triox vs. trimix?

[weazelz]

I seem to be seeing [more] references to triox/tri-ox lately - what's the difference from trimix? anything?

[nigelH]

Originally Posted by weazelz

I seem to be seeing [more] references to triox/tri-ox lately - what's the difference from trimix? anything?

Isn't that trimix with more oxygen than air?

[Brian of Aquanauts]

Triox is a term that has started being used by some to describe a trimix mixture with more than 21% O2.

Triox is generally used for dives where it's important to limit the narcotic depth and decrease the decompression obligation when compared to air.

It's use Open Circuit is somewhat contraversial in some circles as is used sometimes by DIR divers and as such even though logically it makes sense in some situations, it still atracts unwanted attention and pointless debate.

[PW1664]

Originally Posted by weazelz

I seem to be seeing [more] references to triox/tri-ox lately - what's the difference from trimix? anything?

AFAIK, Tri-Ox is a recreational trimix qual. limited to 45m, also using up to 100% O2 deco gas. Probably called Tri-Ox because to O2 content is higher than 21%

After saying that tho', it's probably better answered by someone that knows...

[Marky Mark]

The Holy Grail, apparently

TRIOX is another name for hyperoxic Trimix

MyM

[liamm]

where does heliox fit in then?

[big_si]

Originally Posted by Brian of Aquanauts

Triox is a term that has started being used by some to describe a trimix mixture with more than 21% O2.

Triox is generally used for dives where it's important to limit the narcotic depth and decrease the decompression obligation when compared to air.

It's use Open Circuit is somewhat contraversial in some circles as is used sometimes by DIR divers and as such even though logically it makes sense in some situations, it still atracts unwanted attention and pointless debate.

I guess the pointless debate (and sorry for straying down that road) is around deviation from standard gases? Must admit that I'm surprised that it's sometimes used by DIR divers.

On V-planner (using my settings obviously )

A 60 minute bottom time at 40m using 21/35 gives a run time of 140 mins
A 60 minute bottom time at 40m using 28/35 gives a run time of 124 mins


A 60 minute bottom time at 45m using 21/35 gives a run time of 159 mins
A 60 minute bottom time at 45m using 25/35 gives a run time of 146 mins

Bit of a saving... But not massive...

What sort of situation would it be used in?

Not stirring, just curious on the reason for the deviation.

[Brian of Aquanauts]

Originally Posted by liamm

where does heliox fit in then?

Heliox is a mixture with only helium and oxygen in it. This gas is used by very deep technical divers and commercial saturation divers with helium reclaim systems.

We use it in GUE for dives deeper than 90m so that we can maintain a very low work of breathing to reduce CO2 generation and therefore limit CNS, blood pH, DCS and narcosis risks.

[uwila]

Originally Posted by liamm

where does heliox fit in then?

He/O2 and no N2

[Clare Gledhill]

The rows stem around a fundamental misunderstanding of GUE's standard triox - 30/30

If you dive regularly in the UK you may be right in thinking that it's application is not that great. It is a bit rich for the mid 30s but has too much O2 in it to go deeper.

It was not designed for ocean diving though and I've only used it once or twice here for very specific reasons. It was designed for florida caves which rarely go below 30 metres but pump with massive flow which make working very hard. the additional helium makes it easier to stay alert and cope with the complexities of the dive.

Tri-ox is rightly what others describe as Hyperoxic tri-mix - more than 21 per cent. Use it when you would like to reduce the END of a dive but retain O2 exposure.