which can be adjusted to several angles. depending on which of the holes on the reserve spindle the pin engages.]]
Until the 1970s, when submersible [[pressure gauge]]s on regulators came into common use, diving cylinders often used a mechanical reserve mechanism to indicate to the diver that the cylinder was nearly empty. The gas supply was automatically cut-off by a spring loaded valve when the gas pressure reached the reserve pressure. To release the reserve, the diver pulled down on a rod that ran along the side of the cylinder and which activated a lever to open a bypass valve. The diver would then finish the dive before the reserve was consumed. The reserve could be adjusted by spring stiffness, typically {{convert|300|psi|bar}}for a single cylinder, but for twin sets {{convert|500|psi|bar}} and triple sets {{convert|700|psi|bar}}.<ref name="Roberts" />{{rp|266}}<ref name="NOAA Diving Manual 1979" /> On occasion, divers would inadvertently trigger the mechanism while donning gear or performing a movement underwater and, not realizing that the reserve had already been accessed, could find themselves out of air at depth with no warning whatsoever.<ref name="NOAA Diving Manual 2001" /><ref name="Barsky" /> These valves became known as "J-valves" from being item "J" in one of the first scuba equipment manufacturer catalogs. The standard non-reserve yoke valve at the time was item "K", and is often still referred to as a "K-valve".<ref name=Roberts/> J-valves are still occasionally used by professional divers in zero visibility, where the submersible pressure gauge (SPG) can not be read. While the recreational diving industry has largely discontinued support and sales of the J-valve, the US Department of Defense, the US Navy,<ref name="USNDM R6" /> NOAA (the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration) and OSHA (the national Occupational Health and Safety Administration) all still allow or recommend the use of J-valves as an alternative to a bailout cylinder or as an alternative to a submersible pressure gauge.<ref name="USNDM R6" /> They are generally not available through recreational dive shops, but are still available from some manufacturers. They can be significantly more expensive than K-valves from the same manufacturer.
Less common in the 1950s to 1970s was an "R-valve" which was equipped with a restriction that caused breathing to become difficult as the cylinder neared exhaustion, but that would allow less restricted breathing if the diver began to ascend and the ambient water pressure lessened, providing a larger pressure differential over the orifice.  It was never particularly popular because if it was necessary for the diver to descend during exit from a cave or wreck, breathing would become progressively more difficult as the diver went deeper, eventually becoming impossible until the diver could ascend to a low enough ambient pressure.<ref name=Roberts />
The reserve valves manufactured by [[Drägerwerk|Dräger]] were similar in function to the spring loaded J-valve, but the reserve valve completely bypassed the main valve when opened. Poseidon at one stage marketed a manifold for twin cylinders which featured a pair of plain valves in the cylinders, with a reserve valve mounted on the central outlet block of the manifold. This mechanism retained reserve pressure in both cylinders, where the usual arrangement with manifolded cylinders was to have the reserve gas retained in only one cylinder, therefore necessitating the use of different springs to maintain a roughly constant proportion of the total gas supply.
When filling the cylinder the J-valve will obstruct the inward flow of gas unless both the main and reserve valves are opened.
<gallery mode=packed>
File:Sherwood J-valve components of the reserve mechanism P1260151.jpg|Sherwood J-valve components of the reserve mechanism
File:Sherwood J-valve reserve seat mechanism open position P1260153.jpg|Reserve seat mechanism open position
File:Sherwood J-valve reserve seat mechanism closed position P1260156.jpg|Reserve seat mechanism closed position
</gallery>
===Dual outlet valves===
<!-- target of redirect [[Slingshot valve]] -->
[[File:Robinet double DIN.jpg|thumb|"H"-valve with DIN connections|alt= A valve body is shown in place on a cylinder neck, with a cylinder handle clamped below. The valve has a DIN connection socket in line with and perpendicular to the cylinder axis, and the orthogonal right hand operated main valve spindle has a plastic knob. Opposite this knob, and on the axis of this spindle, there is a socket into which a secondary valve body has been screwed, using left hand thread and a lock nut. This secondary valve also has a DIN connection socket, on a stub branch perpendicular to its inlet axis, orientated downwards and facing in the same direction as the main outlet, towards the viewer. The secondary valve knob is roughly opposite to the secondary outlet and the axis points upward and slightly backward. The main valve and spindle valve axes form the shape of a capital H.]]
