Any cylinder, valve, or regulator that will be used with any gas mixes over 23% should be oxygen cleaned during service to remove any contaminants. All serviced regulators through Liberty Divers will be oxygen cleaned. There is an additional charge for oxygen cleaning a cylinder and valve as there are extra steps required to ensure contaminates are removed.
Scuba oxygen cleaning is a specialized process that involves thoroughly cleaning and preparing scuba diving equipment, particularly cylinders, valves, and regulators, for use with gases containing high concentrations of oxygen, such as enriched air nitrox (EANx) or pure oxygen. This meticulous cleaning procedure is essential to ensure the safety and reliability of equipment used in oxygen-rich environments.
By removing contaminants and maintaining oxygen compatibility, oxygen-cleaned equipment helps protect diver health and enhance the overall diving experience.
Importance of Oxygen Cleaning:
Safety: Oxygen is a vital component of scuba diving gas mixes, but it can also pose risks if not handled properly. Contaminants such as oils, greases, or debris in scuba equipment can react violently with high-concentration oxygen, leading to fire or explosion hazards. Oxygen cleaning helps mitigate these risks by removing contaminants and ensuring equipment compatibility with oxygen-rich gases.
Equipment Integrity: Oxygen-compatible equipment undergoes thorough cleaning and inspection to prevent contamination and ensure its integrity. This includes disassembling, cleaning, and lubricating components to remove any traces of hydrocarbons or other contaminants that could react with oxygen. Proper maintenance and care of oxygen-cleaned equipment help prolong its lifespan and maintain performance reliability.
Diver Health: Oxygen purity is critical for diver health and safety. Contaminated equipment can introduce impurities into breathing gases, leading to respiratory issues or decompression sickness. Oxygen cleaning minimizes the risk of contamination, providing divers with clean, breathable air for a safer and more comfortable diving experience.
Process of Oxygen Cleaning:
Disassembly: Scuba equipment, including cylinders, valves, and regulators, is disassembled to access internal components for cleaning. This allows thorough inspection and cleaning of all parts to ensure they are free from contaminants.
Cleaning: Each component undergoes a meticulous cleaning process using specialized oxygen-compatible cleaning agents and procedures. This removes oils, greases, dirt, and other contaminants that could react with oxygen.
Inspection: After cleaning, each component is carefully inspected for cleanliness and integrity. Any signs of contamination or damage are addressed promptly to ensure equipment reliability and safety.
Assembly: Cleaned and inspected components are reassembled using oxygen-compatible lubricants and sealants. Proper assembly techniques are employed to prevent contamination and ensure airtight seals.
Verification: Once reassembled, the equipment undergoes final testing and verification to confirm its oxygen compatibility and integrity. This may include pressure testing, leak testing, and functionality checks to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.