Clean Air

[scubacalifornia]

Can there really be a significant difference in the quality / cleanliness of the air from one shop to the next? Is there a requirement that their air quality to be analyzed on a regular basis? Do most shops put a lot of emphasis on maintaining their compressors and ensuring they're pumping clean air?

Here's why I ask. I've been using a steel tank borrowed from a friend for the past year. The tank had about 25 dives on it and had been oxygen cleaned at some point prior to me getting it. I had it VIP'd about a month ago at Sport Chalet. I just returned to tank to my friend, who subsequently took it to his LDS (a shop that is geared to tech divers) and he had it re-VIP'd just for piece of mind. He reported back to me that it was pretty "dusty" inside. He's not a big fan of Sport Chalet, which is primarily where I've been getting my air fills, and he contends they're probably pumping less than clean air. I've also had the tank filled a few times at another LDS, as well as on a couple of boat trips. He suggests getting my fills at his LDS, which uses some extra filtering process to ensure the air is really clean.

I have a brand new E8-130 tank and want to take the best care of it. Should I be concerned here? If I understand correctly, regulators filter the air as well (I have an Atomic B1), and I suppose when I have it serviced the gunk (or lack of it) will be a good indicator of what I've been breathing.

Thanks for your opinons.
Kevin

 

[nwdiver2]

Dust would be one of the last things to get through the filters, moisture, hydrocarbons and gases are what compressor operators are more worried about. Dust is long gone before hydrocarbons are being removed. I would assume Sport Chalet; because it is a big chain would have quality assurance measures in place that would protect them from a problem.

Go in and ask them and get them to give you a tour of their system they should do it as a courtesy and it will set your mind at ease. The tech shop may be over reacting.

 

[ScubaFreak]

I'd be lying if i said i knew if it was a legal requirement, I'd say that varies from state to state.
In Ireland we get our compressor checked once a month. It has a double filtration system, and we use it for blending aswell.

I reckon it should be law. Contaminates may get into bottles being filled from compressors that don't get serviced or examined on a regular basis.

Don't forget too, that if u completley empty ur scuba tank that dust and dirt can get in through the valve! Never empty your tank completley!!