Why do the big OMS wings have 2 inflators?

allenwrench:

Is this a form of backup? Or do the big wings need 2?

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cool_hardware52:

Redundant bladder wings have two inflators, because these wings contain two complete, separate bladders. Think of a bike tire with two inner tubes.

The capacity of the wing is limited by the outer shell, as either bladder can fully inflate the outer shell.

The idea is if one bladder was to fail the redundant bladder offers a backup means of buoyancy.

In practice this has a number of disadvantages. I prefer to use a single inflator wing and a drysuit for redundant buoyancy.

Tobin

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allenwrench:

Thanks. what are the problem with this double inflator system?

It would seem it is too complex to adjust evenly? But I've never tried such a system.

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cool_hardware52:

There is much to be learned by using the search function.

Redundant bladder wings:

Do they really offer a reliable backup? What ever "failed" the first bladder probably also failed the second.

Inflators can leak or "auto inflate" With two inflators, two bladders and two OPV's which one do you dump if you find you are getting "light" due to a leaking inflator.

Added complexity. With a conventional wing + drysuit you have redundancy and the added benefit of a better exposure system.


Big (High lift) wings imply long exposures. One only needs huge tanks and thick buoyant exposure suits if they are going deep, or long or both.

Long Exposures simply are not the well served by a wetsuit. Wetsuits compress and loose thermal protection, not what you need for a long exposure that very likely involves deco.

IMO redundant bladder wings are a great way to make your drysuit more expensive.
The "new to doubles" diver who can't afford or can't yet justify ~$3K for a drysuit decides to keep their wetsuit and buy a $600-700 redundant bladder wing.

"With my magic double bladder 100 lbs lift wing I don't need to stinking drysuit!"

If this same diver actually keeps diving doubles, and actually reaches the point where they are doing longer exposures they will quickly find they do actually need a drysuit. Now they are in the "hole" by $300-400 more than they would have been if they had avoided the redundant bladder wing and purchased a good quality conventional wing and drysuit.

Tobin

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DEEPLOU:

I do not use a double bladder.
That said.... I think you miss the point.
with double bladder, you only use one inflator (one bladder), if you get auto inflation or the hose opens up etc. then you use the other one. Its there only as backup, sort of like that backup reg on your doubles.

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DEEPLOU:

There are divers who dive in such warm waters that even with depth and long exposures they still don't need a dry suit. It is only when diving w/o dry suit I can see the possable need for double bladder.

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