Ti-Planet and EAN

[velovp]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I recently posted these questions to the Scubaboard - Mares Equipment section and have yet to receive a response. Hoping to reach someone knowledgeable in the Basic Scuba Discussions section for information and insight.

I purchased a used Ti-Planet one year ago. Recently added Nitrox certification and have been diving EAN 32-36 mixtures. Last week, while reading through the Mares technical info on the Ti-Planet, I noticed it is not Nitrox compatible (and in fact warns not to use enriched air.

Q: What are the performance and safety concerns with operating the Ti-Planet with EAN mixtures below 40?
Q: Does Mares offer a kit to "convert" the Ti-Planet so that it is Nitrox compatible?
Q: I expect to continue using EAN. Should I forget the Ti-Planet and buy a newer (Nitrox compatible) regulator?
Thanks!
Velovp

 

[cerich]

Titanium is a somewhat "coarse" metal and can collect contamination fairly easily, then it also burns...well. Not a good choice with Oxygen enriched gas.

 

[Brian Sharpe]

Titanium is a somewhat "coarse" metal and can collect contamination fairly easily, then it also burns...well. Not a good choice with Oxygen enriched gas.

Interesting......the Atomic ST1 touts "All titanium second stage construction...." and is rated as Nitrox ready to 40%.

 

[wxboy911]

I think(And I could be wrong) but you can't have Titanium on the High Pressure side if you are using Nitrox...2nd stage can be titanium because the first stage has done its job. There may be more to it than that.

 

[cerich]

I think(And I could be wrong) but you can't have Titanium on the High Pressure side if you are using Nitrox...2nd stage can be titanium because the first stage has done its job. There may be more to it than that.

correct,pressure in second stage is not near enough for problems

 

[knotical]

Similar discussion in this thread:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/regulators/295246-titanium-vs-ean.html
without definitive agreement.
I'd be more concerned with contaminants than titanium.

 

[Hank658]

I used mine almost exclusively on EAN for about 2 1/2 years. Nothing above 40% and I never went 'boom'. Air was always O2 grade as my tanks are EAN. Maybe Darwin just wasn't looking for me on those days.

I stopped using the Ti due mostly to the fact that rebuild parts became almost as scarce as the winning lottery numbers. Heard that situation has somewhat resolved itself.

 

[Blackwood]

Titanium ... burns...well. Not a good choice with Oxygen enriched gas.

If your regulator is getting hot enough to cause Titanium to burst into flames, you've got more problems than that

 

[langperf]

I TIG weld titanium on a semi-regular basis, I've never heard of Ti burning (are you thinking of magnesium) I thought the nitrox incompatibility problem was more a question of seal/diaphragm material

 

[cerich]

I TIG weld titanium on a semi-regular basis, I've never heard of Ti burning (are you thinking of magnesium) I thought the nitrox incompatibility problem was more a question of seal/diaphragm material

no it is not the seals and orings