Alan,
Sorry to hear that you are giving up on your ambient sub. While NITROX would pose issues when used with an ambient sub, the problems can be solved. Interesting you noted the ocular toxicity when exposed to high oxygen concentrations over time. Briefly researched this issue a few years ago for a buddy who made several dives a day with NITROX and used oxygen for decompression as a commercial tropical fish collector. He noted a rapid degrading of his eyesight with the oxygen exposure. I found only one citation covering this in Bennett’s book on DCS. After further research by his eye doctor, it was a confirmed factor in his need to have laser surgery on his corneas.
R/Jay
Resepectfully,
Jay K. Jeffries
Andros Is., Bahamas
Save the whales, collect the whole set.
From: owner-personal_submersibles@psubs.org [mailto:owner-personal_submersibles@psubs.org] On Behalf Of Alan James
Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 11:25 PM
To: personal_submersibles@psubs.org
Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Ambient running on nitrox
The ambient sub is now dead & buried. I'm considering using my acrylic dome as a gold fish bowl.
Had done research on oxygen toxicity & was aware of my parameters to avoid central nervous system
toxicity & pulmonary & ocular toxicity. I was intending to have O2 monitoring but as you advised, they
can be suseptable to moisture & in an ambient there is more of that.
As said, the main flaw in this plan was the fact that When you got in, it would have a normal O2 concentration
& so if you cruised under the surface you'd very quickly deplete your O2, with no nitrox comming in.
It's great to be able to submit these ideas & have them critiqued. I thought I was on to a winner there.