[[File:Slingshot scuba cylinder valve 20160618 140707.jpg|thumb|Slingshot valve with DIN connections has both a right and a left hand side spindle valve in the same body|alt= a parallel thread cylinder valve is shown, with a chromed dip tube, and two DIN valved connection sockets. The sockets are offset from the angled arms of the valve body, which branch at roughly 45 degrees from the neck thread axis in the same plane. The connection socket axes are orthogonal to the plane of the arms, and the valve spindles are orthogonal to their outlets and the axis of each arm, with the knobs to the outsides.]]
[[File:Dual DIN connection cylinder valve IMG 20201209 153510.jpg|thumb|90° Dual DIN connection cylinder valve]]
''Y'' and ''H'' cylinder valves have two outlets, each with its own valve, allowing two regulators to be connected to the cylinder.<ref name=StoneAAUS1986/> If one regulator "freeflows", which is a common failure mode, or ices up, which can happen in water below about 5&nbsp;°C, its valve can be closed and the cylinder breathed from the regulator connected to the other valve. The difference between an H-valve and a Y-valve is that the Y-valve body splits into two posts roughly 90° to each other and 45° from the vertical axis, looking like a Y, while an H-valve is usually assembled from a valve designed as part of a manifold system with an additional valve post connected to the manifold socket, with the valve posts parallel and vertical, which looks a bit like an H. Y-valves are also known as "slingshot valves" due to their appearance.<ref name="Dowding 2003" /> Another style of dual outlet valve has the openings at 90° to each other and to the cylinder centreline. These are used on rebreather cylinders so that a bailout regulator can be fitted as well as the rebreather supply regulator.
===Handed valves===
Some cylinder valve models have axial spindles - in line with the cylinder axis, and are not handed. Standard side-spindle valves have the valve knob on the diver's right side when back-mounted. Side-spindle valves used with manifolds must be a handed pair - one with the knob to the right and the other with the knob to the left, but in all cases the valve is opened by turning the knob anticlockwise, and closed by turning it clockwise. This is the convention with almost all valves for all purposes. Left and right hand side-spindle valves are used by sidemount divers. These may be blanked off manifold valves or specially made for the purpose.<ref name="DirDirect" /><ref name="Apeks valves" />
===Modular valves===
Valves which can be assembled as single or dual outlet valves, or as the paired valves of a manifold system are known as modular valves. They are generally available as left and right hand valves, with a second unvalved outlet into which a blanking plug, a second valve, or the end of a plain or isolation manifold can be screwed. The secondary outlet for one side may have left hand thread, usually indicated by a groove around the hexagon of the nut, as manifolds usually have some centre distance adjustment by rotating the manifold on its axis, which will screw it into or out of both valves at the same time. This makes it necessary to have matching thread on the plugs or secondary valves.
<ref name="DGE Valves" /><ref name="DGE Modular" /><ref name="Dive avenue" />
A more complex modular valve system was introduced by Poseidon, where a wide variety of configurations could be assembled out of a set of standardised parts.
===Bursting disk===
{{see also|Diving cylinder#Safety}}
[[File:Detail of bursting disc insert in a scuba cylinder valve P1240150.jpg|thumb|Detail of bursting disc insert in a scuba cylinder valve]]
Some national standards require that the cylinder valve includes a [[bursting disk]], a pressure relief device that will release the gas before the cylinder fails in the event of overpressurization.<ref name="NOAA Diving Manual 2001" /> If a bursting disk ruptures during a dive the entire contents of the cylinder will be lost in a very short time. The risk of this happening to a correctly rated disc, in good condition, on a correctly filled cylinder is very low. Burst disk over-pressure protection is specified in the CGA Standard S1.1. Standard for Pressure Relief Devices.<ref name="Cavagna" /> Bursting disc rupture pressure is generally rated at 85% to 100% of test pressure.<ref name="Barker 2002" />
==Accessories==
Additional components for convenience, protection or other functions, not directly required for the function as a valve.
