Dual Pony Tanks?

jaap · 9th November 2007, 17:34

Quote: (Originally Posted by stumpy's widgets)

The Azimuth uses two separate regs. so the LP is switched you have the choice of one or the other. In a box around here somewhere I have several K valves with a HP port which would allow a pressure gauge to screw into the tank verses the Reg. I have 516, 38 and 12 machine thread Swagelok 14 tube fittings you could get a Swagelok spring loaded check valve say 2 LB so would create a small differential or could be 250 LB sort of reserve in one tank. The checks I'm thinking of are rated at 10,000 PSI.

Well my Azi came with the same IP on both of them and there was no mentioning of different IP neither on the course or in the manual.

They way I believe the Azi is setup is with a primary cylinder. When the switch on the gasblock is flipped to "reserve/emergency" both cylinders comunicate via IP and you draw gas from both cylinders.

Some input about the original question. You can order a custom hose with male HP-fittings in both ends. Just make sure there are no flow restrictions built in.

Or get a custom "double male" LP-hose. Or simply get the correct adapter for say an existing regulator hose. Like this one: Golem Gear, Inc. - Adapter 3/8"-24 Male TO 9/16"-18 Male, Low Pressure

If you for some reason feel like having the ability to close this bridge this thing would work with the above adaptor:
Isolation Valve Shut-off - 1

The idea with different IP making one first stage the primary is nice. But I would never trust it if for some reason it is critical that one cylinder empties first.

firemandiver · 10th November 2007, 05:49

I can't say thanks enough for all the input. I may just be able to pull this off! I welcome any help on this issue. I'm leaning toward the LP crossover, as that is probably the least risky. I was already planning on having a custom hose made up for the crossover. I don't see any good in having a loop of extra hose coiled up behind me. Anyone set up for making hoses? As for the concern of which tank goes first, I plan on only using air, for bailout, so as long as one tank empties and then the other, it's really no big deal which one gets used first. Keep the ideas coming! Thanks, FD.

**Freef** · 10th November 2007, 18:20

Why not try inverting the tanks and running the hose through the bottom of the shell for extra protection and ease of knob fondling?

firemandiver · 11th November 2007, 00:32

David, Thanks for the advice. I had already been thinking about doing exactly that. I'm not sure if I can even reach the knobs in the upright position.

Stumpy is working on some things for me on his end also, so I'll try to explore several ways to do this, and then opt for the one that suit's my needs best. Thanks again for your input. FD.

USSMEG · 11th November 2007, 13:42

A buddy of mine wanted to run his PO/2 closer to that of us on an Rebreather. So he started carrying twin 40’s (actually 2 sets of twin 40’s). I’ve added a picture here of them and he recommended that I add a note. “Do Not Attempt This At Home”

With one Regulator, and a din adapter, a short HP hose, he now has 2 more gases to use during his Deco.
With a couple of his recent dives over 300’, the set up has helped his Deco a lot.

Paul

stumpy's widgets · 12th November 2007, 01:14

I have located two more "K" valves these both have an HP port that is controled by the valve. to use them like shown in the previous photo you must use a HP quick connect on a short HP hose and block one valve with a yoke cap or a bailout Reg. Useing the Swaglok Stainless steel QC-4 both male and female fittings have inturnal valves built in. They are not to be coupled or uncoupled at pressures above 250 PSI. However the working pressure is 3000 PSI or 206 BAR. The load on the coupling will not allow you to uncouple them above 500 PSI anyway. Just another idea. Feel free to give me a call as time allows.

firemandiver · 12th November 2007, 02:58

I stayed up late last night brainstorming. I sketched out almost exactly what this picture shows. It would be simple, direct, and would work perfectly for what I'm trying to accomplish. I wasn't sure that the hardparts I would need are even available, or if I would have to try and get them custom made. I think this may be exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks FD.

USSMEG · 12th November 2007, 10:53

Quote: (Originally Posted by firemandiver)

I stayed up late last night brainstorming. I sketched out almost exactly what this picture shows. It would be simple, direct, and would work perfectly for what I'm trying to accomplish. I wasn't sure that the hardparts I would need are even available, or if I would have to try and get them custom made. I think this may be exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks FD.

All of them are easily available.
Paul

**Freef** · 12th November 2007, 13:59

If you link the HP ports with the connector, if there is a gas loss it will be less [a lot less] than through a MP port for the same duration.

Either way I'd look at some sort of isolator where the hose exits the first stage.

firemandiver · 12th November 2007, 22:59

You're absolutely right. I'll have to have a way to isolate the tanks should the HP hose burst. I'd like to find a one way check valve that can handle the HP. That way the safety would be automatic. If the check valve is between tank 2 and the 1st stage reg, if the hose bursts only the gas in tank 2 will be lost. I don't know if such a thing even exists. At the worst, I'll have to use a manual valve. Does anyone know if such a check valve is available? Thanks for all the help. FD.

