How Is Nitrox Made? - Scuba Tech Tips: S08E21

[@pricediver]

Jeez! Learning so much from every single video.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching Pricediver. Alec

[@sharker1935]

Mr. Peirce, Really appreciate your videos and zeal for the industry. I hope you continue to do these videos as long as you're able. You, sir, are a giant in the industry! Thank you!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks very much. And thanks for watching. Alec

[@craigritter6170]

I'm so glad I found you your videos, you are so passionate and so informative. Keep up the great work! Thank you

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching. Alec

[@alaind831]

4th option: membrane they use on boats to separate oxygen and generate nitrox straight to your regular tank (the only time I get nitrox these days because of # of dives per day). Also why would you need a booster in the stick case ? you are pumping pure o2 into regular air intake pressure no ? great video, thanks!

[@tkmcdon]

Another excellent video from Mr. Scuba himself! Me and the family have learned so much from you, thanks! We’re still waiting for your FULL FACE MASK video. 😬

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It's on the list, no idea when but it will be done. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@bigfoot1465]

Great video, years ago I was a commercial hydrostatic tester and also a relief pumper for nitrogen and helium. Burst discs happened quite often, but then the cylinder was contained by the fill fitting valve and hose. Now they may use safety chains! Very loud but not a lot of reaction from cylinder because it was a controlled release. Also remember the cylinders are hydro tested to 5/3working pressure, 5/3 of 3000 is 5000!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for sharing Bigfoot. I did 2 videos on hydrostatic testing as many divers don't know the 5/3 testing pressure and get paranoid about a 200 psi increase due to a hot sun!

[@mystkittsdivebuddy]

As always your videos are very informative. I have been diving and teaching scuba for some time and I always seem to pick up a few good tips when I watch your videos. My own videos are all from underwater dive adventures, I could never produce the quality and quantity that you do. Keep up the good work.

[@tomdenton6026]

A big A for your comment

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Appreciate your feedback and glad you picked up something new. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@superbholidays3520]

Superb video and great sense of humour 😎👍

[@benheckendorn2696]

I am a OWD SSI since Oct. 21, 2021. I remember the Dalton law, but I didn't know how useful it is to know it. It's just great how much I leaned from you. You are just awesome!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad it was helpful! Do you remember when Dalton was born / died? That is what I had to learn back in the stone age days. Thanks for the feedback Ben and for watching.

[@benheckendorn2696]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter sadly we didn't learn that. ;-( Dalton law was just a part of the theory, sadly not even a part of the theory exam. So I would love to know a little bit more about Dalton law. Have you ever thought about to do a video about the most important laws. Like Dalton law or to keep below 1.6 and why.

[@phillipborbon6598]

20k subscribers? Man you deserve more. I'm out of commission in diving because of work and school but getting educated because of you. Thanks a lot Alec

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I'm glad you're enjoying my vids and hope you're picking up some ideas Alec

[@arineey4538]

This was insanely educational thank you

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@nicolasiacono5024]

Thanks for another one of your awesome tech tips Alec! Top notch info and explanations as always. I know you concentrate more on recreational diving gear in your videos, but what about some insights on backplate and wing systems? I'd love to hear your expertise and opinions on that topic! Safe diving and greetings from Ischia island

[@HYPRZER0]

Thank you so much for sharing all of your knowledge, opinions, and interests with all of us divers Alec. You’re definitely one of my favorite KZbinrs. My wife and I even found and watched a little Sea Hunt. (The episode where he finds counterfeit money in an underwater current and has to track down the perps and their illegal printing plates) Loved it!! 😃😃🤿 Keep all of these awesome videos coming! 🤙🏻

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you like these. Watch my Sea Hunt Remembered series as I have the largest Sea Hunt memorabilia collection in the world.

