Effective Scuba Diving Thrives on Air Compressors

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For scuba divers the air compressor is an especially valuable tool. Scuba diving enthusiasts the world over know the importance of the scuba air compressor. For it is their lifeline. It is their ability to experience the underwater world that most of us will never know.

The beauty of God's underwater creation is such that only those that wear the scuba gear can thrive in. Dive gear comes in all sorts of apparatuses and clothing to protect the scuba diver while under the depths of the ocean or whatever body of water they choose to explore.

Thus scuba diving is in a class all of it's own, because of the nature of what it takes to explore the depths of the underwater planet. Of all hobbies, scuba diving truly stands alone.




Seeing the Differences

In this article we will explore the divers primary piece of gear. The scuba diving air compressor. Of course this would be for those people who desire to fill their own air tanks for breathing underwater. Most tanks are filled at a scuba diving shop for a nominal price.

The first thing you recognize about the scuba air compressor is, even though it's the same type of compressor that you'd use in your garage or on the job, it is a reciprocating compressor. If you read my other article on the Various Types you would recognize that as piston compressed air.

But with a major difference. That major difference being the quality of the air. Also in my article on Safety Techniques, I made mention that you should never inhale the air from and air compressor. The scuba compressor however, is much different.

The Quality is Important

There are special techniques and things that need to be followed in order to make the air from this type compressor breathable. Lets explore these techniques now so if you have one or plan to buy one, you'll know the important points.

One thing about the scuba diving compressor is that it can compress air in the divers tank at a huge 3000 PSI. These tanks are specially made for this type of pressure. This allows the diver to be able to be down under water longer. Because of the extreme amount of air compressed into the tank at one time.

The obvious importance here is the quality of the air your going to be breathing. Scuba air compressors have special filters on them to filter out contaminations of oil and various particles and chemicals. Here are the primary substances that must be filtered out.

• Oil

• Carbon Monoxide

• Water

Each special filter is made to filter each component separately. Oil needs to filtered out because it's used in the lubricating of the compressor motor. This motor oil, although a special type for that compressor, is still harmful if inhaled. It must be removed.

To remove the oil, a filter of activated carbon or what is called a molecular sieve is used. In removing carbon monoxide the filter is called a catalyst. As you probably know carbon monoxide is very deadly. Thats why you never start your car in an enclosed area with no ventilation. Carbon monoxide is a silent but deadly killer.

Water is removed by silica gel filter or also a molecular sieve. Condensation tends to build up where air is enclosed in a small area and must be removed for breathing. Every so often the gas produced by a scuba air compressor should be checked.

Better Safe Than Sorry

The gases that are tested for impurity are...

• Water Vapor

• Nitrogen Dioxide

• Carbon Dioxide

• Carbon Monoxide

• Lubricating-Oil Vapour

• Odor and Taste

• Solid Particles

These things are very important to be checked in my opinion about every 50 hours of use of the air compressor. Now some will say after every 200 hours is sufficient. I like to be a little safer myself. The old saying is "better safe than sorry", and thats a good one to live by.

I Hate Cramps, Don't You

One other reason for the close monitoring of these chemicals is it directly affects the decompression when rising back up from a deep exploration. Particularly the CO or carbon monoxide because it readily binds to the hemoglobin of the red blood cells and destroys the bloods ability to carry oxygen.

You've heard of the "benz" haven't you? Thats what happens when the scuba diver rises to fast to the surface after the dive. It is commonly felt by a cramping of the muscles. This can be deadly if to much CO has been ingested during the dive.

It is imperative that you pay close attention to the amounts of the chemicals listed above, that your scuba compressor is creating at all times.

The Wrap Up

These are some of the important things you should know when you own a scuba air compressor. So as to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience each and every time you go for a dive. What I've given you in this article are the basics to scuba compressors.

If you wish to know more there are many places to seek out information here on the internet. Scuba diving is without a doubt one of the most fascinating experiences a human can ever have on earth. My wish is that you have safe and continually safe diving experiences each and every time you go for the wild blue yonder.

By paying close attention to your air compressor that can always be achieved!

Thanks for coming by...

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