Dedicated Nitrox Regulator?
- Thread starter serrada
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No...
You're fine with what you already have for mixes up to 40% (recreational Nitrox mixes)
You're fine with what you already have for mixes up to 40% (recreational Nitrox mixes)
OP
serrada
Contributor
The reason why I ask is my Aqualung manual states,
"If regulator has been used with Grade E breathing air, it should receive a standard overhaul by an authorized AL dealer. This service should include ultrasonic cleaning with a detergent solution that will remove hydrocarbons before the regulator is used again with EAN."
Also, PADI is teaching that pre-mixed nitrox (i.e. nitrox which is mixed before being put into the cylinder) below 40% oxygen does not require a specially cleaned cylinder or other equipment while other agencies recommend otherwise.
"If regulator has been used with Grade E breathing air, it should receive a standard overhaul by an authorized AL dealer. This service should include ultrasonic cleaning with a detergent solution that will remove hydrocarbons before the regulator is used again with EAN."
Also, PADI is teaching that pre-mixed nitrox (i.e. nitrox which is mixed before being put into the cylinder) below 40% oxygen does not require a specially cleaned cylinder or other equipment while other agencies recommend otherwise.
Pre-mixed nitrox DOES NOT require an O2 cleaned cylinder. There is never pure O2 being introduced to the cylinder. If anyone tells you otherwise on that one... talk to someone else.serrada:
You manual may say that your reg should be serviced, but REALLY you shouldn't have to do anything. There is no significant difference between air and EANx36 to where you would need to have your regulator serviced. If you were using EANx80 or pure O2 that would be a different story.
Here's some good info from one of the best local shops http://fillexpress.com/library/fillfaq.shtml
MildlyDamp
Registered
Virtually every manufacturer's manual has similar language about not using a regulator with both standard air and EAN. I think this is just a maneuver to cover their behinds legally so that if there's any kind of problem whatsoever they're not liable (and can void your warranty so that it costs them absolutely nothing). However, I think that this is in the same league as those signs outside of buildings that tell you there are cancer causing chemicals present because employees may smoke in the parking lot. It's not utterly impossible for there to be a problem, it's just incredibly unlikely; kind of like getting hit by a meteor.
I don't. I've switched between EAN32 and air on consectutive dives. Like the other posters said, you're fine until you go above EAN40.
The AL manual (and probably most others) say that to cover their butts. I have a Legend LX and I've read the same thing in my manual. It's not required if you're using it with EAN40 or less. I switch back and forth without any problem at all.
Just a bit of clarity on the "40% rule," which holds that any mix richer than 40% must be treated as pure oxygen as far as oxygen cleanliness goes.
Not everyone uses it.
NOAA and most of the recreational Scuba agencies do, but there are two notable exceptions: ANDI and the United States Navy, who use a 25% rule. That is, any mix with an oxygen fraction greater than 25% must be treated as pure oxygen.
Who's "right?" Both NOAA and the Navy are "official government agencies" and both have been at diving with higher than normal oxygen concentrations for a long time...
Manufacturers have to write their guidance to cover everybody, eh?
Rick
Not everyone uses it.
NOAA and most of the recreational Scuba agencies do, but there are two notable exceptions: ANDI and the United States Navy, who use a 25% rule. That is, any mix with an oxygen fraction greater than 25% must be treated as pure oxygen.
Who's "right?" Both NOAA and the Navy are "official government agencies" and both have been at diving with higher than normal oxygen concentrations for a long time...
Manufacturers have to write their guidance to cover everybody, eh?
Rick
Rick Murchison:
Most agencies except alot of the recreational market support this non existent 40% rule.. all the major bodes have limits between 21 and 25%
these include us navey, osha, nasa astm, nfpa, and cga..
Osha does list 40% in ONE document that is for COMMERCIAL operations, and these are clearly defined..
act is incomplete ignition can happen at much lower fractions of o2.. I know of one compressor that blew up making 32% using a nitrox stick.. There is no magic number.. The risk increases as the fo2 climbs.. 40% doesnt guarantee everything will be ok, the risks are just lower..
The problem using OCA gas and non oca gas is that ciontaminents build over time, you might be ok 999 times and the 1000th time bites you in the a s s, One time could be your last time..
reeldive
Contributor
Not all shops use crystal lube as required in the Regulator maintenance manuals. Some just use silicon lube if thier customers don't specify EAN. Bad on them!
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