[@huuhaa9038]

Hi Alec, The "stick" method has an "official" name: Continuous Flow Mixing aka CFM. It is, indeed, commonly used and efficient way to drain O2 tank because the end pressure can go up to a few bars (30psi) without booster pump...

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks Huu, I try to keep everything simple and not promote specific products and to remain as neutral as possible. Glad you like the videos. Alec

[@jshrawder49]

That was a great video on Nitrox! Thanks for sharing!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching Justin. Alec

[@foghornleg90]

Awesome and interesting... never messed with gas dives. Thought of it... but no reason or real opportunity. But your video is very educational. Thank you!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Will-ol9lp]

How come your not in your old store the one u sold and used to make the videos in? It’s nice to see other dive shops as well in Canada. I wish we could find some older dive store owners like u down here in Fl. Yes sir they don’t make um like u anymore. I’m glad our PADI ICD is like u. Take care my friend

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I sold Scuba 2000 and retired. Since then I travel to other dive shops to help them. Look for me in other dive stores this year. Lots more new tips coming Will. Alec

[@sparkyobrian6417]

absolutely excellent presentation.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thank you Sparky. Glad you enjoyed it. Alec

[@amcaesar]

Wow, you show me something new before I even think to ask!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Your welcome Bill. Thanks for watching. Alec.

[@bevans7772]

Just obtained my PADI gas blender certification and it's very rewarding to be able to dive your own blend!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It's a good certification to have to understand gas blending for future tech diving courses. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@ixonster1]

Very entertaining and very informative..thankyou very Much

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@rgorji]

Loved the video. Very well done. Thank you.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks Reza for watching. Alec

[@ScubaGirl68]

A good video which isn't too technical :) . I've not heard of "the stick" before, but it does sound like a handy solution for some people. A fourth option that you didn't cover is a Membrane compressor. These have two compressors, one low pressure and high pressure, and excess nitrogen is removed through the membrane as the now Nitrox gas is pumped into your cylinders. Most won't pump above 40% O2, so the cylinders don't need to be O2 cleaned. It's possible to dial the percentage that you want.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

The membrane system is often used on dive boats. It is not an inexpensive system to set up but does offer increased safety because the tanks and regs don't need to be O2 clean. Thanks ScubaGirl. Alec

[@clarkeysam]

Nice video Alec. I was amazed when I heard that some divers over here (in the UK) have their own home fill station in their garages!!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Keep watching, my next video is on portable air compressors. I think you will like it and learn something to tell your friends. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@Yggdrasil42]

Here in The Netherlands too. It's not about economics but convenience. Not having to drive to a dive center. They often use a small Bauer Junior II compressor and some use a DIY Nitrox stick to blend Nitrox on the fly. Not too expensive, compared to the price of other tech gear.

[@clarkeysam]

@@Yggdrasil42 yeah a family friend has his own compressor and mixing station ..... Unfortunately he lives at the other end of the country. I agree, it's all about convenience. My local dive shop is a 30min drive away, so a filling trip is 1.5-2hrs. Given I often don't get home from work until 7pm, that makes a filling trip hard to fit in mid week.

[@vpraczynski9013]

Outstanding! How does oxygen effect the bcd material?

[@DEVILFISH1122]

The Membrane system for making Nitrox is a lot easier and safer than blending it I’ve got a Nuvair membrane system with a Bauer K14 -4 stage compressor for sale that I used in my commercial diving work

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

That is a good setup and reliable. No air, no work right?

[@davidhamilton7814]

Very interesting cheers Alec another great video

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching David. Glad you picked up something new. Alec

[@HellrazorDogsnDives]

Keep making videos !

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Will do Hellrazor. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@Chogogo717]

When adding O2 on the partial pressure method do you have to account for the scuba cylinder’s temperature increase (and resulting pressure drop after it cools). Obviously the O2 isn’t going to have a huge pressure drop from 462psi. as it would when filled to 3000psi.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

There is a small measurable change due to temperature but the PP blend does not need to factor in temperature, its primary pressure and volume only.

