Just Bought a Used AL80: Swapping Valves Whilst Maintaining EAN40 Clean Status

[rakpix]

Just bought a used Luxfer AL80 off craigslist here in Houston. Born on 11/2003, last hydro 3/2009, last VIP 3/2009 and O2 cleaned. So, it needs a new VIP, also I want to replace the yoke valve (for sale here http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/cl...-30-yoke-valve-o2-clean-20-shipped-conus.html) with a Thermo VA300 300 bar DIN valve. Do I have to pay for a new O2 cleaning?? Thermo valves all come ready for EAN40, and I don't plan on diving anything richer than EAN32. Assuming my LDS uses christolube on the threads ... why cough up another $25?? Second, this cylinder came with TONS of stickers, grease pen markings, sharpie markings, and a black plastic boot "which I've never removed" the owner proudly claimed >_< Should I just let my LDS worry about cleaning this mess, or can I safely remove it with some Goo-Gone and a Scotch Brite?? Is there anything else I should do?? Thanks.

 

[Scared Silly]

If you never plan to have the cylinder filled via partial pressure filling then swapping the valve is fine. If partial pressure filling then the valve should be O2 clean.

I would clean the sticker mess yourself as your dive shop might charge you extra for the removal.

 

[rakpix]

This is what confuses me. The tank and valve are O2 clean to 100% right now, but in my nitrox course, we learned that the INSTANT the LDS takes the valve off, the tank is no longer EAN40 clean. I don't suspect I'll fill off partial preassure, at least not locally. If I travel, I'm going to have to rent tanks anyway ...

 

[H2O 70]

This is what confuses me. The tank and valve are O2 clean to 100% right now, but in my nitrox course, we learned that the INSTANT the LDS takes the valve off, the tank is no longer EAN40 clean. I don't suspect I'll fill off partial preassure, at least not locally. If I travel, I'm going to have to rent tanks anyway ...

O₂ is only required if partial pressure blending is used, regardless if it is 22% or 100%. 100% O₂ is put in the bottle and then topped off with air, 21%.

If your LDS banks nitrox, then tanks don't have to be O₂ cleaned for up to 40%.

Taking the valve off the tank shouldn't affect the tanks O₂ clean status.

O₂ cleaning the bottle isn't nearly as important as the valve because that is where the O₂ is forced through restrictions and these restrictions are where heat can be generated causing a flash.

Get Vance Harlows Oxygen Hackers Companion. Vance Harlow's OXYGEN HACKER'S COMPANION From AIrspeed Press

It is a great read and well go into depth about O₂ cleaning and how to do it your self. As he says, it is not rocket science it is kitchen science.

 

[joystershell]

Here's a hint for removing those "sharpie" markings. Use the Mister Clean "Magic Eraser". Works like a charm, for removing permanent ink.

 

[marchand]

What Does Nitrox-Ready Mean? - Dive Gear Express

take the old valve off and put the new one on and you're good to go.