Greetings, Rick, a followup regarding Thermo's O2 policy. From your web site:
"Thermo scuba valves and scuba valve parts are for either breathing air service or for EAN ready service. The service is shown with the description of each valve or part.
A valve or part intended for breathing air service is designed for Grade E breathing air (21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen by volume) and may not be used for any other purpose.
A valve or part intended for EAN ready service may be used for either oxygen enriched breathing air with a maximum oxygen content of 40% OR Grade E breathing air. However, once a valve or part intended for EAN ready service is used for Grade E breathing air or any other gas other than EAN, that valve or part must then be dedicated to Grade E breathing air service. IF AT ANY TIME AN EAN READY VALVE OR PART IS USED WITH GRADE E BREATHING AIR OR ANY GAS OTHER THAN OXYGEN ENRICHED BREATHING AIR, DO NOT USE THE VALVE OR PART FOR OXYGEN ENRICHED BREATHING AIR THEREAFTER!"
I take this to mean that:
1. Thermo does not recognize "O2 compatible" air, i.e. having the same hydrocarbon, etc. limits that EAN does, in terms of support for switching back and forth between EAN and air, and
2. If your EAN ready valves are used with air (any grade), that they can never again be used with EAN even if they have been cleaned and inspected for O2 service.
Am I correct in my understanding? If so could you explain the reasoning behind these positions?
Thanks, TL
"Thermo scuba valves and scuba valve parts are for either breathing air service or for EAN ready service. The service is shown with the description of each valve or part.
A valve or part intended for breathing air service is designed for Grade E breathing air (21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen by volume) and may not be used for any other purpose.
A valve or part intended for EAN ready service may be used for either oxygen enriched breathing air with a maximum oxygen content of 40% OR Grade E breathing air. However, once a valve or part intended for EAN ready service is used for Grade E breathing air or any other gas other than EAN, that valve or part must then be dedicated to Grade E breathing air service. IF AT ANY TIME AN EAN READY VALVE OR PART IS USED WITH GRADE E BREATHING AIR OR ANY GAS OTHER THAN OXYGEN ENRICHED BREATHING AIR, DO NOT USE THE VALVE OR PART FOR OXYGEN ENRICHED BREATHING AIR THEREAFTER!"
I take this to mean that:
1. Thermo does not recognize "O2 compatible" air, i.e. having the same hydrocarbon, etc. limits that EAN does, in terms of support for switching back and forth between EAN and air, and
2. If your EAN ready valves are used with air (any grade), that they can never again be used with EAN even if they have been cleaned and inspected for O2 service.
Am I correct in my understanding? If so could you explain the reasoning behind these positions?
Thanks, TL