transfill whip

[kcanty]

Hi all,

I'd like some advice on a transfill whip. It would be
pretty handy for just tank to tank stuff right now.

I figure 3 options:

1. build it based on the o2 hacker book.
2. buy from NESS for $120

http://www.northeastscubasupply.com/gas_stuff/transfill_whip.html

3. buy from EE for $285 but with quick disconnects,
correct connects for DIN, O2 and helium/argon
and a gauge and check valve. Similar to the
mixing whip that NESS sells.

http://www.extreme-exposure.com/acc/halc-hosekits.shtml

Any thoughts on the options? What about hose length?

Thanks!

Kell

 

[ericfine50]

You can build one yourself, if you have the time. You can get all the parts for less than the cost. QDs are nice.

Eric

 

[pescador775]

A simple transfill whip can be made up from parts but you still have to pay for the parts. You don't seem to have any particular objectives; you ask what about this and that. I'm guessing that you are an aspiring tech diver. As such, you may gradually move into more complex areas. If this is the case it would be difficult but not impossible to roll your own. I wouldn't advise it, however. You need special teflon lined hose and O2 compatible materials which are cleaned for that purpose. The various connectors, DIN, yoke, helium, etc will either be hard wired into the line or supplied as adapters. You need to be familiar with these configurations, and they cost the same whether purchased separately or as a package. You have the problem of gauges which should be for oxygen service. You may need to purchase a large format or electronic gauge and bleed valve. All these need to be hooked up in line and pressure tested for leaks. Having someone screw all this stuff together for you might be worth it. Make sure that your basic whip fitting is adaptable to all the other fittings that you may require. For example, ask about starting with a basic O2 transfill setup with DIN connectors on each end and inquire if Oxygen 540 fittings and etc can be simply adapted as required. That may well be negative. Perhaps, your hose ends should be the versatile JIC #4 female fitting. These can be hooked to almost anything which is supplied with the opposite (male) fitting.

 

[Stone]

Kcanty,

Look for the SS wrapped teflon hose and QDs on McMaster-Carr's website. Whitey needle valves are on the Swagelok website, and there are "economical digital gauges" to be found on the Cole-Parmer website. CGA 540 fittings (and other brass stuff like nipples, elbows and tees) are on the Western Enterprises website. Scuba filling yokes with bleeder valves are sold by many on-line scuba retailers (like leisure-pro).