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Forwarded message:
Subj: ARGON SYSTEMS
Date: 95-05-30 22:49:03 EDT
From: NAUTULUS I
To: aquacorp@te*.ne*
ARGON SYSTEMS,
There are few drysuit manufacturers who offer alternate drysuit inflation
systems:
DUI - (PN# EAS1) Cost: $575-650 2216 psi bottle
OMS -(PN# J013G) Cost: $ 580 2400 psi 14 cu/ft Chrome moly bottle
AMRON (NOKIA) - (PN# 960-812) Cost: $542
VIKING - (PN# ???) Cost: ??? 3000 psi non-megnetic signature
If you are setting up your own system you need to concider :
TANK - There are many different options with pony bottles. There are smaller
high pressure (3000 psi) bottles such as Sherwood 6 cu/ft (PN# AL0006) or
Dolphin 6 cu/ft which is only 11 inches tall. If you need more volume go
with Sherwood 13.3 cu/ft (PN# AL0013) which is 13 inches tall. The problem
with high pressure bottles, argon only comes in low pressure bottles
(2250-2500 psi). In order to get a full tank you would need a Haskel booster
pump or, a dive store with one and is willing to pump argon. You should not
use a compressor unless you have some elaborate cooling system which is
another subject. Since argon is a heavy and denser gas than air it will over
heat the smaller compressors first stage at high pressures and may cause a
compressor or filter failure. Your other option would be a low pressure
(2015 psi) 14cu/ft Luxfer tank which may be more efficient to fill. Although
it is larger (20 inches) than all 3000 psi tanks you can get full fills. The
bad news is, it is no longer in production or may be on a limited run baises.
You might be able to pick one up around $115.00 new from left over stock,
also check the swap meets. MAKE SURE THE TANK IS MARKED WITH AN ARGON
STICKER AND A WARNING SIGN. Argon stickers are available from a dive store,
IANTD, or TDI.
FIRST STAGE - Since argon is a denser gas, you may need a first stage with
adjustable intermediate pressure, usually diaphragm. In order to get the
same flow characteristics of air you may need to adjust the intermediate
pressure. THIS SHOULD BE DONE BY A FACTORY TRAINED SERVICE TECH!!!. Check
your drysuit/inflator valve's manual for recommended intermediate pressure
range. DO NOT USE MAX!!!
PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE - It is essential to install it on one of the LP ports
of the first stage. If your first stage intermediate pressure creeps up it
may force open the suit inflator valve and may cause it to free flow or may
cause a hose failure. Either way it will be quite dangerous. In order to
prevent this a pressure relif valve is a must. Have the Tech set the relief
valve to vent 20-25 psi less than recommended maximum intermediate pressure
of the inflator valve. Pressure relief valves are available from
Parkway/Poseidon (PN# P3285) cost of $45-50.
The best and least expensive combination (First stage and Presure relief
valve) would be the newer Poseidon first stage with the pressure relief valve
already built in. (PN# 3960). The pressure relief valve will open at
approx. 16bar/232psi (According to the Poseidon manual) Cost $235-255
If you set up your system you may end up saving some money or break even. In
any case at least you will have your own choice of pony bottle and re-usable
first stage.
Just remember we still do not know if argon is absorbed through the skin,
creating problems with decompression. It is still an experimental gas.
MEMO SAHINBAS
Wolverine Lake - MI
NAUTILUS I @aol.com
PADI INST #43773
IANTD INST #401
TDI INST #146
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