===Manifolds===
{{main|Scuba manifold}}
[[File:Face sealed isolation manifold on twin 12l steel cylinders PB128181.jpg|thumb|left|Face sealed isolation manifold on twin 12&nbsp;L steel cylinders. The plastic discs are records of the latest internal inspection|alt= Two 12-litre steel cylinders with DIN outlet valves connected by a manifold with a central isolation valve.]]
A cylinder manifold is a tube which connects two cylinders together so that the contents of both can be supplied to one or more regulators.<ref name="USNDM R6" /><ref name=WatersportPublishing />{{rp|164,165}}
There are three commonly used configurations of manifold. The oldest type is a tube with a connector on each end which is attached to the cylinder valve outlet, and an outlet connection in the middle, to which the regulator is attached. A variation on this pattern includes a reserve valve at the outlet connector. The cylinders are isolated from the manifold when closed, and the manifold can be attached or disconnected while the cylinders are pressurised.<ref name=WatersportPublishing /><ref name="Roberts" />
More recently, manifolds have become available which connect the cylinders on the cylinder side of the valve, leaving the outlet connection of the cylinder valve available for connection of a regulator. This means that the connection cannot be made or broken while the cylinders are pressurised, as there is no valve to isolate the manifold from the interior of the cylinder. This apparent inconvenience allows a regulator to be connected to each cylinder, and isolated from the internal pressure independently, which allows a malfunctioning regulator on one cylinder to be isolated while still allowing the regulator on the other cylinder access to all the gas in both cylinders.<ref name=WatersportPublishing /> These manifolds may be plain or may include an isolation valve in the manifold, which allows the contents of the cylinders to be isolated from each other. This allows the contents of one cylinder to be isolated and secured for the diver if a leak at the cylinder neck thread, manifold connection, or burst disk on the other cylinder causes its contents to be lost.<ref name=WatersportPublishing /> A relatively uncommon manifold system is a connection which screws directly into the neck threads of both cylinders, and has a single valve to release gas to a connector for a regulator. These manifolds can include a reserve valve, either in the main valve or at one cylinder. This system is mainly of historical interest.<ref name=Roberts/>
===Valve cage===
Also known as a manifold cage or regulator cage, this is a structure which can be clamped to the neck of the cylinder or manifolded cylinders to protect the valves and regulator first stages from impact and abrasion damage while in use<ref name=WatersportPublishing />{{rp|166}} and from rolling the valve closed by friction of the handwheel against an overhead. A valve cage is often made of stainless steel,<ref name=WatersportPublishing /> and some designs can snag on obstructions and lines.
===Dust caps===
[[File:Scuba cylinder reserve valve showing dust cap on yoke post and bursting disc insert P1240148.jpg|thumb|Scuba cylinder reserve valve showing dust cap on yoke post and bursting disc insert]]
Plastic covers are held over the opening by friction, or screwed into a DIN valve socket to keep dust and spray from entering the opening. They are generally not 100% reliable, and it is considered prudent to open the valve slightly to blow out any contamination before making a connection to filler hose or regulator.
===Extension handle===
A valve knob extension (slob knob) is a fairly long flexible extension to a valve spindle allowing the diver to open and close the valve if it is in a position where the diver cannot normally reach it.