9th November 2007, 17:34	#11 (permalink)
jaap Normal people worry me Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other CCR RB80 / Clone Ray Other SCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR RB80 / Clone Ray Other SCR Home Build Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Stockholm Sweden Posts: 450	Re: Dual Pony Tanks? Quote: (Originally Posted by stumpy's widgets) The Azimuth uses two separate regs. so the LP is switched you have the choice of one or the other. In a box around here somewhere I have several K valves with a HP port which would allow a pressure gauge to screw into the tank verses the Reg. I have 516, 38 and 12 machine thread Swagelok 14 tube fittings you could get a Swagelok spring loaded check valve say 2 LB so would create a small differential or could be 250 LB sort of reserve in one tank. The checks I'm thinking of are rated at 10,000 PSI. Well my Azi came with the same IP on both of them and there was no mentioning of different IP neither on the course or in the manual. They way I believe the Azi is setup is with a primary cylinder. When the switch on the gasblock is flipped to "reserve/emergency" both cylinders comunicate via IP and you draw gas from both cylinders. Some input about the original question. You can order a custom hose with male HP-fittings in both ends. Just make sure there are no flow restrictions built in. Or get a custom "double male" LP-hose. Or simply get the correct adapter for say an existing regulator hose. Like this one: Golem Gear, Inc. - Adapter 3/8"-24 Male TO 9/16"-18 Male, Low Pressure If you for some reason feel like having the ability to close this bridge this thing would work with the above adaptor: Isolation Valve Shut-off - 1 The idea with different IP making one first stage the primary is nice. But I would never trust it if for some reason it is critical that one cylinder empties first. __________________ My initials: JAAP
(Online)

10th November 2007, 05:49	#12 (permalink)
firemandiver Let's Go Diving! Current Rebreather/s: Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Home Build Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: gulfport, ms Posts: 165	Re: Dual Pony Tanks? I can't say thanks enough for all the input. I may just be able to pull this off! I welcome any help on this issue. I'm leaning toward the LP crossover, as that is probably the least risky. I was already planning on having a custom hose made up for the crossover. I don't see any good in having a loop of extra hose coiled up behind me. Anyone set up for making hoses? As for the concern of which tank goes first, I plan on only using air, for bailout, so as long as one tank empties and then the other, it's really no big deal which one gets used first. Keep the ideas coming! Thanks, FD.
(Offline)

10th November 2007, 18:20	#13 (permalink)
Freef Custom Title Disallowed! Current Rebreather/s: Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Land of the Freef, UK. Posts: 1,356	Re: Dual Pony Tanks? Why not try inverting the tanks and running the hose through the bottom of the shell for extra protection and ease of knob fondling? __________________ David. Currently owner of two differently sized ankles.
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11th November 2007, 00:32	#14 (permalink)
firemandiver Let's Go Diving! Current Rebreather/s: Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Home Build Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: gulfport, ms Posts: 165	Re: Dual Pony Tanks? David, Thanks for the advice. I had already been thinking about doing exactly that. I'm not sure if I can even reach the knobs in the upright position. Stumpy is working on some things for me on his end also, so I'll try to explore several ways to do this, and then opt for the one that suit's my needs best. Thanks again for your input. FD.
(Offline)

12th November 2007, 01:14	#16 (permalink)
stumpy's widgets New Member Current Rebreather/s: Dolphin Azimuth Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Azimuth Home Build Join Date: May 2007 Location: USA Washington(State) Posts: 33	Re: Dual Pony Tanks? I have located two more "K" valves these both have an HP port that is controled by the valve. to use them like shown in the previous photo you must use a HP quick connect on a short HP hose and block one valve with a yoke cap or a bailout Reg. Useing the Swaglok Stainless steel QC-4 both male and female fittings have inturnal valves built in. They are not to be coupled or uncoupled at pressures above 250 PSI. However the working pressure is 3000 PSI or 206 BAR. The load on the coupling will not allow you to uncouple them above 500 PSI anyway. Just another idea. Feel free to give me a call as time allows.
(Offline)

12th November 2007, 02:58	#17 (permalink)
firemandiver Let's Go Diving! Current Rebreather/s: Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Home Build Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: gulfport, ms Posts: 165	Re: Dual Pony Tanks? I stayed up late last night brainstorming. I sketched out almost exactly what this picture shows. It would be simple, direct, and would work perfectly for what I'm trying to accomplish. I wasn't sure that the hardparts I would need are even available, or if I would have to try and get them custom made. I think this may be exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks FD. Last edited by firemandiver : 12th November 2007 at 03:09.
(Offline)

12th November 2007, 10:53	#18 (permalink)
USSMEG USSMEG Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Mass Posts: 290	Re: Dual Pony Tanks? Quote: (Originally Posted by firemandiver) I stayed up late last night brainstorming. I sketched out almost exactly what this picture shows. It would be simple, direct, and would work perfectly for what I'm trying to accomplish. I wasn't sure that the hardparts I would need are even available, or if I would have to try and get them custom made. I think this may be exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks FD. All of them are easily available. Paul
(Online)

12th November 2007, 13:59	#19 (permalink)
Freef Custom Title Disallowed! Current Rebreather/s: Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Land of the Freef, UK. Posts: 1,356	Re: Dual Pony Tanks? If you link the HP ports with the connector, if there is a gas loss it will be less [a lot less] than through a MP port for the same duration. Either way I'd look at some sort of isolator where the hose exits the first stage. __________________ David. Currently owner of two differently sized ankles.
(Offline)

12th November 2007, 22:59	#20 (permalink)
firemandiver Let's Go Diving! Current Rebreather/s: Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Home Build Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: gulfport, ms Posts: 165	Re: Dual Pony Tanks? You're absolutely right. I'll have to have a way to isolate the tanks should the HP hose burst. I'd like to find a one way check valve that can handle the HP. That way the safety would be automatic. If the check valve is between tank 2 and the 1st stage reg, if the hose bursts only the gas in tank 2 will be lost. I don't know if such a thing even exists. At the worst, I'll have to use a manual valve. Does anyone know if such a check valve is available? Thanks for all the help. FD.
(Offline)

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