Brand new manifold, come O2 clean or still need to have it clean?

[eelnoraa]

I need new manifold for a set of O2 cleaned double. I wonder if I buy a brand new manifold, say from Dive Rite or Thermo, does it come O2 clean or ready? Or additional cleaning procedure is needed

 

[Tug]

Not all manifolds come clean from the factory. I know those from Dive Gear Express come "Nitrox Ready" and I have no issues using them with O2 clean tanks.

According to our suppliers, their Nitrox Ready and Oxygen Service products are compatible with oxygen and factory cleaned for use with compressed gases in excess of 23.5% oxygen. Nonetheless, the 'clean state' of this equipment applies only prior to initial use. Thereafter, periodic inspection and cleaning are a necessity. You must meticulously follow the recommendations of the US Department of Transportation (DOT), Compressed Gas Association (CGA), and other federal/state/local agencies, plus your dive training agency for equipment maintenance, handling, storage, labeling, filling, transport and use of compressed gases. Oxygen-related fires and explosions can result in serious injury or death. Ultimately, you must make the final decision to assume all risks associated with the use of any compressed gases, including those in excess of 23.5% oxygen.

 

[WB2GLP]

You will find that most are good up to 40%, but ask before you buy because some, like the XS/Thermo DIN 300, are only good to 21%.

 

[Akimbo]

Just curious, what are you going to do with such a high Oxygen mix that you need doubles with an isolation valve?

 

[Hickdive]

Some manufacturers supply cylinder valves and manifolds as clean from the factory, others don't. The only way to know is to ask the manufacturer.

That said, many manufacturers will categorically tell you "no" to avoid potential liability issues. Perhaps the best thing to do is to just have the valves and manifold cleaned prior to installation regardless,

If partial pressure blending is going to be used then they should be "clean" regardless of the end percentage O2 as they will be exposed to 100% oxygen during the blending process.

 

[Akimbo]

…If partial pressure blending is going to be used then they should be "clean" regardless of the end percentage O2 as they will be exposed to 100% oxygen during the blending process.

Agreed, but there are so many places in the San Francisco Bay Area the do continuous blending of Nitrox and Trimix that partial pressure blending hardly seems worth it.

 

[ajduplessis]

Many tech divers are blenders and will mix all gasses themselves, its a lot cheaper too.

 

[eelnoraa]

Agreed, but there are so many places in the San Francisco Bay Area the do continuous blending of Nitrox and Trimix that partial pressure blending hardly seems worth it.

I know, there are many that do, and also quite a few that don't. Just the tanks I am about to double up, they are O2 clean, no reason for me to destroy. No plan to dive higher than 32% O2, but I can see mix like 30/30 will require partial pressure blend.

 

[ajduplessis]

It is pretty useless to O2 clean the new valves if you don't know 100% if the air sources (compressors) you will be using is 100% clean. I have been using DIR Zone valves and popped then in an ultrasound bath after purchase. Never had any issues but I know the air sources I use. As a blender you should understand the risk and what you should have in place to mitigate those risks.

 

[Hickdive]

It is pretty useless to O2 clean the new valves if you don't know 100% if the air sources (compressors) you will be using is 100% clean. I have been using DIR Zone valves and popped then in an ultrasound bath after purchase. Never had any issues but I know the air sources I use. As a blender you should understand the risk and what you should have in place to mitigate those risks.

Unless you're using an oil-free compressor then there is no such thing as 100% clean air. Every fill will contain an element of oil mist at very small doses. Different air purity standards will determine the upper limit of those doses and they will accumulate over the number of fills put into the cylinder.

Ultrasonic cleaning will only be useful if the manifold and valves are stripped completely and suitable degreaser used.