Effects of increasing oxygen partial pressure on diving gas mixtures

Basic Diving Terms

No-decompression limit Gas partial pressure Nitrogen narcosis Tissue saturation Decompression sickness
the bends

Enriched Air Nitrox

Higher proportion of Oxygen to nitrogen Increases no-decompression limits
Allows possibility of multiple dives in a shorter time

Necessary to calculate maximum depth

Sample Calculation
Maximum oxygen partial pressure = 1.4 bar before toxicity
= 1.6 bar for technical diving

EAN 32% Oxygen partial pressure = 0.32 bar 1.4 / 0.32 = 4.375 bar Corresponds to 33.75 metres depth

Oxygen Toxicity
Oxygen toxic beyond specific depths Changes with partial pressure of oxygen Symptoms include seizures, retinal damage and difficulty breathing

Mechanism
Hyperoxic conditions in tissues Formation of free radicals from oxygen under high pressure
Oxidative stress Hydroxyl radical OH

Highly reactive Damages tissues and structures in the body

Lipid Peroxidation

Trimix advanced gas mixture

Used for technical deep sea diving Helium added to gas mixture Prevents death by nitrogen narcosis at extreme depths