Switching betwen EAN & std. compressed air in Atomic B1

[Yeoh Chee Weng]

According to the Atomic Aquatics owner's manual the B1 regulators cannot be switched between EAN (up to 40% oxygen) and standard compressed air "as compressed air may contain traces of hydrocarbons which could contaminate your regulator system with potentially flammable residues incompatible with EAN." However, when I mentioned this to my instructor he said that it was not necessary to re-clean before EAN use with his regulators. Who is right?

 

[Kim]

I believe that the trace hydrocarbons only become a problem with EAN mixtures above 40%.

 

[murphdivers286]

I have the B2 and my manual states that I can switch between standard air and EANx up to 40 %.

Click here ---->[red]Atomic Manual[/red]

See pages 8 and 9. It explains the EANx... It states the B2, Z1/Z2 can be used interchangeably between air and EANx up to 40%. I hope this helps....

 

[Charlie99]

According to the Atomic Aquatics owner's manual the B1 regulators cannot be switched between EAN (up to 40% oxygen) and standard compressed air "as compressed air may contain traces of hydrocarbons which could contaminate your regulator system with potentially flammable residues incompatible with EAN." However, when I mentioned this to my instructor he said that it was not necessary to re-clean before EAN use with his regulators. Who is right?

You probably have the same manual I have, which is a combined manual for T1, B1, and Z1 reg systems. That older manual doesn't distinguish between the titanium T1 first stage and the chrome plated brass B1 first stage, and has the same "must dedicate to either air service or nitrox service" warning for both.

The current manual, for T2/B2/M1/Z1/Z2 does distinguish between titanium and non-titanium 1st stages. The dedicated service requirement still exists for the titanium T2 1st stage, but not the others.

Because of the similarities between the B1 and B2, although it technically is a violation of manufacturer's recommendations, I consider use of the B1 on both air and nitrox to be a reasonable risk.

Charlie Allen

p.s. You could also e-mail Atomics Aquatics and ask. Please post their answer here if you do.

 

[Yeoh Chee Weng]

Hi Kim, Murphdivers & Charlie,

You probably have the same manual I have, which is a combined manual for T1, B1, and Z1 reg systems. That older manual doesn't distinguish between the titanium T1 first stage and the chrome plated brass B1 first stage, and has the same "must dedicate to either air service or nitrox service" warning for both.

Yes, you're right - I've the same manual.

I'm more confident now of going ahead and doing my Nitrox course without having to re-clean the 1st stage regulator. Your help saved me some money

Actually I bought a B2 but was given a B1 manual by the dealer and was told that the B2 model has replaced the B1 and was an "improved" version.

And thanks to Murphdivers & Charlie for directing me to the new manual - the updated info clarifies my doubts.

 

[murphdivers286]

Glad I could help. I know you will love the B2 as much as I do mine.

 

[liberato]

You could also e-mail Atomics Aquatics and ask. Please post their answer here if you do.

Will they accept email from consumers? They don't reveal any email addresses on their website. That is an essential element for me for any product since some dealers are marginal when it comes to inventory and knowledge.

 

[Charlie99]

Will they accept email from consumers? They don't reveal any email addresses on their website.

The website lists phone and fax contact numbers. If I were concerned about alternating between nitrox and air, then I'd call.