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Technical Gas Mixing in Diving

Introduction to mixtures for greater safety and performance


Technical gas mixing (Tec) for compressed air systems in diving is an advanced practice that involves the combination of different gases to optimize safety and performance on deep and long dives.


This approach is primarily used in technical diving, which includes activities such as cave diving, deep wreck diving, and deep-sea technical diving.



Gas mixtures for compressed air systems in technical diving


The use of gas mixtures in technical diving is primarily intended to mitigate the risks associated with nitrogen narcosis and oxygen toxicity in dives at depths beyond the limits of conventional recreational diving.


Some of the common mixes:


Nitrox


Nitrox is a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen used in diving, with an oxygen content higher than normal air (21%). This mixture adapts to different depth levels and needs, varying the proportions of oxygen and nitrogen to reduce narcosis.


COMPOSITION: The specific composition of Nitrox can vary, but generally contains between 22% and 40% oxygen, with the remainder composed primarily of nitrogen. The exact mix depends on the depth you plan to dive and other dive-specific factors.


BENEFITS: The main benefit of Nitrox is the reduction of narcosis at moderate depths. Narcosis, also known as "deep drunkenness," is a drunken-like state that can affect mental clarity and coordination in divers at depths beyond 30 meters. By having a higher oxygen content, Nitrox helps minimize this effect, allowing divers to remain in the water longer with less impact from narcosis. Additionally, Nitrox can provide faster recovery after diving, reducing the risk of fatigue and tiredness.


"The main benefit of Nitrox is the reduction of narcosis at moderate depths, allowing divers to remain in the water longer with less impact from narcosis and providing faster recovery after the dive."

RISKS: Although Nitrox is beneficial in reducing narcosis, it may pose risks if not used correctly. At depths beyond safe limits or if the recommended exposure time is exceeded, the oxygen content in the mixture may become hazardous due to oxygen toxicity. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of oxygen can cause seizures, lung damage, and even death. Therefore, it is crucial that divers carefully manage depths and dive times when using Nitrox, following established safety guidelines and protocols. Additionally, it is recommended to perform an oxygen content analysis before each dive to ensure the mixture is within safe limits.




a line of diving air bottles with blue caps


Trimix


It is a mixture of gases used in technical diving, composed of oxygen, nitrogen and helium. This combination aims to reduce the effects of narcosis and diffusion problems at extreme depths.


COMPOSITION: In Trimix, helium replaces part of the nitrogen to improve pressure tolerance and reduce narcosis. Typical proportions in Trimix can vary, but a common mixture is around 20-30% oxygen, 20-30% helium and the rest nitrogen. This composition can be adjusted according to the specific needs of the dive and the characteristics of the diver.


BENEFITS: Helium has a lower tissue solubility than nitrogen, meaning it is absorbed and eliminated more quickly from the body. This reduces narcosis and allows for better mental clarity at extreme depths. Additionally, helium helps reduce diffusion problems associated with nitrogen at great depths, minimizing the risk of decompression sickness.


APPLICATIONS: The Trimix is mainly used in deep technical dives, such as in deep shipwrecks or underwater caves, where the effects of narcosis can be dangerous and greater precision in controlling the gas mixture is needed. It is also used in commercial scuba diving and in military applications where working at great depths for extended periods is required.


“Trimix is a gas mixture used in technical diving, composed of oxygen, nitrogen and helium, designed to reduce the effects of narcosis and improve mental clarity at extreme depths, minimizing the risk of decompression sickness.”

It is important to note that the use of Trimix requires specialized training and appropriate equipment to ensure the safety and success of the dive. Technical divers should be familiar with gas mixing protocols, decompression procedures, and emergency management related to deep diving.



a technical diver entering a cave to dive


Additional considerations


  • It is important to perform accurate analysis of the gas mixtures before each dive to ensure that the correct proportions are met and that there is no contamination.


  • Technical divers must receive specialized training in the use and handling of these mixtures, as well as in managing the risks associated with depth and exposure to the gases.


  • Mixture Planning: Decompression tables and specialized dive planning software are used to calculate optimal gas mixtures for specific dives, considering depth, duration, and other factors.


Technical diving with gas mixtures requires additional training and certification to properly handle mixtures, plan dives, and use specialized equipment, ensuring safety and success in challenging environments.

  • Specialized Equipment: Technical diving requires specialized equipment, including multi-gas regulators, to manage different gas mixtures and diving cylinders dedicated to each mixture.


  • Training and certification: Technical divers must receive specific training in handling gas mixtures, planning dives, and using specialized equipment. This often requires additional certifications beyond those obtained in basic recreational diving.


  • Safety: Although gas mixtures can improve safety in certain situations, they also introduce new risks, such as oxygen toxicity and helium narcosis. Proper training and careful following of safety procedures are essential.



In summary, technical gas mixing for compressed air systems in diving is an advanced practice that allows divers to explore more challenging environments safely and efficiently by utilizing customized gas mixtures and specialized equipment. However, it requires a higher level of training, planning, and attention to safety compared to conventional recreational diving.


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