Nitrox: Should I be worried?

[twistypencil]

TP...
I have my own AI Palm...part of my kit...always with me...small...not expensive/check DGX...calibrates in air...

Thanks for the suggestion, indeed the AI Palm is a good price and very small, I might get one! However, this part makes me pause, "Sensor life up to 36 months for average personal use" -- does that mean it will only last for 36 months, and then I need to buy a whole new one?

 

[abnfrog]

no just the sensor , o2 sensors usually don't last 3 years co ones do

 

[Bob DBF]

While diving foul/off odor gas is certainly a bad idea, smelling gas is not a very reliable test for bad gas! CO is odorless and potentially lethal at depth at relatively low concentrations

In my experience it is a very good test for bad gas, however it is not a test for CO. There is more than one way to injure or kill one.


Bob

 

[twistypencil]

no just the sensor , o2 sensors usually don't last 3 years co ones do

Is the sensor expensive to replace?

 

[twistypencil]

In my experience it is a very good test for bad gas, however it is not a test for CO. There is more than one way to injure or kill one.

You cannot smell the difference between EANX32 and EANX45...

 

[TMHeimer]

The only times I've used Nitrox I observed them testing it at the shop before they handed the tanks to me. I don't own an analyzer since I don't often dive Nitrox. If you can't test it yourself or observe the testing don't dive it.
One interesting thought I've always had is if the bottom isn't deeper than the depth allowed by your particular mix at 1.4 PPO (ie 110' on 32%), you're pretty safe from oxygen toxicity. Won't work if you are into Wall diving, etc.

 

[Caveeagle]

There is NO way I would go diving with a new operation and not bring my own means to test my gas.

In most areas, we are now at a point where testing the contents of your tank should be required for all dives. It’s just too darn easy for a mix up to occur.

Just diving air/ 21% ? ....are you sure?

 

[seeker242]

Is the sensor expensive to replace?

90-$100, but every analyzer needs to have it's sensor replaced.

 

[BRT]

Is the sensor expensive to replace?

$70-80

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

I've read an account of a DM who had to unhook the boat at 100 feet. He grabbed a bottle that was assumed to be air/nitrox as it was unlabeled. It turned out to be O2. He made it back up, but suffered convulsions on his ascent. How was able to do that is beyond me.

I'd never breath any gas that I had not measured myself or seen filled with air in front of me.