discoloration in first stage filter

[lobbolt]

I am a new diver and just gotten back from a dive trip with my new gear. I notice some discoloration in the first stage filter, that looked a little black. Is this normal after about 10 dives on that regulator? Should I take it back to the shop for cleaning. Thanks.

 

[Viscya]

I am a new diver and just gotten back from a dive trip with my new gear. I notice some discoloration in the first stage filter, that looked a little black. Is this normal after about 10 dives on that regulator? Should I take it back to the shop for cleaning. Thanks.

Yes, Different contaminants can cause the filter to turn different colors. As I remember black is an indication of oil in the gas. You should have the reg cleaned, especially if you use NITROX. At least have someone look at it.

 

[fdog]

This would tell me that the cylinders you were just using were producing contaminated gas. It could be:
A) Charcoal from bad filter packs
B) Oil from overused, or overwhelmed, filter packs
C) Metal particles from the cylinder

All of which are bad, and don't speak well for the dive op you just used.

Most would look at the discoloration and do a judgement thing. Only a tiny tinge of discoloration, most would let it slide; a lot of discoloration, and most would take it in for service for sure.

Personally, I use mine with gas. So I'd have them O2 cleaned to make sure. If you will be using these with Nitrox, I'd say to have them cleaned.

All the best, James

 

[Charlie99]

I am a new diver and just gotten back from a dive trip with my new gear. I notice some discoloration in the first stage filter, that looked a little black. Is this normal after about 10 dives on that regulator? Should I take it back to the shop for cleaning. Thanks.

Black discoloration is pretty strange and as noted by others, is a sign of some sort of contamination.

Much more frequent is a greenish/greenish-blue sort of discoloration, which is usually an indication of salt water corrosion. Sometimes this can also be kind of greyish. Unfortunately, you can see this sort of discoloration on a lot of rental regs.


Still bad, but not a dangerous as contaminated air.

 

[Mako Mark]

Just to fill in the gaps,

Black, from oil or charcoal getting through the compressor

green from (usually salt) water getting in the reg

white discolouration is Aluminium oxide from tanks,

and red/brown is from rusted steel tanks

 

[lobbolt]

Is this small amount of contamination in my first stage dangerous? Should I take it back to the shop? I really hope I don't have to take it back to the shop every 10 dives...

 

[rescuediver009]

Is this small amount of contamination in my first stage dangerous? Should I take it back to the shop? I really hope I don't have to take it back to the shop every 10 dives...

This is most definitely not the case. You may have just happened to hit the place where the compressor is not up to speed with all the filtration and maintenance. I think that all the other guys covered the causes. This will not likely happen again.