==Standards==
Standards relating to the specifications and manufacture of cylinder valves include ISO 10297 and CGA V-9 Standard for Gas Cylinder Valves,<ref name="Cavagna" /> both of which specify design, testing and marking of cylinder valves to be fitted as a closure to refillable transportable gas cylinders.<ref name="ISO 10297:2014" /> The 8th edition of CGA V-9 brings it into alignment with ISO 10297.<ref name="CGA V-9" />
==References==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="Apeks valves">{{cite web|url=http://www.apeksdiving.com/uk/manifolds-cylinder-bands/product/apeks-left-and-right-hand-cylinder-valve.html|title=Apeks Left and Right hand Cylinder Valve|work=Products|last=<!-- not specified-->|publisher=Apeks Marine Equipment|location=Blackburn, United Kingdom|access-date=16 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108053720/http://www.apeksdiving.com/uk/manifolds-cylinder-bands/product/apeks-left-and-right-hand-cylinder-valve.html|archive-date=8 November 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
<ref name="Barker 2002" >{{cite report |title=Luxfer gas cylinders: Questions and answers from the technical seminars held in South Asia, Jan/Feb 2002 |first=Jim |last=Barker |publisher=Luxfer Asia-Pacific|date=14 June 2002 }}</ref>
<ref name="Barsky">{{cite book |last1=Barsky |first1=Steven |last2=Neuman |first2=Tom |title=Investigating Recreational and Commercial Diving Accidents |year=2003 |publisher=Hammerhead Press |location=Santa Barbara, California |isbn=0-9674305-3-4}}</ref>
<ref name="BS2779" >{{cite tech report |work=British Standard 2779 |date=1986 |title= Specification for pipe threads for tubes and fittings where pressure-tight joints are not made on the threads (metric dimensions) |publisher=British Standards Institution |location=London |isbn= 0-580-15212-X |last=((Committee MCE/18)) }}</ref>
<ref name=Catalina >{{cite web |url=http://www.catalinacylinders.com/support/valving-of-scuba-air-cylinders/|title=Valving of SCUBA (Air) Cylinders |last=Staff |work=Support documents |publisher=Catalina Cylinders |access-date=13 November 2016 |location=Garden Grove, California}}</ref>
<ref name="Cavagna">{{cite web |url=http://www.remixbg.com/Documentation/Documents/Drugi/pressure.pdf |title=High pressure cylinder valves |publisher=Cavagna group, Ponte S. Marco di Calcinato, Italy |access-date=9 February 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="CGA V-9" >{{cite web |url=https://www.cganet.com/cga-v-9-publication-defines-key-factors-compressed-gas-cylinder-valve-safety/ |title=CGA's V-9 Publication Defines Key Factors for Compressed Gas Cylinder Valve Safety |website=www.cganet.com |publisher=Compressed Gas Assiociation |date=5 November 2020 |access-date=25 January 2021 }}</ref>
<ref name="DGE">{{cite web |url=http://www.divegearexpress.com/library/tanks.shtml |title=How to select a SCUBA tank |last=Staff |work=www.divegearexpress.com |publisher=Dive Gear Express, LLC |location=Pompano Beach, Florida |access-date=8 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150415190644/https://www.divegearexpress.com/library/tanks.shtml |archive-date=15 April 2015 |df=dmy }}</ref>
<ref name="DGE2" >{{cite web |url=https://www.divegearexpress.com/library/articles/valves-neck-threads |title=Valves and Neck Threads - Regulator Fittings and SCUBA Valves |author=Staff |publisher=Dive Gear Express, LLC |location=Pompano Beach, Florida |access-date=16 January 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="DGE Modular" >{{cite web |url=https://www.divegearexpress.com/dgx-premium-modular-valve-right-typical-side |title=DGX Premium Modular Valve, Right (Typical Side) |website=www.divegearexpress.com |publisher=Dive Gear Express |access-date=27 January 2021 }}</ref>
<ref name="DGE Valves" >{{cite web |url=https://www.divegearexpress.com/dgx-premium-modular-valve-right-typical-side |title=Valves |website=www.divegearexpress.com |publisher=Dive Gear Express |access-date=27 January 2021 }}</ref>
