SCBASCUBA
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There is no mechanical difference between SCBA and SCUBA compressors. The difference lies in the grade of air desired for the diving you are doing.
Grade D - Historically used in FD operations. Less than 1000 PPM CO2. Current NFPA1500 requlations now recommend Grade E for FD SCBA operations.
Grade E - Typically used in diving to depths below 50 feet Less than 500 PPM CO2(Depth might be more Im rough on the details right now) .
However, most FD SCBA compressor systems will purifiy air to Grade E standards provided Grade E is available ambiently. Typical compressor purifiers do not filter out CO2, they will add CO2 when they convert CO (carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide) Normal purfiers that are designed to maintain a constant pressure of near 1800 psi even when not in use, will allow CO2 to impinge within the purifier chambers (hold like a sponge) If air pressure were to drop in the purifier chamber, the CO will release and travel down stream to storage in one sudden burst.
Keep in mind.
Air compressors must be operating to specification. Too much oil passing rings and burning off at valves will generate high concentrations of Carbon Monoxide. Performing purifiers will convert the CO to CO2, some CO will hold within the chamber if kept pressurized.
A CO monitor is now required on SCBA compressors. As Purifiers can become saturated, fail and allow CO to pass into your storage cylinders at anytime. Air good today can fail tomorrow and you wont know it unless you have a calibrated CO monitor sampling the air as it passes the purifier.
Another question I hope I can answer for this string. Immersing cylinders in water while filling is designed to dilute the blood that will fill the room if the the cylinder explodes, while any one is near by. Filling in water was thought to cool the cylinder during the refilling cycle. The heat generated during recommpression can distort your tanks cutting down on their life (early failure during hydrostatic testing) Tests found that filling in water did not cool the air within the tank enough to have a positive effect on cylinder life or the need to top off tanks when they cool. SCBA and SCUBA cylinders should be filled using metered air flow that limits pressure rise to 1500 PSI per minute. This will avoid hot fills, distorted and stretched cylinders and the need to top off cylinders when the internal air cools.
Always fill in an approved explosion proof fill enclosure. Its your life on the line. If a cylinder were to fail during refilling chances are good someone will be seriously hurt or killed. Even a blown hose at 5000 PSI can cause major bodily damage if it were to pass too close to your skin, ear, eyes or head. Dont take a chance on your life. fill safetly.
Finally, Is there anyone in florida that can give me information on companies servicing High Pressure Breathing air? We are considering opening a sales and service center in Naples or Punta Gorda area to service FD breathing air systems. dive too. Is there a need for a professional service center in the area? Do the companies providing this service meet the needs of the customers? We are in the beginning stages of information gathering and would welcome any information you can offer.
Thank you,
Fred
Grade D - Historically used in FD operations. Less than 1000 PPM CO2. Current NFPA1500 requlations now recommend Grade E for FD SCBA operations.
Grade E - Typically used in diving to depths below 50 feet Less than 500 PPM CO2(Depth might be more Im rough on the details right now) .
However, most FD SCBA compressor systems will purifiy air to Grade E standards provided Grade E is available ambiently. Typical compressor purifiers do not filter out CO2, they will add CO2 when they convert CO (carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide) Normal purfiers that are designed to maintain a constant pressure of near 1800 psi even when not in use, will allow CO2 to impinge within the purifier chambers (hold like a sponge) If air pressure were to drop in the purifier chamber, the CO will release and travel down stream to storage in one sudden burst.
Keep in mind.
Air compressors must be operating to specification. Too much oil passing rings and burning off at valves will generate high concentrations of Carbon Monoxide. Performing purifiers will convert the CO to CO2, some CO will hold within the chamber if kept pressurized.
A CO monitor is now required on SCBA compressors. As Purifiers can become saturated, fail and allow CO to pass into your storage cylinders at anytime. Air good today can fail tomorrow and you wont know it unless you have a calibrated CO monitor sampling the air as it passes the purifier.
Another question I hope I can answer for this string. Immersing cylinders in water while filling is designed to dilute the blood that will fill the room if the the cylinder explodes, while any one is near by. Filling in water was thought to cool the cylinder during the refilling cycle. The heat generated during recommpression can distort your tanks cutting down on their life (early failure during hydrostatic testing) Tests found that filling in water did not cool the air within the tank enough to have a positive effect on cylinder life or the need to top off tanks when they cool. SCBA and SCUBA cylinders should be filled using metered air flow that limits pressure rise to 1500 PSI per minute. This will avoid hot fills, distorted and stretched cylinders and the need to top off cylinders when the internal air cools.
Always fill in an approved explosion proof fill enclosure. Its your life on the line. If a cylinder were to fail during refilling chances are good someone will be seriously hurt or killed. Even a blown hose at 5000 PSI can cause major bodily damage if it were to pass too close to your skin, ear, eyes or head. Dont take a chance on your life. fill safetly.
Finally, Is there anyone in florida that can give me information on companies servicing High Pressure Breathing air? We are considering opening a sales and service center in Naples or Punta Gorda area to service FD breathing air systems. dive too. Is there a need for a professional service center in the area? Do the companies providing this service meet the needs of the customers? We are in the beginning stages of information gathering and would welcome any information you can offer.
Thank you,
Fred