O2 Cleaning for 100% 0xygen deco regulator

[ScubaG]

I want to know how different is 02 cleaning for tanks, valves and regulators for use with 100% Oxygen in comparison to 02 cleaning for use with sub 40% Oxygen mixtures?

In particular how are the tank valves and regulator cleaned or made 100% 02 use compatible.

G.

[Gibby]

Different shops and schools have differing opinions on what O2 clean really means but most of the time you will have the gear in question cleaned in hydrocarbon removing solution, the silicone o-rings are removed for viton and I think the HP seats are changed as well.

Making a tank O2 clean for nitrox should be the same as for making it clean for 100% O2 because both are exposed to 100% O2 at one time or another. The tank inside is cleaned with a solution along with the valve. The valve is put back together with O2 compatible o-rings and seats and O2 compatible grease then put back on the tank is with an O2 clean sticker.

Almost all regulators are 40% compatible from the factory. This is because an atmosphere of 40% O2 is not necessarily as susceptible to spontaneous ignition as an atmosphere of 100% O2 would be. I’m not 100% sure what else is involved aside from the solution soak and the O-ring change on the regulator but I do think it’s pretty much the same with a little more attention paid to detail.

I’m sure someone else will chime in here and fill in the blanks.

[IowaCaveDiver]

i just stick eveything in the dishwasher every once in awhile...

[CaptainSpeleo]

How many of us REALLY have our regulators O2-cleaned?

[Gibby]

I would only do it if I planned on using the reg for 80% or hotter and with that I pay more attention to the first stage than anything else. I am perfectly aware of the absolute minimal risk of getting the blowtorch effect down the windpipe but maybe that's just my paranoia and me.

When I was about 15 years old I was burned over 20% of my body (head arms and neck) by a lurking gasoline vapor cloud. Fortunately they were almost all second-degree burns. UN-fortunately second-degree burns hurt. My injuries all healed up fairly well and I didn’t get the Freddy Kruger thing happening. But since that day I am always on the lookout for what might become another “freak” accident. So keep your cigarette away from me when I’m filling my argon bottle.

[DeWayne]

How many of us REALLY have our regulators O2-cleaned?

Mine get the O2 cleaning every time they get a rebuild. Not that big of a deal to run everything through the ultrasonic cleaner and use O2 compatable parts.

[OFG-1]

How many of us REALLY have our regulators O2-cleaned?

Mine get the O2 cleaning every time they get a rebuild. Not that big of a deal to run everything through the ultrasonic cleaner and use O2 compatable parts.

The ultrasconic works fine, but I have heard that now you are in Ky., you use 12 year old bourbon in the cleaner?

[curtschu]

Isn't that a waste of good whiskey? How bout just plain bourbon.

[Tegg]

Isn't that a waste of good whiskey? How bout just plain bourbon.

I use my jesus juice. It not only cleans better then most caustic cleaners, it also leaves the reg lemony fresh... 8)

[Angie Reim]

Different shops and schools have differing opinions on what O2 clean really means but most of the time you will have the gear in question cleaned in hydrocarbon removing solution, the silicone o-rings are removed for viton and I think the HP seats are changed as well.

I started servicing my own regs last year and now I'm down to my O2 1st/2nd stage regulator. I was wondering about the viton vs. silicone o-rings because the 'kit' I bought doesn't have viton o-rings in it (so I've been stalling). Do the silicone o-rings just wear out faster or is there a risk that I can go BOOM! ? I understand the rest of the issues regarding O2 clean, proper grease, etc.

BTW if I could go BOOM! Where's the best place to buy viton o-rings? (PM that answer to me please - otherwise I'll have to 'moderate' you. Geez.....)