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Valves

For more valves please check Soprassub

Left and right valves
The difference between left and right valves.

232 and 300 bars valves
The difference between 232 and 300 bars valves.

The Sopras Tek valve range covers 32 products across four categories: complete isolation manifolds for backmount doubles at 232 bar and 300 bar; modular left/right valve parts and middle parts for assembling or servicing manifold assemblies; Nitrox and Argon valves with oxygen-compatible cleaning for gas-specific cylinders; and rebreather valves for CCR diluent and oxygen cylinders. For additional single-cylinder valve options, see the extended range at Soprassub.

Cylinder Valves for Technical Diving

The cylinder valve is the interface between the stored gas and the diver’s regulator. In technical diving, valve selection is determined by the cylinder’s role (back gas, stage, deco, argon, CCR), the gas it contains (air, Nitrox, pure O₂, argon), the working pressure (232 bar or 300 bar), and the configuration (single cylinder, manifolded doubles, sidemount). Every combination has specific hardware requirements.

Manifold Valves for twins

6 complete isolation manifolds across 232 bar and 300 bar pressure ratings, ISOL and screw (SA/LI) formats, for 171 mm and 203 mm cylinder diameters. The primary configuration hardware for backmount doubles. 210–225 €.

Manifold parts and SM valves

19 individual modular components: left/right valve parts, middle parts (with and without isolation), closures, and single-manifold (SM) valves for building or servicing manifold assemblies at 232 bar and 300 bar. 14–99 €.

Nitrox/Argon valves

5 oxygen-cleaned valves for Nitrox and Argon cylinders. Left Z valve formats in M18×1.5, G 5/8″ (EN144 26×2), and a V-valve format with G 5/8″ regulator connection. 54–103 €.

Rebreather valves

2 valves for CCR cylinder configurations — Air and Nitrox variants, standard and with 5/8″ connection. Oxygen-cleaned for high-O₂ gas use. 45–59 €.

Understanding Valve Specifications

Left vs. right: In a backmount double set, the left cylinder uses a left valve and the right cylinder uses a right valve. The distinction is which direction the spindle turns to open — this is standardised in technical diving to ensure consistent valve shutdown procedures regardless of equipment manufacturer. The reference diagram on the Sopras Tek valves page illustrates the physical difference. Ordering the wrong chirality is a common error when replacing individual manifold parts — double-check before ordering.

232 bar vs. 300 bar: The working pressure determines the internal components, o-ring dimensions, and burst disc specification. Components rated to 232 bar must not be used in 300 bar systems. All Sopras Tek valve product names include the pressure rating explicitly.

ISOL vs. screw formats: ISOL manifolds include the integrated isolation valve as part of the centre bridge. Screw SA (same-axis) and screw LI (left-integrated) describe the mechanical format of the valve-to-manifold connection rather than the presence or absence of isolation. Check the complete product name to determine whether an isolation valve is included.

What to Look For

  • Matching cylinder diameter: Manifold bridges span the gap between two cylinder necks. The 171 mm and 203 mm dimensions refer to the centre-to-centre neck spacing of the assembled twin set. This is determined by the cylinder outer diameter and the tank band configuration — measure your set or check the band specifications before ordering a manifold.
  • Gas-specific valves: Cylinders intended for Nitrox above 40% O₂ or pure oxygen must use oxygen-cleaned, compatible-material valves. The Nitrox/Argon valve range (and Rebreather valve range) is oxygen-cleaned from factory. Do not fit standard air valves on oxygen-service cylinders.
  • SM (single manifold) valves: In sidemount diving, individual cylinders each carry their own valve and regulator rather than being connected by a manifold. SM valves in this range are the modular left/right parts sized for single-cylinder sidemount use — verify the correct variant for your cylinder neck thread.

FAQ

How do I identify whether I need a 171 mm or 203 mm manifold?

The manifold length refers to the centre-to-centre distance between the two valve connections when assembled on the double set. This distance depends on the outer diameter of your cylinders and how the twin bands space them. 171 mm is standard for most 12 L steel cylinders (approximately 171 mm OD); 203 mm fits wider cylinders or sets with a larger gap between the necks. If assembling a new set, use the cylinder OD from the manufacturer specification. If replacing a manifold on an existing set, measure the centre-to-centre neck spacing with the cylinders banded.

Can I replace just one side of a manifold without replacing the whole assembly?

Yes. The Manifold parts and SM valves category contains individual left and right parts, middle parts, and closures. If the right valve is damaged but the middle section and left valve are serviceable, replace only the right part (e.g. SKU 741302 for 232 bar right, or 743302 for 300 bar ISOL right). Ensure the replacement part matches the pressure rating and format of the existing assembly.