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**wedivebc** · 30th May 2006, 00:14

Quote: (Originally Posted by jaap)

Hi

Are there any folks out there with experinence from _actually_ handling the Russian "O3" stuff?

Please, if you have not used it but have heard rumors about how nasty it is spare this thread from it.

I'm a chemist and have been diving and tinkering with rebreathers for 5-6 years and know that this "O3" stuff is not "safe" and that the name "O3" has nothing to do with ozone, O3. AFAIK its supposed to be mostly KO2, and that makes sense.

I got a keg of it in the basement, obtained it for running some after hours analysis of its actual composition and for some experimenting.

The thing I don't get is how anyone could dive with it! The smell is bad! Smells like some kind of organic ammonia compound... very strange.

So does anyone know if its supposed to smell that way, or have I gotten hold of a contaminated sample? The granules are yellowish.

I have not had any time to analyze it yet.

KO2 is also the active ingredient in a Chemox breathing apparatus used by many navies throughout the world. I instruct user in its operation every day and use literally hundreds of cannisters every month.
The compund does not have a smell in use or even when not activated. It is very dangerous and any hydrocarbons coming in contact with the KO2 will result in an interesting fireworks show, I also know that because we used to demonstrate what could happen before the navy decided it was too risky.
I expect your KO2 has been exposed to moisture and/or CO2 and has broken down.

30th May 2006, 00:14	#2 (permalink)
wedivebc Dave Tomblin Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Other CCR Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Vancouver Island BC Canada Posts: 1,447	Re: Any "O3" users out there? Quote: (Originally Posted by jaap) Hi Are there any folks out there with experinence from _actually_ handling the Russian "O3" stuff? Please, if you have not used it but have heard rumors about how nasty it is spare this thread from it. I'm a chemist and have been diving and tinkering with rebreathers for 5-6 years and know that this "O3" stuff is not "safe" and that the name "O3" has nothing to do with ozone, O3. AFAIK its supposed to be mostly KO2, and that makes sense. I got a keg of it in the basement, obtained it for running some after hours analysis of its actual composition and for some experimenting. The thing I don't get is how anyone could dive with it! The smell is bad! Smells like some kind of organic ammonia compound... very strange. So does anyone know if its supposed to smell that way, or have I gotten hold of a contaminated sample? The granules are yellowish. I have not had any time to analyze it yet. KO2 is also the active ingredient in a Chemox breathing apparatus used by many navies throughout the world. I instruct user in its operation every day and use literally hundreds of cannisters every month. The compund does not have a smell in use or even when not activated. It is very dangerous and any hydrocarbons coming in contact with the KO2 will result in an interesting fireworks show, I also know that because we used to demonstrate what could happen before the navy decided it was too risky. I expect your KO2 has been exposed to moisture and/or CO2 and has broken down. __________________ Cheers, Dave.... Man is the only animal burdened with the knowledge he will eventually die
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