LlewocSIS
Nitrox Stik
The
Revolutionary Continuous Gas Blender
As the
average age of divers in North America is increasing, so are
the predisposing factors for "decompression sickness"
(DCS). We in the dive industry are trying to find ways to minimize
diving related conditions like "DCS". Presently, statistics
show that the incidents of DCS are rare in the recreational diving
community and becoming less common in commercial diving. This
can be attributed to good training, the proper use of air tables,
and the popularity of diving computers. The question is, will
these statistics change as divers become less fit with the sedentary
lifestyle that often accompanies middle age?
As you
know, "DCS" is a serious medical condition that is
caused by a diver being exposed to increased pressure for a given
length of time. It is a direct result of the nitrogen in the
air we breathe bubbling out of our tissues as we ascend from
depth. The older we are, often the more susceptible we are to
this condition. One answer to this potential problem is actually
quite simple... Increase the oxygen in the air breathed underwater
and remove a corresponding amount of nitrogen.
This
idea was first used in the late 1800’s. Since then, the
commercial, military, and scientific diving communities have
recognized and utilized oxygen enriched air. In North America,
Dr. Morgan Wells, Director of the National Oceanographic and
Atmospheric Association (NOAA) developed a new process for mixing
oxygen enriched air which he called a continuous nitrox blending
system.
The
gas blending standards set by NAUI were based on regulations
as specified by NOAA, OSHA, USN, and USCG. These standards have
subsequently become recognized by the majority of training agencies
in the diving industry. One of these standards is that any part
of a high pressure system that comes into contact with oxygen
in concentrations higher than 40%, must be oxygen serviced. This
means that stricter protocols must be in place in the areas of
system design, cleaning and material compatibility.
Until
recently, the use of a continuous nitrox mixer required that
the high pressure compressor be oil free. This was the result
of non-homogeneous mixing of the oxygen with air, which caused
streams of unmixed oxygen to flow through the compressor.. Faced
with this situation, Ross Cowell, a Canadian maritime engineer
and technical diver, came up with a simple but effective solution.
He felt that if oxygen could be thoroughly mixed with air, to
a concentration below 40% oxygen, before it was introduced into
the compressor, then any well maintained compressor could be
used.
Basing
his research on already proven technology in an aligned field,
he found that a mixer used in the gas industry would blend the
gas approximately ten times more thoroughly than the mixing coils
on the current NOAA continuous mixer. By plumbing in an oxygen
analyzer to measure the oxygen content before it is introduced
into a compressors intake, he found that he would get completely
homogenous (mixed) gas, in less than 2 milliseconds. To control
the amount of oxygen introduced into the system, a safety "lock
out" is incorporated, controlling the maximum oxygen content.
In this way, the medical regulator is the only part of the system
that is exposed to oxygen concentrations above forty percent,
and it is manufactured in the USA and specifically designed for
oxygen use.
In addition,
the revolutionary design of the LlewocSIS Nitrox Stik enables
it to be used on compressors of all types and sizes. If a compressor
delivers breathing quality air, then oxygen servicing is not
required, providing the oxygen content is kept below 40%, and
the maximum working pressure is no more than 3000 psig.
Prototypes
were installed on high use compressors and tested for one year.
Mr. Cowells’ system worked flawlessly. As well, an independent
engineering study was commissioned, making this one of the most
thoroughly researched blending systems available. With the testing
complete, patent applications followed, and the unit is now "Patent
Pending".
NAUI
Technical Training Operations is involved with Nitrox use in
the diving industry. Their gas blending program is considered
one of the most comprehensive and up to date courses available.
Although all of the types of blending systems are covered in
the course, the students actually get hands-on blending experience
with equipment that includes the LlewocSIS Nitrox Stik. The industry
presently has a lot of nitrox divers, with more coming on-line
every day. The bottle neck is in the supply of Nitrox. The trick
is to first become knowledgeable about Nitrox gas blending ,
oxygen servicing, and the types of blending systems available.
Then you can make an informed decision about what is the best
system for your operation. The bottom line is that whatever you
do, do it safely. At the facility level it is vitally important
that we set the standards by providing safe consistent Nitrox
fills to our customers.
We have
found that the biggest problem facing the diving industry today
is the expense of setting up a safe/effective Nitrox fill station
in diving operations. The LlewocSIS Nitrox Stik solves these
problems. It is so easy to use that the phrase "Dial-a Mix"
has been used to describe its operation, and the comparatively
inexpensive manufacturing costs translate into affordable entry
into gas blending, by even the smallest of diving operations.
The LlewocSIS Nitrox Stik enables gas blenders to purchase a
simple but effective gas blending unit that is easy to operate
and produces consistent results.
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