REbreathers scrubbers

[tndiverdude]

I have been looking into rebreathers and scrubbers. I saw an article where air scrubbers on as sub failed. I am curious does anyone have a link to real information on rebreathers and scrubbers. I have always wanted one but before invest in that kind of money i would really like to know if they work as well as people say.

[in_cavediver]

There are a few books out there - google rebreathers.

I am not an RB owner but I have been through the basics on the Dive Rite Optima (including actually diving it) and one day I will be an owner.

Now for my overly biased opinion. Semi-closed circuit rebreathers are a waste for most divers. They basically are gas extenders and can have some great applications but for what they cost, most who are serious should spend the next bit and go CCR.

With CCR's - again, they are a waste for most divers. Their application really runs in tec diving circles. Trimix comes to mind immediately. I want one for caves.

Now, why do I think they are a waste:

1) They are greatly more complex than OC diving. OC is breathe in/breathe out. Each breath is as good as the last as far as PO2 and PCO2. RB on the other hand recycles this with gives issues of hypercapnia (CO2), Hypoxia (low O2), Hyperoxia (high O2) and the caustic cocktail (toxic gases from a wet scrubber)

2) RB take more discipline to use. The setup/teardown/cleaning is much more intensive and if you don't do it right - you can die.

3) RB's are more task intensive. OC is breathe in/breathe out. RB require monitoring of PO2, scrubber life etc.

4) RB's can take different deco algorithims. CCR's are constant PO2 devices.

5) RB's are VERY expensive. SCR's new are in the 3k-5k range and CCR's are about double that. (pricing from 3-4 years ago)

If you look at it, user error kills a lot of RB divers, even highly skilled divers. I see RB's as a tool to use. Its a potentially dangerous tool but what it gives justifies the expense and risks. If you need the tool, you use it. For rec profiles - its not worth it IMHO.