Can normal air be used in Nitrox sytems?

montenido · 01-12-2007, 11:13 PM

Hi, all. Lame question, I know. I am looking at getting a pony bottle for a redundant air system (solo diver). One of the rigs I am looking at is for Nitrox only according to the label. Regular air should be fine, right?

Thanks, montenido

**glynneco** · 01-13-2007, 04:27 AM

I frequently dive my nitrox rig with only 21% O2. The max I have run is 36%. If your doing higher I wouldn't. Your into tech stuff then and would not want to start confusins equipment on your deco stops. Normal junk no prob bob.

**dalehall** · 01-14-2007, 01:47 AM

One thing you want to consider.. The Nitrox tank is "O2 Clean." As well as the compressors from which you get your EAN. If you fill it with "normal air" from a regular air station, your nitrox tank, technically, isn't O2 clean anymore and you would want to get it cleaned again before filling with EAN.

Dragon · 01-14-2007, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dalehall

One thing you want to consider.. The Nitrox tank is "O2 Clean." As well as the compressors from which you get your EAN. If you fill it with "normal air" from a regular air station, your nitrox tank, technically, isn't O2 clean anymore and you would want to get it cleaned again before filling with EAN.

Bingo...You nailed it Dale. This is the biggest concern. If you already have a dedicated tank you problably don't want to have to have it 02 cleaned all the time.

**glynneco** · 01-15-2007, 11:12 PM

"technically" is the word or mabey "bingo" but for us poor slobs who can't afford dozens of tanks for every occasion flexibility is the key. The issue is ultimately flamibility. While the risk increases as the O2 level rises it's doesen't fly off the charts magicly at 22%. Like I said if I was doing stuff above say 36% or so I would keep a dedicated pony bottle for deco or a DAN rescue bottle. But day in day out? At rec limits I wouldn't worry unless of course you WORK in the industry selling equipment.

**dalehall** · 01-16-2007, 01:09 AM

Just so I understand.. Your normal practice is: If you don't run EAN37 or higher, you don't bother O2 cleaning your tanks after using them with "regular" air? I'm not questioning your thought process, I'm just wondering if I understood that correctly..

**glynneco** · 01-16-2007, 01:43 PM

Yeah, pretty much. If you're really worried about this particular heresy keep keep in mind the problem is fire from contamination. I'm just not too concerned at EAN rec levels. While a lot of shops/techies would burn me at the stake (pun intended) watch what the the folks who run boats actually do. It's about managing risk. If you have an unlimited budget go for zreo risk. Me, I find the risk quite acceptable. If you ever dive with me don't forget your fire extinguisher!

**dalehall** · 01-16-2007, 05:09 PM

LOL!!!!!
Understood and warning heeded.