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On Tue, 25 Oct 1994, David Wilkins wrote:

> When diving trimix on open-circuit scuba, it is standard practice to use 
> nitrox(es) and oxygen for decompression, as getting off helium as soon 
> as possible gives a noticably reduced decompression duration.
> 
> Running a few tables, it seems as this would also be a significant 
> advantage using a rebreather, ie do the main part of the dive on a 
> trimix (or heliox) diluent, then switch diluent for the decompression to 
> a nitrox. 
> 
> Are any of the (forthcoming) rebreathers capable of handling this? Any 
> other thoughts on this matter would also be welcomed.
> 
> 


On the question of rebreathers, does any one know of a heliox rebreather 
recently released in the UK for about 1500 pounds ?  At this kind of 
price it is coming into the reach of non-profesionals, but have they had 
to cut any corners to get this price tag ?

I'm looking for extended dive times and not have any chance of narcosis,
and heliox is too expensive to use on open-ciruit for more than the odd dive.

Sorry for breaking the thread of the replies but I also have an interest 
in the current state of the liquid breathing technology.  I already know 
that they did some early work back in the 50s/60s and ran succesful human 
trials using a fluorocarbon liquid, but due to an adverse reaction to the 
lining of the lungs they had to switch to something else.  At that point 
the military took an interst and picked up the research.  After this all 
the publications regarding liq. breathing have stopped.  However work did 
continue and I KNOW that it is in current use by the British forces, but 
not to what extent.  Does anyone know what the current system is and how 
much it is used ?

Thanks

Matthew

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