Difference between tank vis ?

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JackOfDiamonds

Jewish Space Laser Operator
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Hello ,

I've recently had my scuba tank (12L/AL80) visually inspected and encountered something frustrating that I would like to know more about .

I had my tank inspected under "IANTD" standards which as far as I'm aware are pretty strict.
The same DC I had the tank inspected had no problem filling my tank with any nitrox mix , along with all the clubs that operate under "IANTD".

When i went to a different DC to have my tank filled with nitrox they refused to refill my tank with anything but air.
They claimed it's because they operate under a different standard, "ANDI - Safe Air " .

I was baffled because they had no problem refilling my tank with air but they refused to fill any mix above 21%.

I'm genuinely curious , is there a difference or a reason why would they do this ? Or is this just another case of pointless bureaucracy?

Would appreciate any insights .
 
A visual inspection does not include O2 cleaning.
 
To expand a bit on the above, perhaps Shop A does continuous blending, and Shop B does partial pressure blending. Perhaps Shop A did not punch out the "O2 clean" mark on the inspection sticker (for which there might be more than one reason). If these postulates happen to be true, Shop B is being responsible to themselves, and to you. If one is not true, then a bit more investigation might be in order before being annoyed with Shop B.

Just my 2 PSI.
 
When I worked at a ANDI facility , to create a nitrox fill they used 50% O2 rather than 100% to create the partial pressure mix. Tanks need to be O2 cleaned , Ed Betts was owner of ANDI at the time and custom made the fill panel used.
 
A visual inspection does not include O2 cleaning.

Under IANTD it does include O2 cleaning , my tank even has the sticker attached to it indicating its safe for O2 use.
 
Under IANTD it does include O2 cleaning , my tank even has the sticker attached to it indicating its safe for O2 use.

I think this is a difference in intended semantics.

Some VIP *classes* include O2 cleaning training.

No VIP *inspection* I am aware of includes O2 cleaning as a matter of course.
 
I think this is a difference in intended semantics.

Some VIP *classes* include O2 cleaning training.

No VIP *inspection* I am aware of includes O2 cleaning as a matter of course.

I think i lost you there, my English could probably use some honing .

the VIP Inspection i have done does including O2 cleaning as part of IANTD (International association for Nitrox & Technical Divers ) does require O2 cleaning for tanks as indicated on my tank's sticker. (Would take a picture but im not home atm)

I didint take any class what so ever, just wanted to have my tank inspected and later filled at a different DC.

Apologize in advance if i misunderstood you
 
Perhaps it was not a tank issue, did you present a card to the filling station thy said you were qualified to use mixes over 21% ? Just a thought. My local shops never check mine because they KNOW me, when I travel it’s a different situation. Just a thought!
 
I think i lost you there, my English could probably use some honing .

the VIP Inspection i have done does including O2 cleaning as part of IANTD (International association for Nitrox & Technical Divers ) does require O2 cleaning for tanks as indicated on my tank's sticker. (Would take a picture but im not home atm)

I didint take any class what so ever, just wanted to have my tank inspected and later filled at a different DC.

Apologize in advance if i misunderstood you

JD...

I'd like to see the VIP sticker on your cylinder...

There is O2 cleaned for max 40% service...there is also 100% oxygen service cleaned...for either 100% oxygen service...and partial pressure fill service where 100% oxygen is introduced into the cylinder first...before it is topped up with 21 % (air)...

A cylinder that is cleaned for 40% oxygen service...cannot be filled by the partial pressure fill method...

Then there is the ''blend stick'' pre-mix fill method to 40% max...where the cylinder does not have to be oxygen service cleaned at all...

The best way to be sure is to always have your cylinders/valves cleaned for 100% oxygen service...and ensure the shop you use is always using hyperfiltered air...if not the cylinder will have to be recleaned...

Personally...I'm not a believer in a cylinder cleaned for max 40%...in my mind the cylinder/valve is either cleaned for 100% oxygen service...or it's not...

I've seen shops that claim to be performing 100% O2 cleaning on the cylinders...but leave the valves untouched...

The attached is the VIP sticker I use...with the appropriate punch-outs for 100% oxygen service cleaned...

This yellow/green VIP sticker also eliminates the need for large NITROX bands...

Hope this helps...

Best...

Warren

NITROX VIP Sticker.jpg
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/perdix-ai/

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