CO2 Compressed Cylinder Life Time

[Zhenqing]

CO2 COMPRESSED CYLINDER LIFE TIME

Does anyone knows: 1) what is the life time of the small compressed gas cylinders (CO2) that are often used on BCs or PFD? and, 2) how reliable are they in the event of an emergecny? Thanks!

 

[dweeb]

CO2 COMPRESSED CYLINDER LIFE TIME

Does anyone knows: 1) what is the life time of the small compressed gas cylinders (CO2) that are often used on BCs or PFD? and, 2) how reliable are they in the event of an emergecny? Thanks!

years and years and years. Physical inspection will tell you if they're still good - if the seal is intact, they're OK.

 

[RIOceanographer]

CO2 COMPRESSED CYLINDER LIFE TIME

Does anyone knows: 1) what is the life time of the small compressed gas cylinders (CO2) that are often used on BCs or PFD? and, 2) how reliable are they in the event of an emergecny? Thanks!

Eek, CO2 detonators on a BC!!!! Now that is as retro! I haven't seen a new BC model with that kind of thing in probably 10-15 years.

My dive buddy had an mid 80s vintage rental Dacor BC once on a dive probably back in 1990 or 91 with one of those things, and he accidently tripped it. It was pretty impressive how fast that sucker inflated. Scared the hell out of him. Luckily this was on the shore so he didn't go rocketing to the surface like a balloon.

 

[Zhenqing]

Eek, CO2 detonators on a BC!!!! Now that is as retro! I haven't seen a new BC model with that kind of thing in probably 10-15 years.

My dive buddy had an mid 80s vintage rental Dacor BC once on a dive probably back in 1990 or 91 with one of those things, and he accidently tripped it. It was pretty impressive how fast that sucker inflated. Scared the hell out of him. Luckily this was on the shore so he didn't go rocketing to the surface like a balloon.

Yep, you are right. They were used on BCs many years ago and on PFD, even today. Some of those BCs are still in use today. I've had mine for 14 years! The danger, as you point out, is that upon accidental discharge under water, a diver can be rapidly propelled to the surface. On the other hand, a diver may not be able to inflate the BC by any other means during an emergency to stay afloat on the surface. As we all know, a BC is not an approved flotation device and if a diver were to be unconscious by the time he/she reaches the surface the probable outcome would be death by drowning. I guess that's why it's so important to have a buddy that is really aware at all times of where you are and how you are doing. I believe this is emphasized during DRI diver training, but don't know for sure since I'm neither a DRI diver nor plan on becoming one in the near future.