Proper storage of Nitrox Analyzer

[wmeaden]

Hi Folks

I have been given some information that I would like an opinion from some other Divers. I was told by a Tech / Cave Diver that you can store your nitrox analyzer in the fridge to extend the life of the sensors... is this true or will just the usual storage in a moisture tight container at room temperature suffice?

What is best practice?

Kind Regards

Wayne

[Nigel Hewitt]

I have been given some information that I would like an opinion from some other Divers. I was told by a Tech / Cave Diver that you can store your nitrox analyzer in the fridge to extend the life of the sensors... is this true or will just the usual storage in a moisture tight container at room temperature suffice?
Keep them dry.

Putting them in the fridge, like capping the cells, is, sadly, ineffective.

The big problem is that the cells are very temperature sensitive and if they haven't warmed up enough that the temperature sensitive bit is exactly the same as the temperature correction bit the readings will drift as you use them.

New cells aren't that expensive, we rebreather idiots have to change three every year, but a couple of percent out is a very significant error.

The problem with cells is that the maximum they can read declines as they age. To begin with it's over 2 bar (200%?) so no worries. After a year it's still 1.8 or over (average) but when it gets below that it's going to slide fast. The makers only give them two years and rebreathers one year. Beyond that no tricks make them safe.

[Francis James]

I keep my Analox in an air tight Otter box which keeps the humidity and to some extent the temperature fairly constant.
I was told that letting the sensor get too cold and then bringing it into a warm environment can cause condensation on the cell and reduce it's life.

[wmeaden]

Hi Folks

Thanks for all your replies and advice. You have answered my questions and the information is greatly appreciated.
It is winter here as well so the water is cold at about 16C but in the summer it hangs around 29C
Please visit our BSAC club if ever in Bermuda we have Tec diving as well as incredible cave diving and over 300 wrecks for just fun diving.
Here is our site
www.bsac.bm

Kind Regards

Wayne