Nitrox diving
We plan to do a lot of diving from our vessel and one important development in the diving world has been the use of nitrox.
Nitrox refers to any gas mixture composed (excluding trace gases) of nitrogen and oxygen; this includes normal air which is approximately 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen, with around 1% inert gases, primarily argon. The most common use of nitrox mixtures containing higher than normal levels of oxygen is in SCUBA diving where the reduced percentage of nitrogen is advantageous in reducing nitrogen take up in the body’s tissues and so extending the possible dive time and/or reducing the risk of decompression sickness (also known as the bends).
Nitrox is known by many names: Enhanced Air Nitrox, Oxygen Enriched Air, Nitrox, EANx or Safe Air.
To learn more about Nitrox and it advantages, check out these links:
I’m currently researching how we can produce nitrox on our vessel. There are 3 possible options:
- partial pressure blending
- a membrane
- the nitrox stick
We will go with the membrane system. It’s the most practical, safe and cost effective solution long term. There is no need to carry or make oxigen and there is proven technology from different suppliers.
The best known are:
- Nuvair (US) & Nitrox Technologies (Bob Olson)
- NRC International (Germany)
- Bauer Compressors (German with large US presence)
- Brownie’s (modified Bauers) with Kaeser low pressure compressors
- L&W (Lenhardt & Wagner) Compressors (Germany)
More to follow soon.
