Scubapro G500 + Nitrox

[jim2386]

Hey guys,

I've had my G500 for almost 10 years now and love it. I just got nitrox certified last year and I was wondering is there a way to tell if my regulator is nitrox compatible? I assume it probably is up to 40%?

-jim

 

[Jetsam]

I've used a G500 and Mk20 combo with nitrox for a few years now, probably no more than 32% as back gas, and no problems. Most people reckon up to 40% is ok with no special requirements.

However, I believe Scubapros official word (now) is it would be 21% compatible only. Above that it would need O2 cleaning, a different seat in the 1st stage and possibly the new DIN type M26 insert, they have a Mk25 and Mk2 coming out like this. They did once produce a special nitrox Mk20 it appears in a 1997 catalogue I have (UK issue). It was coloured with green and yellow rubber bits I seem to remember, and had the needle type of DIN valve ( I'm at work so can't check that).

Hope that helps.

Regards

 

[Satori]

I assume you get your regulator serviced annually. Talk to the dive ship and see if there standard service involves oxygen clean/compatible components. The dive shop I use does. Its at least worth a shot.

 

[SDAnderson]

You can use your regulator for up to EAN40 with no special modifications or service procedures. Relax and have fun.

 

[David P]

Scubapro said during a reg tech class, that once they did come out with o2 parts kits. I cant remember the story but basically the lost their shirts... Supposedly they swore they would never offer o2 kits again. Im not really sure what material is used in the scubapro orings, probably plain rubber which is not o2 safe. As far as I know sure you can replace all the orings (what about high pressure seat though?) with viton or epdm, but then it is not an authorized sp rebuild so the warranty is void until you have it reserviced with genuine SP parts....

 

[Jetsam]

"swore they'd never offer O2 kits again" eh!!


http://www.scubapro.co.uk/products.asp?P=632

http://www.scubapro.co.uk/products.asp?P=633


Regards

 

[Henryville]

I'm not telling you to throw any old parts in there, but I believe that problems with O2 tend to occur in the high pressure part of the system - tank valves and first stages - not the low pressure side.

Think about it this way: is your BC built with oxygen compatible parts? Last I checked, most inflators are lubed with silicone grease, which is not an O2 compatible lubricant. And the bladder...that certainly isn't Viton or EPDM. How about your drysuit and everything you wear under it. You fill those with nitrox every dive.

Check with whomever you would use to service your regs and get their advice. And Scubapro most certainly does offer oxygen compatible rebuild kits.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

Scubapro still sells a nitrox kit for the MK 20 and when properly cleaned with the nitrox kit installed it is approved for use with up to 100% O2 at 3500 psi - about as O2 compatible as you can get.

Scubapro also now uses EPDM o-rings in all their regs and are approved outof the box for mixes up to 40%. With proper cleaning, use with higher percentage O2 mixes should not be an issue.

At best O2 compatible materials have a higher ignition temperature but they will still burn so regardless of what is used proper technique is still required. So pressurize high O2 regs slowly with the purge depressed to reduce the potential for a fire.

As mentioned above, the low pressure side of the sytem is not really an issue as the partialm pressures are comparatively low compared to the high pressure sections of the regulator so in general (and within reason) no special preparation of the second stage is needed although using an O2 compatible lubricant is adviseable to prevent cross contamination.

SP seems to market new stuff in the UK long before it gets to the US - if ever. But it is enouraging to see them market Nitorox versions of the MK 25 and Mk 2. The Mk 2 in partiular by virtue of it's flow by design would make an ideal O2/deco reg and I have used O2 cleaned MK 3's and Mk 200's in this capcity for years.

 

[Lead_carrier]

I assume you get your regulator serviced annually. Talk to the dive ship and see if there standard service involves oxygen clean/compatible components. The dive shop I use does. Its at least worth a shot.

Anyone that charges you extra for a ScubaPro Nitrox rebuild is ripping you off. If it is rebuilt to ScubaPro standards it is ready for up to 40%. I don't have anywhere near the experience or knowledge of DA but I went thru the reg class a few months ago and I can read their bulletins. But don't feel bad. We have a couple of shops in this area that do their customers the same way.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

I think in some areas that the tendency to charge for Nitrox ready service is a hold over from the days when Nitrox was a serious cash cow with companies and shops making money selling and servicing dedicated nitrox regs.

The earning potential was after all why Nitrox went from being voodoo gas to being aceptable by mainstream training agecnies and manufacturers.

The reality now is that Grade E air is also not considered good enough anymore by many divers and air that meets Grade E standards with the additional reduced hydrocarbon requirement needed for O2 compatibility is much more the norm.

Regulator wise, O2 compatible lubes are now specified with leading brand regs and should be used exclusivley to avoid cross contamination of tools and bench space. In addition many companies use EPDM o-rings in all their regs so they come from the factory well equipped for Nitrox service.

In effect, O2 cleaning for mixes under 40% is business as usual and requires no extra effort for a shop that does their service work to current standards and no extra charge should be required.