Clearing a blocked Critical Orifice

Tom Rose · 31st May 2007, 14:39

I have accumulated 4 clogged stainless steel critical orifices in a box..(I hardly ever throw anything away). I had tried soaking them, ultrasonic cleaner etc with no success.

This morning I hooked one up to my helium tank directly through a transfill hose. I turned on the tank and there was a little popping sound at the orifice...it was cleared. Within a few minutes I had all 4 working again. From the junk box to the spare box in just a few minutes.

Because an orifice can get clogged, I always carry a spare or sometimes two to save a dive trip. I still plan to do just that, but over the next few years I am going to save a bit of time and money by pressure clearing of the orifice.

This worked fine for my McMaster Carr stainless orifice. I would not recommend doing this with other types because of the pressure.

Tom

**Dave Sutton** · 31st May 2007, 16:48

Cool......

Greenie-Booger flicked at you.

Air or 02 would work the same?

Dave

Tom Rose · 31st May 2007, 16:57

Quote: (Originally Posted by Dave Sutton)

Cool......

Greenie-Booger flicked at you.
Air or 02 would work the same?
Dave

I did not want very high pressure O2 because it was in my hand...I avoided air because I do not like to contaminate my transfill hose. So my eye fell on that tank of He and away we went.

Tom

31st May 2007, 14:39	#1 (permalink)
Tom Rose Still Learning Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: USA,North Carolina Posts: 331	Clearing a blocked Critical Orifice I have accumulated 4 clogged stainless steel critical orifices in a box..(I hardly ever throw anything away). I had tried soaking them, ultrasonic cleaner etc with no success. This morning I hooked one up to my helium tank directly through a transfill hose. I turned on the tank and there was a little popping sound at the orifice...it was cleared. Within a few minutes I had all 4 working again. From the junk box to the spare box in just a few minutes. Because an orifice can get clogged, I always carry a spare or sometimes two to save a dive trip. I still plan to do just that, but over the next few years I am going to save a bit of time and money by pressure clearing of the orifice. This worked fine for my McMaster Carr stainless orifice. I would not recommend doing this with other types because of the pressure. Tom __________________ The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime I have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90% probability I'll get it wrong the first time. www.atlimp.com
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31st May 2007, 16:48	#2 (permalink)
Dave Sutton Diveshop of Horrors Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss MK 15.X rEvo Other CCR Azimuth Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Evolution Megalodon rEvo Other CCR Azimuth Home Build Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Narragansett, Rhode Island and Hackettstown, New Jersey Posts: 2,907	Re: Clearing a blocked Critical Orifice Cool...... Greenie-Booger flicked at you. Air or 02 would work the same? Dave __________________ "Silent Diving with No Bubbles and No Politics".... www.nobubblediving.com
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31st May 2007, 16:57	#3 (permalink)
Tom Rose Still Learning Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: USA,North Carolina Posts: 331	Re: Clearing a blocked Critical Orifice Quote: (Originally Posted by Dave Sutton) Cool...... Greenie-Booger flicked at you. Air or 02 would work the same? Dave I did not want very high pressure O2 because it was in my hand...I avoided air because I do not like to contaminate my transfill hose. So my eye fell on that tank of He and away we went. Tom __________________ The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime I have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90% probability I'll get it wrong the first time. www.atlimp.com
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