Question O2 Splitoff from "ScubaPro G260 or S620Ti?"

[ginti]

Pretty sure the OP is now frightened and discouraged from even attempting SCUBA as sport … (“All I wanted was a recommendation for a first reg … ”) and the discussion veered off towards NASA and space level tech…

Or maybe excited because he got the advice from people who actually know the stuff

@EricSm fine. My doubt was different but more basic/foundational, and I think I found the answer - nitrogen act in a way to reduce the reactions efficiency apparently.

However, I am interested in your opinion.

I am one of those silly people who like to have mk25+g260 on oxy tanks (yes, @rsingler ) and, actually, on all regulators - for reasons other than effectiveness. Is there any way to make this system safe enough to operate with pure oxygen?

I am thinking of:
- o-ring material
- lubricants
- materials of membranes and other parts
Am I missing anything?

In your opinion, is this doable or should everyone (EVERYONE) stick to oxy-approved regs?

 

[Geo7]

I totally appreciate the expert info on O2! For anyone buying their first reg I'd say buy what you like.

By the time someone will need an oxygen reg, they'll be so far down the slippery slope that they own quite a bit of gear and getting one more reg, dedicated to O2 is a no-brainer. Modern titanium regs are certified for non-dedicated nitrox to 40% and should satisfy the needs of a travelling diver.

 

[EricSm]

Or maybe excited because he got the advice from people who actually know the stuff

@EricSm fine. My doubt was different but more basic/foundational, and I think I found the answer - nitrogen act in a way to reduce the reactions efficiency apparently.

However, I am interested in your opinion.

I am one of those silly people who like to have mk25+g260 on oxy tanks (yes, @rsingler ) and, actually, on all regulators - for reasons other than effectiveness. Is there any way to make this system safe enough to operate with pure oxygen?

I am thinking of:
- o-ring material
- lubricants
- materials of membranes and other parts
Am I missing anything?

In your opinion, is this doable or should everyone (EVERYONE) stick to oxy-approved regs?

I used a Mk 25 and G260 on 50% O2 once (couple dives on one trip) and maybe it is ok given it has the right materials in it. An assembly has to be designed to minimize the impingement of gas flows and flow velocities, bends in flow, tube sizes to reduce flow, etc. I don't know anything about those aspects in the G260 so just because it has good materials doesn't mean it is suitable for oxygen. When I did it, I opened the valve slowly and squinted. A buddy also used a G260 on 50% and got a cloud of white powder out of his reg when he bailed out (the white cloud was aluminum oxide from inside the tank).

For me I don't want a life insurance claimed denied for my wife and daughter because I did something I wasn't supposed to do. I didn't design the G260 and don't know if it can handle it despite not being rated for >40%. The dedicated O2 regulators also happen to be cheaper than a G260 anyway, so sensible economically and no risk of a life insurance issue. I'm not sure how DAN insurance would deal with claim either if you were doing something you're not supposed to. No idea if it would be an issue for them.

Agree this should be a different thread.