CO2 vs Air

I have an (almost) unlimited supply of scuba tanks as well as an air compressor that fills an 80cf tank to 3000psi in just a few minutes. What is the advantage of CO2 over air? I have a bunch of old steel oxygen tanks that I can fill to about 2400psi as well.....

I do think that there are come cool looking CO2 tanks out there though.... might snag one and fill it with air...

Anyway.... whats the difference?

For the most part, CO2 expands a lot more than air. I think it's like 5 times as much if I am correct. Less volume=smaller package, with still more tires to be filled. The down side is you have to get it filled at a welding supply, beverage etc. My 10lb tank costs just under $11.00 bones to fill. Power tank claims something like 40 35' tires can be filled on one tank. I find it to be less, but still quite a bit of bang for your buck. So aside from greenhouse gasses being leached at every air up/down, I find it to be an asset to my kit.

ya.. I have been reading non stop since I posted.... I have one of the fancy Vivair compressors that works pretty good and being on a dive teamI have scuba tanks at all times and have used them to fill tires and run impacts etc... and I have the right fittings to make the connection.

I would like to get a tank to tank comparison CO2 vs Air..... if CO2 does last 5 times longer (liquid to gas) then it gets a few points for that. I know that I can jam a tank to 4000psi after doubling up the burst disks..... water just doesnt compress..... does CO2 compress? I will work on getting up to speed in the mean time!!

But that will be for later!!! I just took the top off my rig for the first time!!!!! I am going to take advantage of the kick ass weather we are having!!!!

Whoop!

CO2 in a tank is a liquid, and turns to a gas and expands as its exposed to air, so you get much more capacity than just compressed air. Also, it does not loose PSI until its completely empty, so if you have a 150 psi fix regulator you get 150 psi until you run dry.

LnuFnu

what they said...only think to what out for on the CO2 is the regulator freezing up

Been kicking around the C02 idea as well. Se you're a diver, former Navy Diver myself, 4 yrs. Sold all my scuba gear while back, been considering getting back into it. Have my PADI OWL still, somewhere.

When it comes to diving - if you need anything let me know... "I got people"

Mr.RonGilbert wrote:

When it comes to diving - if you need anything let me know... "I got people"

Pretty much need a full setup, everything, passed a good deal last year on a full set of everything, almost new BC, Regulator, blah blah blah. So much easier now with the dive computers Vs. dive school you knew the dive tables by heart, in your sleep, etc.

SASQUATCH wrote:

Mr.RonGilbert wrote:

When it comes to diving - if you need anything let me know... "I got people"

Pretty much need a full setup, everything, passed a good deal last year on a full set of everything, almost new BC, Regulator, blah blah blah. So much easier now with the dive computers Vs. dive school you knew the dive tables by heart, in your sleep, etc.

Yep tables are almost obsolete for rec types.. puterz are cheap now... in the old days we had to use tables for the deep stuff and it was a PITA and if you wanted to use the Navy tables you had better have a chamber close..... I always checked my math with Dr.X and then a program called Voyager - both good to 900' - got my mixed gas blender ticket punched last year and am hoping to catch a paid ride to the Brine Seep working as a blender.... just have to pay for mix!

I have loads of gear - of you want to dive give me a shout and I can get you fixed up. I will check to see if I still have a Zeagle BCD stashed away - if I can find it it's yours - great BCD but far from new. I switched to OMS several years back and have already worn one out. I need my regs for stage tanks but you can borrow them at any time. I have access to about 20 tanks (including doubles) and a brand new Mako compressor.