When purchasing a scuba tank, you should first decide on your budget. There are many different types, prices, and features to consider. Even though tanks with the highest performance are more expensive, they don't always offer the best diving experience. It is best to set a specific budget and stick to it. This will keep you from going over your budget and prevent you from getting distracted by other issues. You could regret buying later if your spending exceeds your means.
Nitrox can be used for shallow diving.
A relatively new dive gas, Nitrox, is being used by recreational divers. It is used to increase the oxygen concentration in the water. It is more toxic than regular air at greater depths, so divers need to undergo specialty training before diving with nitrox. However, it's a popular gas choice for recreational divers.
There are many advantages and disadvantages to diving with nitrox. First, you can breath it for longer periods and have less decompression sickness. This allows divers to spend less time in the water and to wait to get out. However, decompression sickness can happen for any diver, so if you are a novice or are planning a dive with a group of divers, it is important to consult the dive table for the recommended surface intervals.
Nitrox is safer than Helium. According to the American Dive Association (ADSA), nitrox diver have a lower likelihood of suffering from decompression sickness. Despite the lower risk of decompression sickness, nitrox has been associated with several fatalities. Nitrox is a mixture of inert gases and oxygen. DAN encourages divers to test their tanks prior to diving, and to mark their maximum operating level.
In a scuba tank, pure oxygen can cause flammable and explosive conditions
Pure oxygen in a diving tank is dangerous and should not be used. Pure oxygen can ignite and set off a fire in extreme cases. It is dangerous and requires special equipment. To prevent an explosion, divers must also be able to slowly open the valves. Safety of the filler and tank is also important.
The problem occurs when the tank is overfilled or the oxygen level falls below a safe level. Because oxygen behaves differently from compressed air or nitrogen, the pressure inside the tank may be very high. If the oxygen enrichment equipment does not work correctly or is not protected properly, it could cause an explosion. A fire can be very difficult to put out if it is started.
The high velocity that oxygen travels from the oxygen tank compounds the problem. The high velocity of the oxygen cylinder creates friction that can lead to ignition. Explosive or flammable situations can also be created by dead ends within the oxygen cylinder.
Safety precautions prior to using scuba oxygen
Safety and compliance with guidelines are important when using oxygen in a scuba tank. Before diving, make sure to inspect the pressure gauge. How long you can stay submerged will depend on the amount of air in your tank. For this reason, you should always surface with a good reserve of air, usually about 50 Bar or 500 PSI. You can allocate air in the tank by following the rule for thirds.
A second safety precaution is to not breathe underwater while using scuba tank oxygen. This is dangerous and could even result in death or serious injury. Lung overexpansion due to the oxygen can lead to air bubbles escaping the lungs. This can cause the oxygen-containing cells of the lungs to burst.