Nitrox and Technical Diving

Recreational and advanced-level sport divers are increasingly
taking advantage of the benefits of alternate breathing gases in many
areas of diving. Wreck divers and technical divers have realized
benefits from nitrox diving by extending bottom lines and enjoying
safer dive profiles. In addition, when a higher percentage of
oxygen is used during safety stops or required decompression
stops, there are significant advantages derived. Also, dives made at altitudes can be more safely extended due to the lowering of the
resultant tissue gradients offered by using more oxygen.

The Concept of Nitrox Diving

• Decompression Illness (DCI) is caused by the
  pressure of inert gas and the time of exposure
• Decompression obligations are based
  upon the amount of inert gas absorbed by tissues
• Nitrogen is highly narcotic causing narcosis
• Air Diving is limited as Air is 80% inert gas
• Oxygen limits are known and manageable
• Breathe less inert gas and more oxygen
  
  
  

Technical Divers need oxygen for special mixes and decompression gases

Why Use Diving Gas Mixtures Other than Air?

1) Extension of No-Stop-Required (or otherwise referred to as No-Decompression-Limits) time limits

2) Reduction of decompression time if No-Stop-Required limits are exceeded

3) Reduction of residual nitrogen in the body following a dive. This would either increase the time allowable on repetitive dives, or both. SafeAir also reduces the risk of flying after diving.

4) A marked reduction in the narcotic effect caused by nitrogen. This is especially noticeable in the
100-130 fsw range.

5) The effects of any barotrauma may be reduced due to the improved micro-circulation, enhanced
oxygen-loading of blood plasma and a lower inert gas content of any free bubbles.

6) Most divers report a post-dive feeling of reduced fatigue levels and a calmer, more relaxed dive. Although this is subjective information, there are supportive studies that suggest that the residual effects of nitrogen as a depressant and sub-clinical decompression illness (non-symptomatic) are reduced.

OGSI has joined with Andi International in developing a product line of oxygen generators and oxygen or nitrox cylinder filling plants (CFP's) for diving applications. OGSI's CFP's are efficient, and an investment in a system is typically recovered within two years. This is a return on investment (ROI) greater than 50% per year.

For more information about these systems, please visit www.andihq.com or call our partners at
ANDI International at (516) 546-2026.