Nitrox

[Liberty01]

I thought about taking a course in Nitrox this year, as I often do dives along walls (30-40m), and some people say you get more bottom time then.
But obviously, there must be also some catch about it (oxygen can be toxic as well).
What are the risks exactly?
Liberty

 

[spectrum]

I thought about taking a course in Nitrox this year, as I often do dives along walls (30-40m), and some people say you get more bottom time then.
But obviously, there must be also some catch about it (oxygen can be toxic as well).
What are the risks exactly?
Liberty

You know more than you realize!

Are you running out of air or NDL first?

If it's NDL that's sending you up the you are a prime nitrox candidate.

The O2 toxicity is managed by choosing the correct blend for the dive you will be making and by diving within the safe range for that mix.

It's all thoroughly covered in the course.

The only other catch is the cost of gas but it's often a free upgrade on trips and compared to your diving and vacation investment it's trivial.

Pete

 

[Gene_Hobbs]

What are the risks exactly?

You can't beat good FREE literature to help with these types of decisions. I posted this today in another thread.

Lang, M.A. (ed) 2001. DAN Nitrox Workshop Proceedings. Divers Alert Network, Durham, N.C., 197p.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. No evidence was presented that showed an increased risk of DCS from the use of oxygen enriched air (nitrox) versus compressed air.
2. A maximum PO2 of 1.6 atm was accepted based on its history of use and scientific studies.
3. Routine CO2 retention screening is not necessary.
4. Oxygen analyzers should use a controlled-flow sampling device.
5. Oxygen analysis of the breathing gas should be performed by the blender and/or dispenser and verified by the end user.
6. Training agencies recognize the effectiveness of dive computers.
7. For recreational diving, there is no need to track whole body exposure to oxygen (OTU/UPTD).
8. Use of the "CNS Oxygen Clock" concept, based on NOAA oxygen exposure limits, should by taught. However, it should be noted that CNS Oxygen toxicity could occur suddenly and unexpectedly.
9. No evidence was presented, based on history of use, to show an unreasonable risk of fire or ignition when using up to 40% nitrox with standard scuba equipment. The level of risk is related to specific equipment configurations and the user should rely on the manufacturer's recommendations.

You can download the proceedings here: http://www.si.edu/dive/library_nitrox.htm

 

[Doc Intrepid]

Thanks, Gene.

Good resource.

 

[DandyDon]

Ok, since the Medical aspects have been covered - you'll become a better dive buddy and boat diver, as your dive buddies on Nitrox won't have to pull up prematurely and it's wonderful when the whole boat is on Nitox for appropriate dives.

I hope the day will soon come when Nitrox is incorporated into the OW class.

 

[Whitey]

Yeah!!! Nitrox

 

[fisherdvm]

I am planning to take nitrox soon. Just for my own info, as I am a tinkerer. Can you just buy a welding oxygen tank and preload your Nitrox tank to the right pressure with pure oxygen, and then let your LDS cap it off?? Likely not worth the headache, but curious.

 

[Thalassamania]

I am planning to take nitrox soon. Just for my own info, as I am a tinkerer. Can you just buy a welding oxygen tank and preload your Nitrox tank to the right pressure with pure oxygen, and then let your LDS cap it off?? Likely not worth the headache, but curious.

Yes you "can" but many shops will say that you "may" not.

 

[Gene_Hobbs]

I am planning to take nitrox soon. Just for my own info, as I am a tinkerer. Can you just buy a welding oxygen tank and preload your Nitrox tank to the right pressure with pure oxygen, and then let your LDS cap it off?? Likely not worth the headache, but curious.

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