Helium Shortage

[Teller]

The way I understand it is you can only mix about 4 or 5% O2 with hydrogen. If this is true what are my options if i want more O2, say 18%. Only using 5% O2 would rack up alot of deco time rapidly.

 

[Merida Divers]

There will be more helium world supply when the new helium processing plants come online in Qatar shortly. In the meantime I agree with Mala. Use a rebreather if you have one. I have two dolphin semi closed and quite happy on simpel 02 mixes.

 

[darthcoker]

There really is no replacement for helium - all the other noble gases are either ultra expensive or have worse narcotic effects than N2. Hydrogen could be used, but is dangerous - tends to explode at very low Ox PO2 levels. It could be used on very deep dives where PO2 is below the safe limits.