<ref name="DirDirect" >{{cite web |url=http://www.dirdirect.com/12L-Concave-Euro-Cylinder-with-Left-or-Right-Hand-Valve.html|title=12L Concave Euro Cylinder with Left or Right Hand Valve |last=Staff |work=DirDirect Worldwide product catalog |publisher=Underwater Explorers Ltd |location=Portland, UK |access-date=16 January 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="Dive avenue" >{{cite web |url=https://www.diveavenue.com/en/valves/1895-3082-mono-valve-air-din-232-bars-m25x2.html |title=Modular scuba mono valve AIR DIN 232 bars M25x2 |website=www.diveavenue.com |publisher=Dive Avenue |access-date=27 January 2021 }}</ref>
<ref name="Divestock" >{{cite web |url=https://www.divestock.com/scuba-diving/tanks/valves |title=Valves & Manifolds |website=www.diveavenue.com |publisher=DiveStock |access-date=27 January 2021 }}</ref>
<ref name="Dowding 2003" >{{cite book |last=Dowding |first=Scott |title=The Recreational Diver's Dictionary & Historical Timeline |year=2003 |publisher=iUniverse |location=Bloomington, Indiana |isbn=978-0-595-29468-8 }}</ref>
<ref name="Draeger Ray" >{{cite web |url=http://www.wern.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/dragerrayinstr.pdf |title=DrägerRay Mixed Gas-Rebreather Instructions for Use |last=Staff |date=August 1999 |work=90 21 365 - GA 2215.000 de/en |publisher=Dräger Sicherheitstechnik GmbH |edition=2nd |pages=46–88 |access-date=8 November 2016 |location=Lübeck, Germany }}</ref>
<ref name=Harlow>{{cite book|last=Harlow|first=Vance |title=Scuba regulator maintenance and repair|year=1999|publisher=Airspeed press|location=Warner, New Hampshire |isbn=0-9678873-0-5}}</ref>
<ref name="HCG">{{cite book |author=Compressed Gas Association |title=Handbook of Compressed Gases |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5EfhBwAAQBAJ&q=CGA-850+standard&pg=PA229 |access-date=17 January 2016 |edition=3rd |year=1990 |publisher=Chapman and Hall |location=New York City |isbn=978-1-4612-8020-0 |page=229}}</ref>
<ref name="IMCA SF 01/16" >{{Cite web |url=https://www.imca-int.com/alert/986/injuries-due-to-failure-of-divers-emergency-gas-cylinder-use-of-incompatible-threads/ |title=Injuries due to failure of divers emergency gas cylinder – use of incompatible threads |publisher=International Marine Contractors Association |date=7 January 2016 |access-date=25 January 2019 }} M25x2 cylinder, 3/4″x14 BSP valve</ref>
<ref name="IMCA SF 19/14" >{{Cite web |url=https://www.imca-int.com/alert/866/injuries-due-to-failure-of-divers-emergency-gas-cylinder/
|title=Injuries due to failure of diver's emergency gas cylinder |publisher=International Marine Contractors Association |date=18 December 2014 |access-date=25 January 2019 }} M25x2 valve in 3/4"x14tpi cylinder</ref>
<ref name="IMCA SF 05/10" >{{Cite web |url=https://www.imca-int.com/alert/525/diver-injury-during-air-cylinder-recharging/ |title=Diver injury during air cylinder recharging |publisher=International Marine Contractors Association |date=18 December 2014 |access-date=28 July 2010 }} M25x2 valve, cylinder had a Whitworth imperial thread of 1 inch (25.4 mm)</ref>
<ref name="Inquest 96/2015">{{cite book |title=Transcript of the court records of Inquest No. 96/2015 |date=30 November 2015 |publisher=Magistrates court for the district of the Cape |location=Cape Town}}</ref>
<ref name="ISO 10297:2014" >{{cite book |url=https://www.sis.se/api/document/preview/917602/ |title=ISO 10297:2014 Gas cylinders — Cylinder valves — Specification and type testing |type=Limited preview |publisher=International Standards Organization |via=Svenska institutet för standarder |access-date=22 January 2021 }}</ref>
<ref name="ISO 11116-1" >{{cite book |last=((Technical Committee 58 Gas cylinders)) |title=ISO 11116-1: Gas cylinders - 17E taper thread for connection of valves to gas cylinders |edition=First |date=25 March 1999 |publisher=International Standards Organization |location=Geneva, Switzerland }}</ref>
<ref name=ISO13341>{{cite book |last=((Technical Committee ISO/TC 58, Gas cylinders)) |title=ISO 13341:1997 Transportable gas cylinders - Fitting of valves to gas cylinders |edition=1st |date=15 October 1997 |publisher=International Standards Organisation |location=Geneva, Switzerland }}</ref>
