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ARGON SYSTEMS; There are few drysuit manufacturers who offer alternate drysuit inflation systems: DUI - (PN# EAS1) Cost: $575-650 2216 psi bottle OMS - (PN# J)!#G) Cost: $580 2400 psi 14 cu/ft Crome moly bottle AMRON (NOKIA) - (PN# 960-812) Cost: $542 VIKING - (PN# ??) Cost : ?? 3000 psi non-megnetic signature bottle If you are setting up your own system you will 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 13.3 cu/ft Sherwood (PN# AL0013) or Dolphin 13 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 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 heavyer and denser gas than air it will over heat the smaller compressors first stage at high pressures and may couse a compressor or filter failure. Your other option would be a low pressure (2015 psi) 14 cu/ft Luxfer tank which may be more efficient to fill. Although it is larger (20 inches tall) than all 3000 psi bottles 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 TID. FIRST STAGE - Since argon is a denser gas, you may need a first stage with adjustable intermediate pressure, usually diaphragm first stage. In order to get the same flow characteristics and volume 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 relief 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, most compact, and least expensive combination first stage and pressure relief valve would be the newer Poseidon first stage. Since the pressure relief valve is already built in to it. (PN# 3960). According to the Poseidon manual the pressure relief valve will open or vent at approx. 16bar/232psi. It is a good combination. If you choose to set up your own system you may end up saving some money or break even. In any case at least you will have your own choice of ponny bottle and re-usable first stage after cleaned. 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@ao*.co* PADI INST #43772 IANTD INST #401 TDI INST #146
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