NITROX PRODUCTION WITHIN A DIVE OPERATION

AEROTECNICA COLTRI -www.coltrisub asiapacific.com

NITROX PRODUCTION WITHIN A DIVE OPERATION

Presented by:Cesare Benelli,Coltri Sub & Glenn Huebner, Nuvair


WHAT IS “NITROX”?

N2O2

Also referred to as EAN, EaNX, Enriched air, & Enriched air nitrox

A gas mixture containing nitrogen & oxygen with a higher % of oxygen than normal breathing air

OEA - Oxygen enriched air


WHY DO RECREATIONAL DIVERS USE NITROX?

Less N2 absorption in body tissue.

Lessens risk of decompression sickness.

Provides longer bottom times. Increases safety margins. Popular with Dive masters &

instructors.


WHEN CAN RECREATIONAL DIVERS USE NITROX?

On all recreational dives. Leading training agencies have

introduced optional nitrox training within entry level courses.

Leading training agencies have also introduced introductory programs to initiate divers to nitrox prior qualification


WHAT % OF REC DIVERS ARE USING NITROX?

Exact figures not known, but tens of 1000’s of divers train each year with Nitrox

Many dive resorts & liveaboard/charter vessels are already providing nitrox


TRAINING REQUIRED FOR THE USE OF NITROX

Courses are available from all

major DSAT agencies

Basic Nitrox training allows diving

with up to 40% mix

Technical Nitrox training is required for mixes over 40%


WHY OFFER NITROX ?

To increases potential revenue

Provides more & diverse diving opportunities for clients.

Provides additional training opportunities & revenue

Attracts more customers to your dive centre / vessel

Extra equipment sales


ADDITIONAL REASONS TO OFFER NITROX.

Reduction of DCS exposure to divers on multi-day dive trips

Reduces operator, Dive master & Instructor liability

Provides a marketing edge over competitors.

Adoption of Nitrox by all major training agencies

Emergence of ‘tech’ diving within the mainstream.


WHO ELSE USES NITROX?

Recreational dive

professionals

Public safety divers

Scientific divers

Commercial divers

NASA astronauts


HOW IS NITROX DELIVERED TO THE DIVER?

Specially marked cylinders Diver must have proof of nitrox

certification Diver must analyze gas Diver must sign gas log For ‘Nitrox Experience’ programs

Certified DM/Instructors to comply with above procedures.


NITROX PRODUCTION OPTIONS:

• PARTIAL PRESSURE BLENDING

• CONTINUOUS FLOW BLENDING

• MEMBRANE SYSTEM


PARTIAL PRESSURE BLENDING

1. Decant 100% pure O2 to dive cylinder **

2. Top off with O2 J grade compatible air **

** Amounts vary according to required mix and cylinder contents & must be calculated.


ADVANTAGES OF PARTIAL PRESSURE BLENDING

Lowest start up costs of blending methods.

Popular with technical divers


DISADVANTAGES OF PARTIAL PRESSURE BLENDING

Requires transport and handling of 100% pure high pressure O2

Requires error free mathematical calculations

Requires special filtration & expensive consumables to reach J grade quality air.

Requires trained/certified gas blending technician.


ADDITIONAL DISADVANTAGES OF P/P BLENDING

Mix may not be exact +/-

P/P blending should be very slow

100% O2 availability

Purchase & transport costs of

100% O2

High levels of liability for operators


CONTINUOUS FLOW BLENDING

1. Gas is pre-mixed using O2 & breathing air with a blending panel

2. Normal high pressurecompressor is used to fill cylinder


ADVANTAGES OF CONTINUOUS FLOW BLENDING

Relatively inexpensive More practical & faster than

partial pressure blending If using an automated blending

panel its is an easy to use & precise method. The panel achieves reduction of associated O2

handing risks with the use of auto O2 cut - off valves


DISADVANTAGES OF CONTINUOUS FLOW BLENDING

100% O2 availability

Purchase & transport costs

of 100% O2

High levels of liability for

operators


MEMBRANE SYSTEM NITROX PRODUCTION Normal Air filtered to Grade E standard & pumped into membrane @

low pressure

O2 permeates thru membrane more than N2 . N2 rich mix vented, O2 rich mix pumped into high pressure compressor **

Normal high pressure compressor used to fill cylinder. ** N2O2 mix controlled via air flow rate into membrane.


POSSIBLE MEMBRANE SYSTEMS

LP compressor - LP filtration - Membrane - HP compressor - cylinder


POSSIBLE MEMBRANE SYSTEMS

Air bank - LP pressure reducer - LP filtration - Membrane - HP compressor - Cylinder


ADVANTAGES OF A MEMBRANE SYSTEM

Simple operation

No need to store or mix high-pressure O2

Virtually eliminates hazards associated with handling 100% O2

Highly accurate method of blending


ADDITIONAL ADVANTAGES OF MEMBRANE SYSTEMS

FAST: Fill nitrox tanks at same speed you fill with air

LOW: Maintenance & operating costs.

SIMPLE: Training & use.

Note:Note: Membrane systems have the lowest levels of Membrane systems have the lowest levels ofOperator risk exposure when filling Nitrox cylinders.Operator risk exposure when filling Nitrox cylinders.


RELIABILITY OF THE COLTRI /NUVAIR MEMBRANE

Systems reliable as a normal air compressor systems

20-30 year life span Compressor are covered by

1 year warranty Membrane systems are

covered by 5 year warranty.Note:Note: It is Important stated maintenance procedures It is Important stated maintenance procedures are followedare followed


DISADVANTAGES OF A MEMBRANE SYSTEM?

Higher initial capital investment

May require additional electrical power


IS A NEW HP COMPRESSOR NEEDED FOR NITROX?

Can usually use your existing compressor .

A well maintained ‘used’ compressor may need a mild overhaul and internal cleanup if previously used with mineral oil.**

** Any HP Compressor used to compress Nitrox must be lubricated by a synthetic oil rated for use with nitrox


IS USING NITROX WITH A HP COMPRESSOR SAFE?

There are attendant risks with compressing any gas

Compressing N2O2 containing 40% or less O2 poses no more risk than pumping normal breathing air at higher pressures


WHEN USING MEMBRANE OR CONTINUOUS BLENDING…

Considerations: Slightly more conservative than

compressing air Compressor oil Compressor operating temp. Filtration


WHAT IF I NEED TO PRODUCE 40%+ NITROX MIX?

Recreational Divers will not use more than 40% Nitrox

The most popular mix currently used within dive centers/vessels is 32%

If a deco mix exceeding 40% is required by tech divers a P/P system can be used.

Note: Recommended depth limit for recreational divers is 30m, best suited to a 32% Nitrox mix


TRAINING STAFF TO FILL NITROX TANKS

Most people can learn to operate a membrane nitrox system in less than one hour.

We will be conducting a live demonstration at the end of this session


END OF PART ONE

NITROX PRODUCTION WITHIN A DIVE OPERATION

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