<ref name="Metal Cutting Tool">{{cite book |last=Metal Cutting Tool Institute |title=Metal Cutting Tool Handbook |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LYFFYiV1fq4C&q=NGS+thread |access-date=7 December 2016 |edition=illustrated |year=1989 |publisher=Industrial Press Inc. |isbn=978-0-8311-1177-9 |page=447|chapter=Tap and Die section: American Standard Gas Cylinder Valve Threads}}</ref>
<ref name="NOAA Diving Manual 1979" >{{cite book |title=NOAA Diving Manual, Diving for Science and Technology |author=NOAA Diving Program (U.S.) |edition=2nd |editor-first=James W. |editor-last=Miller |date=December 1979 |publisher=US Department of Commerce: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Ocean Engineering |location=Silver Spring, Maryland |chapter=4: Diving equipment |pages=4–9 }}</ref>
<ref name="NOAA Diving Manual 2001" >{{cite book |title=NOAA Diving Manual, Diving for Science and Technology |author=NOAA Diving Program (U.S.) |edition=4th |editor-first=James T |editor-last=Joiner |date=28 Feb 2001 |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, National Undersea Research Program |chapter=Section 5.7 Compressed gas cylinders |location=Silver Spring, Maryland |isbn=978-0-941332-70-5 |url=https://archive.org/details/noaadivingmanual00noaa |url-access=registration }} CD-ROM prepared and distributed by the National Technical Information Service (NTIS)in partnership with NOAA and Best Publishing Company</ref>
<ref name="Oxyhacker">{{cite book|last=Harlow |first=Vance |title=Oxygen Hacker's Companion |edition=4th|year=2001 |publisher=Airspeed Press |location=Warner, New Hampshire}}</ref>
<ref name="PADI" >{{cite web |url=https://www.padi.com/scuba-diving/padi-courses/course-catalog/about-scuba-gear/tank/|title=Advanced Open Water Diver Course - Standard Scuba Tank Features |last=Staff|year=2016 |publisher=PADI |location=Rancho Santa Margarita, California |access-date=16 January 2016}}</ref>
<ref name=Roberts>{{cite book|last=Roberts |first=Fred M. |title=Basic Scuba: Self contained underwater breathing apparatus: Its operation, maintenance and use |edition=2nd |year=1963 |publisher=Van Nostrand Reinholdt |location=New York}}</ref>
<ref name="Scuba Doctor">{{cite web|url=https://www.scubadoctor.com.au/diveshop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=294|title=San-o-Sub DIN/K Cylinder Valve - 232 bar|last=Staff |publisher=The Scuba Doctor|access-date=6 January 2016|location=Melbourne, Victoria}}</ref>
<ref name=StoneAAUS1986 >{{cite report |last=Stone |first=W.C. |title=Design of fully redundant autonomous life support systems. |editor-last=Mitchell |editor-first=C.T. |work=Diving for Science 86. Proceedings of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences Sixth Annual Scientific Diving Symposium. |year=1986 |publisher=[[American Academy of Underwater Sciences]] |location=Dauphin Island, Alabama   }}</ref>
<ref name="USNDM R6" >{{cite book |title=US Navy Diving Manual, 6th revision |year=2006 |publisher=US Naval Sea Systems Command |url=http://www.supsalv.org/00c3_publications.asp?destPage=00c3&pageID=3.9 |access-date=15 September 2016 |location=Washington, D.C.|author=US Navy |chapter=Section 7-2.2 Open circuit scuba}}</ref>
<ref name=WatersportPublishing>{{cite book |author-link=Bret Gilliam |last1=Gilliam |first1=Bret C |last2=Von Maier |first2=Robert |last3=Crea |first3=John |title=Deep diving: an advanced guide to physiology, procedures and systems. |year=1992 |isbn=0-922769-30-3 |publisher=Watersport Publishing, Inc. |location=San Diego, California |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HVbjgdorRXAC&q=independent+doubles+diving&pg=PA163 |access-date=10 January 2016 }}</ref>
<ref name="XS Scuba" >{{cite web|url=http://www.xsscuba.com/luxfer-limited-106-composite-cylinder|title=Luxfer Limited 106 |last=Staff |work=Catalog |publisher=XS Scuba |access-date=7 August 2016}}</ref>
}}
{{Underwater diving|divequ}}
[[Category:Underwater breathing apparatus components]]
[[Category:Pressure vessel components]]
[[Category:Valves]]