If you have any questions

[Gaucho]

Very interesting thread. Newbie question: Wouldnt rebreathers compete with Nitrox? (ie. using rebreathers = no need for so many repetitive dives?)

 

[bradymsu]

King Neptune,

Do you know of any rebreathers that cost less than US$1000 yet? It's the price that's been holding me back.

-Brady

 

[turnerjd]

Originally posted by bradymsu
King Neptune,

Do you know of any rebreathers that cost less than US$1000 yet? It's the price that's been holding me back.

-Brady

Re-breathers usually comprise 2 tanks, with 2 first stages, then the housing for it, and the control computer, the counterlung, oxygen sensors etc..

If you think about the cost of 2 x 3L tanks and reasonably good quality first stages you are at the $1000 mark. This doesn't include all the control electronics, oxygen sensors etc.... some mass market top of the range computers can cost over $1000. To control a rebreather you will be talking about well in excess of this price. Similarly Oxygen sensors are in the $150 range each, and most re-breathers have 3.

So, as a simple reply they will not for the forseable future be this cheep. At the moment a 'cheap' rebreather will set you back $5000!!!

Jon T

 

[JustAddWater]

I know that Special Forces use rebreathers. What other branches of diving (commercial or tech) use them? Is there a preferred rebreather by the SF?

 

[DEEP SEA]

Most SF and special operation teams around the world use the LAR-5. However EOD and some SDV teams use the MK-16 non-mag system.

 

[Fishkiller]

Originally posted by Rick Murchison
Until the maintenance manhours per diving hour are sharply reduced, I don't see rebreathers becoming mainstream recreational Scuba equipment. Add to that the disposal of the expended scrubber material (I've heard some pretty strongly worded opinions on poluting here), the up-front and maintenance costs, and you have a useful tool for those whose work or avocation take them underwater with a real need for greatly extended bottom times, but a system whose "hassle quotient" exceeds what most folks consider "fun."
Rick

I would have to chime in with Rick, here also from Rodales are some words I agree with

Their stealth and extended bottom times have made rebreathers popular with military and technical divers for many years. Recently, lower prices and "user-friendly" designs have made rebreathers more attractive to recreational divers like you and me. Indeed, several models are aimed specifically at the recreational market.

Is this the future of diving? Are conventional open-circuit rigs bound for the oblivion of duck fins and two-hose regulators? Are you ready for rebreather diving? Are rebreathers ready for you?

Maybe, no, maybe and maybe. At least that's my guess after spending most of a month studying and diving rebreathers. It turns out they have some very real, valuable advantages over open-circuit, tank-and-regulator systems. But they have some equally real and serious disadvantages too. If you have some unusual needs and are willing to make some sacrifices of time and money, a rebreather can be a godsend. But most divers, for most purposes, will continue to prefer open-circuit scuba for a long time to come.

 

[scubabunny]

I have a question about the scrubber stuff (technical term, of course ) My other half just got a Dolphin, which is now kept in the bathtub. So...I have "kitty litter" all over my tub. Not a big deal because I can easily scoop it up...but I'm not sure about it going down the drain.

What exactly is it made of, and is it hazardous to the enviornment?

 

[padiscubapro]

Calcium Hydroxide
Sodium Hydroxide
Calcium Carbonate (when used)
Potassium Hydroxide (>0-1%) (some brands)
2 molecules of H2) for every 1 molecule of CO2 inspired
and some silica as a binding agent

there are some intermediate chemicals formed but are used in the process

 

[scuba_freek2000]

I've heard a few comments of danger whith rebreathers, what are they and why.

 

[neilstewart]

An Maldivean dive operation I shall be visiting this year has suggested I might like to try dive re-breathers. I have dived there before and they are a very professional outfit. I will have logged 60 dives by then and have PADI 40% nitrox cert. I am keen but would like the boards opinion

Neil