Silicon vs O2 compatible Greases

[Uwe Sieg]

According to the DR manual, all O-Rings on the O2ptima should be greased with an O2 compatible Grease (recommended: Tribolube 71)

Silicon greases contain carbon based ingredients which, if brought into contact with O2 under pressure, could lead to an O2 flash explosion. This however is not possible with components which contain O2 not under pressure.

So why are we then using Tribolube when assembling the loop? The loop never contains O2 under high pressure as found in first stages. (Here I agree. We must apply an O2 compatible grease)

So my question is, why are we using an expensive O2 compatible grease for the loop when in my mind a normal silicon based grease will do the trick which by the way seals better then O2 compatible grease?

Your thoughts are appreciated.

 

[Mark Chase]

I only use 02 grease on o2 manual injection components and the o2 connection to the solenoid.

Everything else is silicone or spit.

I prefer to use spit on the T piece connections as i have less problem with them picking up hairs and other contaminates

ATB

Mark

 

[Uwe Sieg]

Don't think this is a unit specific issue. I've always used silicon grease (for the reasons you state) on the o-rings in the loop on both my Inspiration & Sentinel re-breathers. O2 grease is pretty much limited to the O2 first stage.

Never had an issue, in nearly 10yrs of RB diving.

Q: what's the ignition source going to be?

Good point there.. We would need the O2 to not only be under pressure but also exposed to high temperatures or naked flames. Since I sometimes dive my unit in midday summer temperatures as high as 45 to 50 deg in the shade and if we would (by accident) allow the sun to heat the O2 1st stage up as well this could cause a problem.
So in conclusion, O2 compatible grease only on O2 first stage and manifold inlet pipe. The rest silicon grease.

Thanks, sorted.

 

[Uwe Sieg]

I only use 02 grease on o2 manual injection components and the o2 connection to the solenoid.

Everything else is silicone or spit.

I prefer to use spit on the T piece connections as i have less problem with them picking up hairs and other contaminates

ATB

Mark

I still have to dive the unit in the sea. I am told that fine sand suspended in seawater can be a real problem.

Water and spit will work perfectly here. Will remember that, thanks.

Uwe

 

[silentbob]

I just use tribolube for all areas needing lube. The cost is negligible and IMO the lubricating properties of tribolube are superior to silicone.

Easier to just have one type of lube.

But hell it's your breather, use axle grease if saving 10c per dive is the important thing.

 

[Andy Del]

After 8 or so years of CCR diving, I still have the same two pots of O2 lube and 3/4 remaining... so the $50 cost has translated to something in the order $0:03 a dive if the stuff remains useable for the 24 years.

Surely there are better things to worry about than where to NOT put inexpensive O2 lube?

cheers

Andy

p.s. Seeing as some are getting knicker twisted (and quite offensive) about this, consider

1. Cross contamination of lubes.
2. Adiabatic heating causing a spark being your ignition point.
3.It's all academic if one is cautious and maintains their unit...

 

[silentbob]

I expect to be allowed to express an opinion without having it ridiculed, I find your post offensive. It's OK for you to state that you use Tribolube & why you do. But you comment about "axle grease" isn't.

For me it's it's nothing to to with 10c per dive (or whatever the pence equivalent is) but cannot be bothered to discuss it further...

I think you are taking this all a bit too seriously.

If you wish to take offense that's your choice. None was offered.

 

[Spiro]

Same as Andy, I use axle #@# i mean o2 grease and service kits in all my regs, on all my gear. That way no mistakes can get made. Simple easy and not at all expensive

 

[kwinter]

Before tribolube the was Cristolube. It tended to gum up after a while. I remember Lamar putting out a memo that begged people to NOT use O2 lube when assembling their Optima. It was not needed anywhere in the loop or canister because it was not HP oxygen. Regular silicone lube was recommended, and that's what I've used for years. My O2 lube is reserved for servicing regulators. Maybe also the solenoid and O2 injection hose, but that's it. I don't think Tribolube gums up as much so I'm sure it's fine to use. But I don't think it's necessary.

 

[Uwe Sieg]

I just use tribolube for all areas needing lube. The cost is negligible and IMO the lubricating properties of tribolube are superior to silicone.

Easier to just have one type of lube.

But hell it's your breather, use axle grease if saving 10c per dive is the important thing.

The problem is that shipping anything to us here in Namibia from the US costs a lot. (Sometimes 2 x product costs)

So we are always looking for an alternative product which can be bought directly from South Africa. That is the originating thought of the post.

Oh, and there is the exchange rate. The US$ stands about 1 : 10 to the Namibian Dollar. Do the maths and the querry is valid I think.

UweS

 

[CFU]

The problem is that shipping anything to us here in Namibia from the US costs a lot. (Sometimes 2 x product costs)

So we are always looking for an alternative product which can be bought directly from South Africa. That is the originating thought of the post.

Oh, and there is the exchange rate. The US$ stands about 1 : 10 to the Namibian Dollar. Do the maths and the querry is valid I think.

UweS

Same for me I have to hand carry everything from Europe to China even sorb I stock up at my parents house and pick up some canisters whenever I am back... As your name sounds very western European in fact german I assume that you are... A small tube of triolube you can easily always put somewhere in your luggage when you are back in Europe once or twice a year or ask someone to bring it as with most of spares and consumables but sorb... Try to stock up on those things get it sent to friends relatives, pick up once you are around and do the VAT refund... You can't get cheaper than that...

So I can understand your problem very well as I am in the same situation because lots of things like sorb you can't even buy in china other than from some gangsters from Hong Kong who rip you off because they know them smuggling it in via Shenzhen is the only way to get it in mainland china...
But my advice is to build up your own little supply chain because you will know what you get and for what price...

As for triolube a small tube would last me very long time even for the two of us as my wife has a rebreather too. And I know it's fine to use everywhere on my rEvo because its O2 compatible, it doesn't clump... I can't accidentally use another one...

Cheers

Christian
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[matt]

I don't see good definitions of HP where O2 is concerned. I define it myself as over ~10bar. The only gear over PO2=11 is the first stage, and then only the HP side (until 100m, hence why I put ~).

I use O2 grease on the 1st stage, but no where else. I use silicone in the loop, and also spit.

Matt.

 

[Uwe Sieg]

Same for me I have to hand carry everything from Europe to China even sorb I stock up at my parents house and pick up some canisters whenever I am back... As your name sounds very western European in fact german I assume that you are... A small tube of triolube you can easily always put somewhere in your luggage when you are back in Europe once or twice a year or ask someone to bring it as with most of spares and consumables but sorb... Try to stock up on those things get it sent to friends relatives, pick up once you are around and do the VAT refund... You can't get cheaper than that...

So I can understand your problem very well as I am in the same situation because lots of things like sorb you can't even buy in china other than from some gangsters from Hong Kong who rip you off because they know them smuggling it in via Shenzhen is the only way to get it in mainland china...
But my advice is to build up your own little supply chain because you will know what you get and for what price...

As for triolube a small tube would last me very long time even for the two of us as my wife has a rebreather too. And I know it's fine to use everywhere on my rEvo because its O2 compatible, it doesn't clump... I can't accidentally use another one...

Cheers

Christian
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Hi Christian

You are right; I am German presently living in Namibia (South-West Africa) and all our diving gear is sourced from South Africa. The answer to our problem is as you said: we stock up on items. But what about those that have expiry dates? (Extendair Cartridge, O2 Cells). These we get all the way from Florida. Nice to know that there is somebody else in the same boat.

Take care

Uwe