Threaded Mode | Linear Mode

ccuda · 04-25-2002, 05:17 AM,

For O2 cleaned regs, etc. There's lots of debate. But if you are going to use any mix OVER 40% in either a tank, regulator, spg, or anything connected to high pressure, it needs to be O2 cleaned! And then you should only have your high pressure air sources filled from a highly filtered, NON-Oil lubricated compressor (many shops do not have these, Expense) The tech community and those using higher O2 hang-bottles, etc, always have their gear O2 cleaned. It's not cheap, but neither is tech diving. The debate goes for the 40% and under mixtures. Many manufacturers highly suggest the use of at least Viton orings, oxygen compatible seats and oxygen compatible lubricants, ie Christolube, etc. Some metals are not as compatible with Nitrox as others, for example Titanium. There are many alloys of Titanium. (Titanium regs should not be used for Nitrox without the proper seats, oring, lubs, etc. and then ONLY up to 40%! Some manufacturers use viton orings, seats, and lubricants straight out of the box, ie Scubapro. All good from air to 40% without changes. Others offer upgrade Nitrox kits, ie Sherwood, etc. These cost you more, but then you have more safety to go back and forth between air and Nitrox without being in the "gray zone" of safety. (Nothing in life is perfectly safe). And when you purchase most regs, they are not usually set with the viton orings, etc, but when you service it, you can always ask for them. (Though some manufacturers don't make Nitrox components for the regs, etc. so try to avoid those, you limit your future flexibility) Also, if you are diving Enriched Air Nitrox, tell your service center you are, and then they should be using only oxygen compatible lubricants on your regulator. Many people out there are not aware of the potential for fire because bits of dirt and oil cling to the areas of the reg. You go up North, get you air filled from a guy in his garage (filtered well? maybe yes, but how well, and what lubricant?), then later you put your reg onto a 36% mixture and you are forcing high pressure, higher oxygen content across a dirty surface area. There is a potential for the dirt, oils, etc to cause a spark issue. Put a spark and O2 together and strap it on your back...crispy critter. If you have O2 compatible components and lubricants in your REGULARLY SERVICED reg, and you are NOT using mixtures OVER 40%, then you are good-to-go for having a great time with air and/or Nitrox.