[@elzipperooo]

Great video. Thanks

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching Eric. Alec

[@Vasilis_Chatzis]

Hi Alec Could you make a video and explain the difference between a balanced piston regulator and balanced diafram regulator ? Moreover the aqualung core supreme regulator is good from diving only in Greece ? Thanks!

[@guacacuda]

I use partial pressure blending method. But I use a cascade of oxygen bottles to get the maximum of each one.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Yep! That works. Or get a booster so you can use most of the oxygen in a bottle. Thanks. Alec

[@europana7]

I think this is the most common method …partially fill empty tanks with pure O2 depending on the requested mix, and fill the rest with regular air.

[@ultimatevintagescuba925]

great video

[@georgemcwilliams4466]

I love your videos!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thank you for watching George. I hope you're getting some good ideas from them, or a good laugh. Either is fine. Alec

[@CharbelGereige]

Hi Alec, thank you for another amazing tech tip video! Can you tell us about Open Cell Neoprene wetsuits?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Uh, to the best of my knowledge there has never been an open cell wetsuit, at least not a successful one. Open cell material is basically like a sponge. Every cell is interconnected so water travels throughout the entire material and completely soaks it inside and out. That's great for holding a bunch of soapy water when washing your car but wouldn't insulate your body from the cold. And it would take forever to dry too. Wets suits are made from closed cell neoprene so, although filled with millions of cells (holes or pockets), each is separated from its neighbors. Thus the suit is largely air and provides insulation. And when you hang the suit up in the sun, only the surface is wet and it dries instantly. Take care. Alec

[@CharbelGereige]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter I had seen this kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYGVeJ2Voal5m9U but not sure I understand the concept - maybe something else is missing

[@data790]

I have recently, Thursday, got my sport diver nitrox certificate after 25 years of not being interested. I have a few questions. Is it worth buying a second set of regs and a cylinder specifically for nitrox, or just get everything 02 cleaned each time? I didn't hear anything about switching back to air and whether we need to have the equipment treated for this from nitrox? And lastly, do divers feel less fatigued using nitrox than with air? I always find i need a wee snooze after a single dive. So many questions after the course and the instructor was doing his best to try and answer them bless him. Loved the course and it really helped my air diving too. All the best, sir. Love your videos.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I have a video to answer your question Marc. Watch S10E02 to learn about when O2 cleaning is needed and mixing air in tanks. Should answer all your questions.

[@mattbunce2509]

Good info, but why would you need a booster pump for continuous (stick) blending? Because the O2 tank is flowing into the stick at atmospheric pressure I regularly am able to use my O2 J tanks right down to about 2bar, essentially the whole tank. And then of course the main compressor will provide the pressure to fill the tank, so I am confused about the mention of a booster pump?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It is a bit of overkill but a booster can be used for different purposes. Sure it will draw down an O2 tank so the full contents can be used. That's not needed for Stick filling, as you say, but it can also be used fill higher pressure tanks, for topping up, for transferring contents, etc. If not needed at your facility, as with a Stck fill, avoid a booster. They are not cheap, they're noisy & need constant care to remain safe & in top condition.

[@ArgosWarrior]

I thought it was oxygen that was made only at night. Just kidding.

[@alaind831]

topic: spare air or similar second air source. is it worth it, do you just get 3-4 breath at typical 60ft+ depth ? which is better than nothing I suppose.... I find myself diving alone more (either lobster hunting in which case you intentionally split, or having a greater distance with buddy which can take a while to reach at depth) and thinking self rescue is always better than depending on someone else, or use it to reach them. I've seen those piggy back tanks but they are heavy + full regulator. There are many cheap copy cats now out, so not a lot of $ for extra safety net.

