Can I convert manifolded doubles to sidemount?

Subcooled · May 30, 2011

Can I take off the manifold and replace it with some sort of threaded bolts on each cylinder valve?

The manifold has 200 bar on each side, so the pressure will not affect the threads that much. If I take it off, there's 200 bar on one side only.

I would love to be able to convert between backmount and sidemount, though, for cost savings.

cool_hardware52 · May 30, 2011

Subcooled:
Can I take off the manifold and replace it with some sort of threaded bolts on each cylinder valve?

The manifold has 200 bar on each side, so the pressure will not affect the threads that much. If I take it off, there's 200 bar on one side only.

I would love to be able to convert between backmount and sidemount, though, for cost savings.

You need a pair of "blanking plugs". Check with the manifold manufacturer.

Tobin

txapacheguy · May 30, 2011

Who is your manifold made by? A lot of them have plugs you can install where the isolator screws in.

Dive-Rite manifolds seem to be pretty easy to find plugs for. I have two of the manifolds, but no plugs or plans to split them anytime soon.

Just remember that any time you want to split or reattach you tanks, you are going to have to empty all the gas out of them first.

Edit: Looks like I was a little slow on that one...

Dive-aholic · May 30, 2011

It's already been mentioned that you can easily plug them. Most sidemount cylinders in the US just use left and right valves from a manifold set with plugs rather than an isolator bar.

What you need to consider before even attempting this is what manufacturer and size cylinders you have. Not all cylinders are created equally. While your cylinders may be an ideal size and buoyancy characteristic for you in backmount, they may be horrible for sidemount. What cylinders are you currently using and what is your height?

Subcooled · May 30, 2011

Height 178 cm.

From arm pit to knee: about 69 cm
Cylinder length: 69 cm

Cylinder capacity: 12 litres at 232 bar (commonly used size/capacity)
Cylinder weight (empty, submerged): 1 kg + air (4.5 kg / tank in total; steel)
Drysuit. Lots of lead needed.

Dive-aholic · May 30, 2011

Is that cylinder length with or without valve? Also, who manufactured the cylinder? Is the 4.5 kg the negative buoyancy when filled to 232 bar?

Subcooled · May 30, 2011

Yes, 4.5 kg is the negative buoyancy when filled to 232 bar.
Length is without valve.

Manufacturer would be Eurocylinders System AG (ECS).

I have asked for cylinder offers from two places. Only got one reply thus far.

spatman · May 30, 2011

Dive-aholic:
While your cylinders may be an ideal size and buoyancy characteristic for you in backmount, they may be horrible for sidemount. What cylinders are you currently using and what is your height?

i'm considering splitting up my sets of PST hp100s and Worthington hp100s. i'm 6' tall. i assume these would be ok, but any advice is appreciated.

Subcooled · May 30, 2011

I found out that there is a shorter + thicker version of the 12/232 cylinder too:

Width 20 cm ( +3cm ) and length 54 cm (15 cm shorter).
This cylinder weighs 1.5 kg more: 6 kg when full.

And I could also get Faber cylinders.

Subcooled · May 30, 2011

I guess / assume that the best cylinder size has something to do with the position of the cylinder base in relation to the knee and the cylinder weight, and not the width...
I just don't know.

Can I convert manifolded doubles to sidemount?

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