fstbttms
Contributor
While I suppose it is possible that a pneumatic tool compressor using non-hydrocarbon oil could be made to provide breathable air, I can say without hesitation that in 15 years of hull cleaning, I have NEVER seen anybody using such a rig. I absolutely would never consider it personally. Certainly if one were to go that route, very careful filtering of the air stream (and scrupulous maintenance of the filter system) would be absolutely neccessary. I can think of no advantage to using such a system as opposed to a hookah based on a small oilless compressor. But I certainly can think of some disadvantages, cost being a major one. For a hull cleaner, a small footprint, portablity and light weight are critical factors when putting together a hookah rig. This makes every compressor designed for full-on commercial diving that I've ever seen unsuitable for this kind of work.