[@alaind831]

I should have known you already covered it. Thanks!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I made a video on this topic Alain S04E10. Check that out. The best redundant air supply system I've ever seen/used is the from XS Scuba. It's called the XTR Extra Air Backup System. It's light, easy to use, compact and cheap (relatively). Good luck. Alec

[@alaind831]

thanks! www.xsscuba.com/regulators/xtr-extra-air-complete-backup-rescue-system

[@user-uf9jg9iy4i]

Can u teach in ur next video how to fill the tank with all the process live!!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

There are so many points to the complete process, thats why I broke it up into smaller, easer to grasp videos. Still more to come with more interesting tips. Alec

[@chrisphilhower6029]

The Atmosphere is 21% O2.. 462 PSI of O2 + 2600 PSI of Air. Roughly have 1/3 of the Tank filled with O2. Hence your 32% Nitrox.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Not quite so simple when using partial pressure blending to get the blend within 1% of target. A

[@chrisphilhower6029]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter I remember reading years ago, The Atmosphere was 20.8%O2

[@markstengel7680]

Nothing like shaking the hand of a salesperson or owner of a retail shop. Internet is a cold process, so I'll call them i hate B/O's. Smart video buying local SCUBA gear, especially getting service after. 👍

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I buy lots online but it's only stuff that I can't get at a local store. Some divers refuse to use a dive shop for anything except air fills. If you don't support your LDS, it will close. READ THIS SLOWLY - you can't get air fills online!! Alec

[@markstengel7680]

Hi Alec, is Nitrox used for deep dives ? Nice refill setup your showing. Also on FXM Fox Movie tomorrow 03/01 will be showing The Neptune Factor 1973 Ben Gazzara, good SCUBA scenes in film. Thought of you. Hang Tuff My Friend 👍

[@Teampegleg]

Depends on what mix you are getting EAN28 has a Max Operating Depth of 132fsw, while EAN32 has a MOD of 111fsw (of course using a max PPO2 of 1.4). Those two mixes are probably the two most commonly used on deep dives.

[@MMAteenager]

Nitrox is used to reduce the partial pressure of nitrogen you are breathing to reduce your on gassing of nitrogen. The extends your no decompression limit at a given depth at the expense of a higher partial pressure of O2. The higher ppo2 decrease your max depth you can go due to oxygen toxicity, but you can stay longer at the depths you can go with less risk of becoming bent and slightly less nitrogen narcosis.

[@DanBowkley]

Short, grossly oversimplified answer: no, nitrox is used for longer and/or safer dives. You can't go as deep on nitrox as you do on air, but you can stay down much longer. Or, you can dive using air tables and get the same bottom time (still limited by nitrox's maximum depth though) and have a really large reduction in your risk of getting bent.

[@Teampegleg]

@@DanBowkley For me nitrox isn't as worthwhile for shallower dives (meaning 70ft or shallower), unless you are diving an aggressive repetitive dive series. For me nitrox becomes an asset when I am diving closer to 100ft.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks Mark. Enjoy the old scuba movies. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@Piolo-hp4yi]

Hi Alec, I would like to ask you how can you check your if your instructor is qualified to train you before getting certified and how can you check that your divestore is an authorized padi center and not a scam?

[@Piolo-hp4yi]

Is it any internet site to check that?

[@bevans7772]

PADI has a ProCheck, but you need to know the instructor's number. apps.padi.com/scuba-diving/pro-chek/ PADI also maintains a public list of dive shops and individuals banned from representing or offering PADI courses. www.padi.com/consumer-alerts

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Padi ProCheck is the best way to confirm an instructor is current and authorized to teach. Alec.

[@Piolo-hp4yi]

Thank you to both!

[@jeffworst9939]

It's been asked already, but can you explain the "membrane" method of making nitrox? I don't think for this method the tank needs to be O2-clean, or am I wrong?

