I noticed in ads for regs at some of the online shops, the describe some of the regs as "nitrox compatible" or " nitrox ready" and a few other variations. What's the difference between a nitrox ready and a reg that is not nitrox ready? Also, can you switch between regular air and nitrox without doing anything to the reg? Haven't been into scuba in a long time and I know little about nitrox, so just curious more than anything. And last question, Will the Calgary Flames or the Tamba Bay Lightning win the Stanley Cup?
Stupid Question
- Thread starter Hockeynut
- Start date
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Hockeynut:
Basically, there are no petroleum products used in the reg if it is Nitrox compatable. When I took my Nitrox class my instructor told us almost all regs made now are Nitrox compatable, but, I think it would still be worth checking.
Yes, you can move the reg from air to Nitrox without modification.
Can say anything about the Hockey, don't keep up with the sport. Talk Nascar or NHRA and you'll have my attention.
Brian
Any regulator on the market is okay off the shelf for use with up to a 40% Nitrox mix. Mixes richer than 40% require florocarbon software and hydro-carbon free lubricants.
rescuediver009
Contributor
Basically all regs are ok because most people use relatively low concentrations of oxygen. (40% or less). It is only if you use the reg for deco or the like that you will require special service. Also switching between the two is ok as long as there is no cross contamination. Meaning that the air in your tank is not "dirty" thereby contaminating the reg...
aquaoren
Contributor
As a canadian, I can say only:Hockeynut:
GO FLAMES GO
The others coveres the rest
Oren
startag
Registered
im gonna have to go with the flames... oh and what they said about the reg sounds about right
miketsp
Contributor
This is a subject I have looked into a couple of times as opinions oscillate according to recent accident level.
I have read the training material available from most of the agencies but, almost all the LDSs that I know, play to much more rigorous rules, based on some very disagreeable experiences.
Just because a reg is Nitrox compatible does not mean that it is oxygen clean. If it has been used on an air cylinder with even a minute compressor oil contamination it is contaminated and represents a hazard.
I was taught to have my reg cleaned, at least the first stage, before diving Nitrox and to consider that after any dive with air to consider it as contaminated.
I know LDSs that maintain separate a set of oxygen clean regs just for use on Nitrox.
So, normally when I dive Nitrox I don't use my own reg unless it has just been serviced. I rent.
On the other hand I also know people who alternate their reg between air and Nitrox and never had any problems.
So you pays your money and takes your choice....
I have read the training material available from most of the agencies but, almost all the LDSs that I know, play to much more rigorous rules, based on some very disagreeable experiences.
Just because a reg is Nitrox compatible does not mean that it is oxygen clean. If it has been used on an air cylinder with even a minute compressor oil contamination it is contaminated and represents a hazard.
I was taught to have my reg cleaned, at least the first stage, before diving Nitrox and to consider that after any dive with air to consider it as contaminated.
I know LDSs that maintain separate a set of oxygen clean regs just for use on Nitrox.
So, normally when I dive Nitrox I don't use my own reg unless it has just been serviced. I rent.
On the other hand I also know people who alternate their reg between air and Nitrox and never had any problems.
So you pays your money and takes your choice....
miketsp:
Sir, O2 clean is only required for regs used with mixes containing more than 40% O2. However, if what you're doing makes you feel comfortable, maybe its best not to mess with it.
miketsp
Contributor
Scubakevdm:
I follow the procedure I do because of accidents that happened to people I know, with EAN below 40% - somehow this seems to weigh heavier than the textbooks.
You may also wish to review the document that AQUALUNG publish about Nitrox use since they do not agree with your statement that O2 clean is only for use above 40%. I also consulted them directly on this issue. They consider the break point to occur at 23.5% not at 40%.
http://www.aqualung.de/de/technical/uk/nitrxadm-uk.pdf
Some extracts here from addendum to AQUALUNG owners manuals for use with Nitrox.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
...there are many popular myths and misconceptions
which have created confusion and disagreement regarding the
important issue of compatibility with EAN/ Nitrox.
....
Use Only Dedicated Equipment For EAN/ Nitrox, and
Avoid Crossover Use with Compressed Air....
Did you know, however, that you can render your TechDive equipment unfit for use with EAN/ Nitrox simply by connecting it to a standard air cylinder and opening the valve?
Or that an EAN/ Nitrox cylinder can be similarly contaminated by filling it with normal compressed air?
.....
This is because most compressed air contains hydrocarbon
residue which passes through the conventional filtration systems of oil lubricated compressors. This hydrocarbon residue poses little hazard for systems used with atmospheric air containing less than 23.5% oxygen, but with time and accumulation, it can eventually become a source of combustible contamination inside enriched air
or oxygen systems.
Enriched air equipment must therefore be used only with
hydrocarbon-free enriched air which is produced by an oil-free
compressor system, or with oxygen compatible air that has been specially filtered to contain a maximum level of 0.1 mg/M 3 con-densed hydrocarbons. Remember, even a single exposure to standard, Grade E compressed air can contaminate your new breathing system, requiring it to be overhauled, cleaned, and serviced by an Authorized Aqua Lung dealer before it should be used again with enriched air.
....
Avoid Sudden Pressurization Open Valves Slowly
Some cases of oxygen fires have occurred when a cylinder valve was quickly opened and the first stage regulator was rapidly pressurized. This creates adiabatic compression, and can result in the sudden generation of heat inside the first stage valve, or inside the pressure gauge fitting.
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