Apeks and Nitrox

[nickjb]

Sounds like a liability issue

 

[Iguana Don]

Bought it in 1998. Still have the owner's manual.

"Zeagle Reflex regulators Models TECH-50D and Z-RD with the diaphragm type adjustable pressure first stages are manufactured using materials suitable for use with oxygen enriched gases (i.e., Nitrox, etc,) providing the oxygen content does not exceed 40%."

This is quoted straight out of the manual.

ID

 

[The Zer]

The manual (dated 1999) for my Apeks TX100 (bought new in Florida 2002) states:

This regulator is designed and intended for use only with clean, compressed atmospheric air (21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen), meeting the requirements of the EN 132 standard, appendix A. DO NOT use this equipment with any other gas or enriched oxygen mixture above 23% oxygen. Failure to observe this warning may result in serious injury or death due to fire or explosion.

Note: Apeks offers a separate line of regulators which are specifically designed and manufactured for use with oxygen enriched air. For information about these models, or upgrade options for your regulator, consult your authorized Apeks dealer.

The Apeks web site states:

We offer a range of regulators suitable for use with Nitrox and Oxygen (also known as oxygen enriched air or EAN).

As they leave the factory standard Apeks regulators are suitable for use with oxygen enriched gases ( i.e. Nitrox etc.) providing the oxygen content does NOT EXCEED 40%.

For mixtures containing more than 40% Apeks Nitrox regulators are specially made and assembled at our factory and are suitable for 100% oxygen use.

Standard Apeks regulators can be professionally converted to oxygen service and oxygen compatibility kits are available to Apeks dealers together with instructions for O2 use.

Hmm. Who's right? Apeks or Apeks. LOL.

Also, my LDS authorized Apeks dealer said that my TX100 is nitrox ready (up to 40% O2) right out of the box.
The Zer

 

[fabitolindo]

Hi,
Thank you all for your answers! I don´t know what to do... Just ignore the manual and use nitrox anyway or do what is said...

What would you do?

I wrote to the Apeks support. I will place here all the emails:

----------------------XXXXXXXXXXXX----------------
Hi,
I just bought an Apeks AT20 regulator. The manual says that I can not use it with nitrox (over 24% oxygen). The european site says that all Apeks regulators can be used with up to 40% nitrox straight from the box.
Which information should I trust? Can my reg be "cleaned" for nitrox in an althorized dealer?
Thanks,
Fabito

Hello Fabito, you will be able to use your Apeks AT20 but it will require some changes, cleaning and the unit will have to be dedicated for nitrox use. Please contact your local Aqualung Dealer and they will be able to fix you up.
Sincerely,
Todd Anderson
Aqualung Repair Dept.
(877) 253-3483 ext.6337

Hi Todd,
I just want to use it with nitrox up to 40%. Does it have do be cleaned anyway?! is the Apeks website lying? Does it have to be dedicated (you mean only use for nitrox, right?) even when using less than 40% oxigen?!
Fabito

To use the Apeks regs with anything over 23.5% oxygen the reg will need to be cleaned for nitrox use and dedicated (Only use with nitrox). Also the reg out of the box will require some changes to use nitrox. Please see your local dealer for more info.
Please use the dealer locator function on our website at www.aqualung.com
Sincerely,
Todd Anderson

---------------------------XX------------------------



Fabito

 

[VTWarrenG]

Apeks is trying to cover their butts. It doesn't matter. Use any reg you'd like with nitrox below 40%.

- Warren

 

[Uncle Pug]

...if used in the USA with an O2 content >21%

Send all of your Apeks regulators to Uncle Pug for immediate disposal... those outside of the USA can disregard this notice and continue to use their Apeks regulators as is.

 

[The Zer]

Try emailing the same questions to Apeks in the United Kingdom. I bet you'll get a different answer.

I start my nitrox course on Friday, July 12 and I'll be using my "unaltered/uncleaned for nitrox" Apeks TX100. If you don't hear from me by Monday, July 15, i would suggest you get your Apeks O2 cleaned.

the zer

 

[O-ring]

I did two dives on my ATX50/DS4 DIN/TX50 backup today...one on EANx33 and one on EANx32...nothing exploded and I could breathe just fine...

I am using them in the same state as they were in when I took them out of the box that SimplyScuba sent me...

 

[fabitolindo]

Well, I will use it with nitrox anyway. I live in Brazil so I won´t explode like the americans apeks users usually do.

Next weekend I´ll try my new equipament and celebrate the World Cup Championship.

Thank you all for your answers.

Fabito

 

[Uncle Pug]

Originally posted by fabitolindo
Next weekend I´ll try my new equipament and celebrate the World Cup Championship.

Are you guys ever going to give anyone else a chance to win one???