Systematic use of oxygen analyzers by advanced divers ? [Poll].

[Roger Hobden]

I will be taking a PADI Nitrox course in a few weeks.

Reading about nitrox compared to air made me curious about the variations of the gas mixtures from one filling to the next.

I would be curious to know what percentage of advanced divers routinely verify themselves the oxygen percentage of their cylinders before diving ?

Also, what are the brands of affordable oxygen analyzers (that are accurate and precise at an acceptable level) that are usually recommended ?

Related question: in what circumstances would you screen your cylinders to make sure of the absence of carbon monoxyde ?

EDT: I forgot to add that I just bought two Luxfer 80 "neutral" cylinders with a 3300 psi capacity. I assume it must be safer to have some cylinders only dedicated to air, and others only dedicated to nitrox, but in the last case testing would probably always be preferable anyway.

 

[broncobowsher]

For air, no
For blended gasses, yes, always. They better teach you that in class.
Don't currently have an analyzer (that is looking to be changed soon), just use the shops. Have not researched one yet.

I think you will get most of your questions answered during your class.

 

[Ouvea]

I don't have an analyzer for carbon monoxide but I do have an O2 & HE analyzer. The cylinder will be checked before I leave the store, the day prior and the day of the dive. If you're going to use enriched air, analysis of the gas in your cylinder is a requirement. I have been on plenty of boats, while on vacation. The dive operation required that the diver analyze the tank and sign a log to confirm this. It takes no more time than looking at a pressure gauge to verify the amount of gas in the cylinder, prior to the dive.

 

[saxman242]

I have verified every tank and have found problems while doing so.

 

[flyboy08]

Verified and RECORDED! Unless just air.......

I think the poll will inevitably speak for itself.

 

[DandyDon]

in what circumstances would you screen your cylinders to make sure of the absence of carbon monoxyde ?

Every tank, every dive, no exceptions. I have seen CO (carbon monoxide) levels higher than they should ever be, once over the US accepted limit of 10ppm - and extreme levels do happen, can anywhere. I have also seen divers go deep on Nitrox by mistake, thinking they were diving there Air tanks first. The CooTwo checks for both in a few seconds.

 

[PfcAJ]

There’s no way to know what’s in your tank if you don’t test it.

 

[Caveeagle]

Yes, every dive. And for those of you who posted "unless it's just air".. unless you self fill, or deal with a shop that only does air, or partial prasure blending of ean, how do you know your "air" tank has only 21% in it? Nitrox is getting so common around my neck of the woods, that I would assume 31-32% to be in most rental tanks. Labeled for ean or not.

 

[TMHeimer]

I assumed you meant for Nitrox, which of course I do. I never have for Air, and would guess that many divers also do not for Air. Smelling the Air for contamination is another story, though you can't smell Carbon Monoxide.
Regarding another point, I too of course use the shop's analyzer for Nitrox (or observe them doing it).
Do you want to re-phrase the Poll to read "for using Nitrox"? I think you will find different results.

 

[Trace Malinowski]

I selected "other" because I usually personally verify the oxygen percentage of my gases before every dive. Sometimes, I don't personally verify such as when a buddy analyzes my gas. I figure if I can't trust my buddy to tell me, "Your oxygen is 20.8 and your helium is 35.6," when using the analyzer I shouldn't trust him or her with my life underwater.