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This Guide is made available for the express use of owners and users of the Dive Lab XLDS systems.
This information is subject to periodic updates and changes. Always check the Dive Lab web site for the latest versions.
Document XLDS Guide – Section Two
Revised July 17, 2019
3
SECTION TWO: CONCEPT AND INTENDED USE
Intermediate Surface Supply
Concept
XLDS operates as an intermediate compensated
system. The XLDS system uses a specially
designed 1/4" main gas umbilical assembly, that
reduces the weight and bulk of the umbilicals to
approximately half that of the lightest assemblies
normally used for surface supply diving. The
umbilicals are supplied air from the console, at
pressures between 350-375 PSIG (24-26 bar), to a
volume compensated pressure control system,
worn by the diver, known as the diver worn
intermediate manifold compensating regulator
system (ICS). The manifold is integrated with a 0.8
liter accumulator and manifold regulator system,
which reduces high velocity medium pressure
breathing air (350 PSIG), from the umbilical, to
between 150-170 PSIG and supplies it to the
helmet or full face mask being used.
During inhalation, the ICS delivers breathing air to
the demand helmet or full-face mask with
minimal pressure drop, allowing for low
inhalation effort. During the exhalation cycle, the
system quickly builds pressure for the next
inhalation cycle. Breathing performance of the
system allows breathing rates of up to 90 RMV to
depths of 100 FSW, and up to 75 RMV to depths
of 132 FSW, with most model KMDSI helmets and
band masks, and at 75 RMV to 165 FSW when
using the KMDSI EXO- 26 BR. Both the positive
and non-positive pressure AGA
TM
FFM,
can be
used at work rates of 75 RMV, to depths of 150
FSW.
Conventional Surface Supplied
Diving
The surface air control consoles (RDC-2 and RDC-
3) can also be used as conventional air control
console, for demand mode surface supplied
diving, with demand mode Helmets and Masks.
When reference to conventional surface supplied
diving is given, it refers to the RDC-2 or RDC-3
console used with standard umbilicals and over
bottom tracking of supply pressures, no more
than 200-250 PSIG OB. When the RDC-2 or RDC-3
consoles are used for conventional air diving,
supply pressure can be regulated to each diver,
IAW the operational pressure and supply
requirements, dictated by the UBA being used,
and IAW the recommended performance
specifications as outlined in this user guide.
When using with conventional 3/8” umbilicals,
the RDC relief valves, should be reset to relieve
between 290-300 psig, verse the 390-400 psig
setting, when using with the XLDS system.
Currently the RDC-2 and RDC-3, are certified by
Dive Lab, for use with all properly maintained
current production models of KMDSI Band Masks,
Helmets, and Full Face Masks properly configured
for conventional surface supplied diving. Other
equipment may be used, contact Dive Lab for
additional information.
