Air tank to Nitrox in Europe

[tamas970]

I have an air tank with M18x1.5 neck thread. I have recently learned, that the actual EU standardsallow for an official air to nitrox tank conversion only if the neck is M26.Can I convert the tank myself? I can get it O2-cleaned and painted, dive shops also sell Nitrox decals.As I remember my nitrox course, there is no need for an official stamp on the decal/tank.Would a dive store refuse a nitrox fill (with partial pressure filling) just because the neck thread is M18?I guess there are plenty of old tanks around using this thread.

 

[gekodivebali]

The M26 standard has nothing to do with the tank neck. This is a variation of the common DIN standard (M25). First stages to be used with enriched air in Europe now have a larger thread so they can not be used on regular air tanks and vice versa.
This is IMO a stupid law that does not offer much benefit and could actually end up making the sport more dangerous. As divers are reluctant to invest in a second set of regs, they will end up being unable to dive Nitrox altogether...
To get back to the issue you're facing, you've got 2 solutions:
1) find an M25 to M26 adapter. Those can be found easily on EU gear distributors websites
2) find a valve that fits your tank with an M26 DIN valve. Not sure how widely available this is

 

[tamas970]

Thanks for the info! Probably you saved me from renting a set of regulators by not knowing, that my DIN+Yoke scubapro mk19 is "not nitrox capable" thanks to Brussels. As for my other questions: can I clean the tank and valve myself and stick on an O2-clean and Nitrox sticker, such as this: Nitrox Clean Tank & Valve Inspection Certification Sticker VIP ?

 

[gekodivebali]

That depends on your filling station... I either use my own or use friendly professionals that turn a blind eye on Brussels' lack of practical knowledge.

---------- Post added April 16th, 2013 at 10:41 PM ----------

Sorry, reread ur first post...
You will need to get that tank properly inspected and cleaned for oxygen use if you are going to partial pressure fill it... I thought we were talking about not exposing it to more than 40% O2

---------- Post added April 16th, 2013 at 10:44 PM ----------

You would need knowledge far beyond that of an OW diver in order to O2 clean that tank on your own. Doing this without the proper training could result in fire, explosion and/or death...

 

[tamas970]

Even if I was able to O2 clean the system, most likely the dive stores I visit wouldn't accept that. (I could do it, in the "real life" I am a chemical engineer and know my way around chemicals and machinery)The only thing I have to find is a place, where they clean and dare to give a sticker on an M25 tank.

That depends on your filling station... I either use my own or use friendly professionals that turn a blind eye on Brussels' lack of practical knowledge.---------- Post added April 16th, 2013 at 10:41 PM ----------Sorry, reread ur first post...You will need to get that tank properly inspected and cleaned for oxygen use if you are going to partial pressure fill it... I thought we were talking about not exposing it to more than 40% O2---------- Post added April 16th, 2013 at 10:44 PM ----------You would need knowledge far beyond that of an OW diver in order to O2 clean that tank on your own. Doing this without the proper training could result in fire, explosion and/or death...

 

[gekodivebali]

Yeah it does not take a rocket scientist to O2 clean a tank. That being said, regulations are what they are.
Question: when was the last hydrostatic done?

 

[tamas970]

about 6 months ago. Not much diving happened since then...

Yeah it does not take a rocket scientist to O2 clean a tank. That being said, regulations are what they are.Question: when was the last hydrostatic done?