Integrated valve/first stage for argon?

[DA Aquamaster]

If you use an integrated valve/first stage, be sure it incorporates a separate OPV. Nearly all first stages, integrated or otherwise, are designed to use a downstream second stage as an over pressure relief valve. If all you have on it is an inflator hose, you have no OPV and will need to install a separate OPV on the first stage.

Most inflator hoses use a schrader valve that is an upstream design. In the case of a leaking HP seat either it or the hose will fail to vent excess pressure. Both are bad.

This could be problematic on an integrated first stage and valve as it may not have the extra LP port needed to mount the OPV.

 

[Jimmer]

If you use an integrated valve/first stage, be sure it incorporates a separate OPV. Nearly all first stages, integrated or otherwise, are designed to use a downstream second stage as an over pressure relief valve. If all you have on it is an inflator hose, you have no OPV and will need to install a separate OPV on the first stage.

Most inflator hoses use a schrader valve that is an upstream design. In the case of a leaking HP seat either it or the hose will fail to vent excess pressure. Both are bad.

This could be problematic on an integrated first stage and valve as it may not have the extra LP port needed to mount the OPV.

Yes, that is an excellent point. I do already have an OPRV ready because I was originally going to use an Oceanic Mk5 clone I had kicking around, but it was way too bulky and very very noticeable in the water.

I'm not sure about the H2Odyssey, but the Zeagle Razor has 4 lp ports and 1 hp port.

The only real downside I can think of right now, is what to do if I decide I want another argon bottle at some point. How many of you own and use more than 1 on a regular basis?

 

[DA Aquamaster]

Back when I actually used argon, I used either a larger 13 cu ft bottle or made sure I had two 6 cu ft bottles along.

Personally I think an inflation bottle only makes sense if you are diving an He mix. The difference between air and argon as an inflation gas is, in my experience, insignificant under operational conditons, so if air is readily available to refill it, you can live with just one bottle.

 

[rjack321]

What is your reasoning for so many 'argon' cylinders....are you engaging in extended at sea runs were argon or airgon is not available....are you flushing with small cylinders...?

Camping/remote/weekend long trips with friends mostly. Some from out of town and they need cylinders too. I bought the AL13s before I really knew what I was doing then added the AL6s once I realized how nice they are. The 4 were bought for my wife and I but end up being loaned too.

If you aren't freezing, argon won't make a huge difference IMO. But it does delay significant chills on long dives by 10-15 mins in our 46-52F waters. In summer I don't use it, but in winter and spring I can't have too much :d

 

[texdiveguy]

Camping/remote/weekend long trips with friends mostly. Some from out of town and they need cylinders too. I bought the AL13s before I really knew what I was doing then added the AL6s once I realized how nice they are. The 4 were bought for my wife and I but end up being loaned too.

If you aren't freezing, argon won't make a huge difference IMO. But it does delay significant chills on long dives by 10-15 mins in our 46-52F waters. In summer I don't use it, but in winter and spring I can't have too much :d

Thanks I was just wondering.

Yea the few times I have used argon in my ds tank on trimix dives I never felt any benefit so went back to using air....cheaper and easy to find.

I just have the one 13cf dedicated to this job, that lasts me multiple dive.

 

[lowridersvt]

I know this is an old thread and im going to rant a little

Why do manufactures produce this stuff why would you want to integrate anything a valve reg combo for argon or anything else.

I use a al6 for shallower dives and diving off a zodiac or small boat ,And a lp al13 for longer dives or dives with lots of change in depth

Both have standard thermo din k's on them and for the al 6 i have salvo mini reg and i use a mk14 for the 13 both mounted with halcyon bands. but the main reason i use a standard valve and reg is spare parts and that any reg or valve will do when you bang your reg or valve off the boat and knock the handel off . and no dive shope in sight

The idea is keep it simple stupid cheep parts that all your team share so you dont miss out on a dive .