[@alaind831]

it does not as the air coming out is pre-mxied which all tanks can take. My understanding that a membrane separate the Oxygen molecules from Nitrogen molecule (different size) with a separate compressor, and that is mixed with regular air (like the stick mentioned) into the main compressor that fills your tank.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

That's right Alain. Always think about the gas going into the tank. If it's pure oxygen or even above 40%, the tank must be O2 clean. If it's mixed at less than 40% when it enters the tank, it does not. Now, note that many dive shops either don't understand this or ignore it in the pursuit of profit. They may insist that all tanks with an EANx mixture be O2 clean. That is their prerogative, but wrong. It's especially wrong when they claim its in the interest of safety! Alec

[@Caderic]

Is this a basic comprehensive list of what you would find in a dive shop?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It is Erikk. Most dive shops have one method, usually the 'stick' as is easily to control with a high fill rate. Next time your at your local dive shop, ask to see their setup as they fill your tank.

[@Caderic]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter I will do that. I was just wondering because I know that the gas produces have different methods for different gasses and volumes but I would guess those methods would be out of the reach financially or most or even all dive shops.

[@bas6983]

Those O2 cylinders look awfully lot like industrial “welding/cutting” cylinders and an industrial reducer. Not sure about your side of the pond but in Europe medical O2 is shipped in white cylinders with a black band. I would happily use industrial O2 but its not certified clean and healthy for human consumption? 🤔

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I think most 'industrial' cylinders are similar. The difference would be in the contents and the level of cleanliness as required for the gas. Generally, the cylinder color indicates the contents so here, a green top means oxygen. There are several levels of oxygen depending on the application. I use a similar cylinder for my oxy-acetylene welding at the ranch (see AlecPeirceAt the Ranch) but, as you say, that would not be suitable for breathing. There is medical grade and breathing grade and probably others too. That would be specified by an attached label. Take care. Alec

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

Actually industrial gas is cleaner than medical or aviation gas they just have a ton more paperwork

[@rorypenstock1763]

Do any dive stores have their own oxygen concentrators?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Not many I know of. Very expensive with not many dive clients. How many times will a diver fill an O2 emergency tank in a year? A

[@joshuawade8319]

Alec, I have one nagging question. Your description of the partial pressure method was very easy to understand, but it made me think about O2 percentages. When a tank is filled with the equivalent pressure of 32% O2, and then 68% of air, is the diver now not breathing something closer to 53% oxygen due to the combined O2 from the 32% of thd pure oxygen tank and the 21% of oxygen found in the atmospheric air? I'm sure this is not a particularly important question for the diver, and the math and science account for this fact, it just puzzles me. In any event, thanks for a great video!

[@MMAteenager]

You just add less O2 so it works out to 32%

[@scottselkey4460]

32% is Oxygen and 68% is Nitrogen. There is no Oxygen in the 68%. Does that make sense?

[@scottselkey4460]

I see what you are asking now. The calculator takes into account the 21% of Oxygen that is in the top off gas(air) so that when the tank is full it will be 32%.

[@joshuawade8319]

Okay, I figured there was something simple I was overlooking. I should never be trusted when math or numbers are involved. Thanks, everybody.

[@vikkimcdonough6153]

4:34 - ...And that he was a colorblind Quaker who found out he was colorblind when he accidentally wore bright red to church? :-þ

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I am funny, so I think anyway. A.

[@enigmacrk200]

I only came here for the Valves.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

They are cool looking. A

[@andrecandrade]

WTF, Kevin!?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

What did he do this time? Alec

[@paigntonbeach887]

fhuutpkk

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Expplufgts. Alec

[@magaisacult2023]

Before the days of commercial Nitrox, we used welding cylinders (medical O2 required a prescription) and a cascade hose to add O2, the top off with compressed air. We did use O2 analyzers (we were stupid, not suicidal). Did the same with trimix, used a helium canister!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Just as with early scuba, there was a lot of trial and error (more error than trial sometimes) with early gas mixes. I'm hoping that today's divers appreciate what came before. It wasn't always as easy as going into a dive store and asking for 32% mix!! Alec