Regular reg/ Nitrox reg?

BanditDJB · 07-04-2008, 09:21 AM

I am not nitrox certified but I'm thinking about it. I was looking at regulators and some are nitrox compatible. Well I didn't know that some regs can't be used with nitrox. What makes some regs safe for nitrox and some are not? What could happen to a reg if you use nitrox and the reg is not compatable with it? I know it would probably fail some kind of way but what on the reg would fail?

I would probably know the answers to these questions if I was nitrox certified but I cant afford that right now. I am very curious about this topic. Would anyone like to talk about this?

**MgicTwnger** · 07-04-2008, 11:41 AM

Unless stated by the manufacturer, regulators are not suitable for use with elevated oxygen content mixes. Most leading manufacturers now make their entire range suitable for use with nitrox (EANx) up to 40%. Above this level you need to opt for specially cleaned regulators such as the Apeks Nitrox range of regulators. Titanium regulators are not suitable for use with nitrox. Nitrox regulators need to be oxygen cleaned each year with the annual service or if ever contaminated with unclean air which can increase the on going maintenance costs. You should consult the owners manual of your regulator and speak with your dive instructor for further advice.

BanditDJB · 07-05-2008, 07:43 PM

So, what your saying is that the nitrox will dirty the regulator quicker than air causing a build up that can make the reg malfunction?

**MgicTwnger** · 07-05-2008, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BanditDJB

So, what your saying is that the nitrox will dirty the regulator quicker than air causing a build up that can make the reg malfunction?

Not at all. The problem is that parts of a reg that is not nitrox ready can catch fire in an enviornment with an elevated oxygen content. Same goes for regs used with "dirty" air (or nitrox) that leaves deposits. Titanium just burns easily.

BanditDJB · 07-05-2008, 09:40 PM

Wow, Thats aloy more dangerous than I thought! What an eye opener!

**dalehall** · 07-07-2008, 12:58 PM

It has evwerything to do with the type of o-rings used and the solvents used to clean everything during the manufacturing and packaging process.

But, because EAN is so widely used, even in recreational diving now-a-days, there are very few regs out there being made that aren't EAN compatible. If you are every planning on getting EAN certified (which, in my opinion, all divers should) go ahead and get a reg certified for EAN up to 40%.