Argon

[Packhorse]

Why do some people use argon for their drysuits?

 

[King Kong Matt]

Why do some people use argon for their drysuits?

My understanding is that it is a heavier gas and less conducive of heat than either air or helium.

It is especially important when you are breathing a helium mixture as helium will transfer heat from the body more quickly than something like air.

Like I say, I don't dive argon, but most folks I know do and that is my understanding of the situation.

Hope that helps!

 

[grazie42]

Those who do feel it makes them warmer.
I don´t.

ymmv...

 

[theskull]

My understanding is that it is a heavier gas and less conducive of heat than either air or helium.

It is especially important when you are breathing a helium mixture as helium will transfer heat from the body more quickly than something like air.

Like I say, I don't dive argon, but most folks I know do and that is my understanding of the situation.

Hope that helps!

That's correct, KKM. You DON'T want to inflate your suit with helium, at least not when you're diving cold water. So if you're breathing TMX you have to carry another inflation gas anyway, and the Argon is warmer than using air. It does make a difference, but only enough that if I'm not breathing a helium mix I only use the Argon if the water is REALLY cold and the weather is really cold as well.

theskull

 

[Thalassamania]

When a diver breathes HELIOX it feels cold because it has six times the heat conductivity of nitrogen. Helium is very light and its thermal capacity (which actual controls the number of calories carried away from the body) is quite low. Despite the feeling of cold, the actual heat loss from the body because of breathing helium is not excessive. Helium does not work very well as an insulating gas in a dry suit, argon or carbon dioxide are better choices for insulation. Argon is the best choice since CO2 when combined the water in a moist dry suit creates a weak acid that results in skin irritation

 

[hopeitsapar]

It is quite a bit warmer, but not a big deal unless the water is <55 degrees

 

[Scottri]

I've never noticed a difference so I don't use it. Plus, I don't want drag another bottle around just to fill my drysuit and I don't want to pay for Argon fills.

 

[scubadobadoo]

I have to say that using argon reminds me of the "does nitrox make me less tired" discussion. It seems to make sense that using argon would make one warmer, but enough people say that they feel no warmer so I'm not sure it is really worth the time, energy, and money to use something that many people don't praise. I also feel no less tired when I use nitrox.

 

[Diesel298]

to look cool

 

[Bob3]

Here's a copy of the only scientific study (that I'm aware of) regarding argon vs air as a suit inflation gas: http://www.angelfire.com/ca/divers3/Argon.pdf
"Argon vs Air as a drysuit inflation gas". (500kb PDF file) Used by permission of the UHMS