overkillphil
Contributor
Scary stuff indeed!
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I can say I've never used gas that's odourless. There will always be a slight rubbery taint to the air from the reg. Standing in a compressor room that taint always seems to be around also. After so many dives though, if you found it different that usual it's probably best not to dive it!
Yes, it does. Very much so. No compressor is 100% efficient regarding oil contamination, and no filter is 100% efficient at removing oil/moisture from the air. Using the correct oil for any compressor is of the utmost importance. There is always a degree of contamination in compressed breathing air.
I think the problem is most likely to occur immediately after the filters were changed because maybe it wasn't done quite right.He said that they had just recently installed new filters, so he was surprised to hear about the problem. Now, who knows if these tanks were filled before he changed the filters?
Greetings Sambolino44 and I would not use the tanks. The instructor I assist as a DM is also a VIP tank inspector and I have been around the inspection process. It has been a real learning experience both in tank care and compressor issues. He is a very anal about compressor maintenance and proper tank inspection and care. In just the last several months doing a variety of VIP's of cylinders there have been several tanks that had a very fowl "old nasty tire" smell. In one such tank there were evidence of pitting and the tank was just 2 years old.
In your situation I would ask if they have a current Air Analysis and check the date to be sure it is current. If they will not produce this or it is out of date, turn around and head down to the next LDS. Bad air can and will hurt you depending on just what or how contaminated it is. This is no joking matter.
In the last two years of pumping gas not once have I smelled or tasted anything in my tanks or any others that he or I have filled. Filters and proper synthetic oil for the compressor are carefully maintained and checked periodically. A fill log of detailed information; filter change, how long / hrs of run time, etc. The intake hose is placed according to the wind direction and away from contaminates as much as possible.
In the two Air Analysis's that have been taken the sample has more than exceeded the requirements. The compressor is bled every five minutes by hand because it is not automatic.
Not everyone is as careful or take the time to learn the proper gas pumping procedures. Improper compressor maintenance or a failure can occur which can be very dangerous. Be cautious and educate yourself. This is your life in that cylinder if it is bad air it could be your last dive! I am not trying to scare you but make a point.
CamG Keep diving....keep training....keep learning!
What do you think of a dive shop with a compressor that is next door to a boat workshop where folks have been spraying paint on a mast all day and the whole environment was saturated with strong paint smell?
I think it shouldn't be there in the first place!