Enriched Air Nitrox

The air we breathe, as well as the usual compressed air found in a scuba tank, is made up of two major gases as well as a small amount of trace gases. Although we cannot live without it, the gas we breathe only contains 21% Oxygen and 78% Nitrogen. The remaining 1% consists of a variety of trace gases. This blend is perfect while on land but things change when pressure is added during scuba diving.

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Enriched Air Nitrox also known as Oxygen Enriched Air or Safe Air, refers to Nitrox which contains an oxygen content which is greater than 21% . When using the term, "EANx", the x will indicate the percentage of oxygen contained in the specific mix. For example, if the percentage is 40% oxygen, the mix will read "EAN40" The two most popular blends used are EAN32 and EAN36. These are sometimes also referred to as Nitrox68/32 and Nitrox 64/36, respectively. These mixes with added Oxygen, are used primarily in scuba diving, and have a maximum operating depth of 34 metres and 29 metres. This is done in order to reduce the proportion of nitrogen, thus reducing the possibility of decompression sickness, but it can increase the risk of oxygen toxicity.

All the relevant diving equipment which comes into contact with the mixes containing elevated percentages of oxygen will require extra special cleaning, to reduce the risk of fire. This makes diving with more than 40% oxygen an unpopular choice with recreational divers.

Enriched Air Nitrox is a relatively new concept in recreational diving, but many research divers as well as the military have in fact been making use of this for many years. Both the US Navy as well as the British Royal Navy already used Enriched Air Nitrox back in the 1940's.

Most divers today are looking for more adventurous diving experiences which ultimately require more bottom time. By making use of Enriched Air Nitrox, the diver is able to achieve this goal much easier and also alleviate the need for as many decompression stops, with minimum risks.

Although there are advantages to diving with Enriched Air Nitrox, divers will need to be conscientious and disciplined when planning such a dive. It is advisable to make use of various tables while planning the Oxygen and decompression exposure. Most of these steps are relatively uncomplicated, but it is vital that the diver plans the dive well and carries out the dive methodically and in strict accordance with that plan.