euro nitrox cylinder valves confusion

[gigimartin]

The new euro standards being implimented in 2005 is demanding that any cylinder with more oxygen in it than standard breathing air(21%) is going to have to have a new type of valve connection which will then protect nitrox divers from filling from not oxygen clean -equipment.It seems most of the queries on these forums are coming from state side divers but i am in need of some clarification and any insight would be helpful. Firstly they are changing the M25 thread in the cylinder neck to a M26 which seems a bit foolhardy as it is such a tiny difference why not make it much larger so as for less confusion? And secondly what is stop someone from filling your new unique nitrox cylinder which you have had to go out an purchase a brand new suitable first stage to fit with mucky ole double filtered air if they have a compatable whip? Isn't the air cleanliness the issue here and not just a cheeky cylinder manufacturer up in the alps ( I made that up)finding a way to make the diving communities fork out a bit more?? I am not the most logical but am curious and mabey a bit fast off the mark to pick holes.Do I just not understand?

 

[Hoppy]

The new euro standards being implimented in 2005 is demanding that any cylinder with more oxygen in it than standard breathing air(21%)
Snipped

Gigi , whats your source for these regulations ? First I've heard of it to be honest.

Would love to know having just bought a shedload of Nitrox gear !

 

[gigimartin]

Gigi , whats your source for these regulations ? First I've heard of it to be honest.

Would love to know having just bought a shedload of Nitrox gear !

A copy of DIVER magazine April issue from the Q&A:Kit section
attempts to explain what i've seen mentioned in the other magazines.
" European law due to be introduced next year(2005) and enshrined in Euro standards BS EN 144-3 and BS EN 13949, demands that any cylinder with any amount of oxygen in it over and abouve that found in normal breathing air should have a new and unique type of first stage valve connection" (DIVER April2004)
Goes on to say it will be DIN-type but with the different thread diameter to those already being used.
A concern when purchasing new kit this year then??

 

[FredT]

Firstly they are changing the M25 thread in the cylinder neck to a M26 which seems a bit foolhardy as it is such a tiny difference why not make it much larger so as for less confusion?

Haven't seen the rules but I can make a couple of good guesses about the why. A 1mm change with a thread pitch change makes the two incompatible, but yet too close to have someone come up with "stealth" a screw in adaptor.

And secondly what is stop someone from filling your new unique nitrox cylinder which you have had to go out an purchase a brand new suitable first stage to fit with mucky ole double filtered air if they have a compatable whip?

Air cleanliness is the real issue between the two from the tank owners perspective, but we are talking governments here. THEIR perspective is to stop anyone from using nitrox accidentally. Probably it's way overkill and just one more nail in the coffin of personal responsibility, but since when have the actions government regulators made sense in anything other than an expansion of powers point of view.

Do I just not understand?

Probably not. You are still trying to apply logic to the situation.

BTW I have yet to meet a "Regulator" in any country that even considers the cost of the regulation to the public in any sort of cost/benefit evaluation, if they even do one. This is especially true if the regulation writers will not have to pay the cost directly themselves!

FT

 

[jonnythan]

Wow, that sounds awesome. That would completely end so many questions and so much confusion and so many divers not being able to get fills because of idiots at the LDS.

 

[jonnythan]

And secondly what is stop someone from filling your new unique nitrox cylinder which you have had to go out an purchase a brand new suitable first stage to fit with mucky ole double filtered air if they have a compatable whip?

I would presume that would be a violation of the standard?

 

[DutchDown]

Here's a link to the discussion on Divernet. Might shed some light, though I found it a bit confusing.

http://www.diverforum.co.uk/talkforums/tektalk/posts/10278.html

Hope it helps!

PPhil