OMG Rebreather (Early 90s Model)
OMG Rebreather (Early 90s Model)
Design and Material
The OMG Rebreather from the early 90s is a semi-closed rebreather designed for diving. It features a 1.9-liter aluminum cylinder and a canister made of Inconel, a corrosion-resistant nickel-chromium alloy known for its strength and durability in underwater environments. Furthermore, Inconel’s resistance to corrosion ensures longevity and reliability in harsh conditions.
Absorbent Material
The canister holds about 2 kg of soda lime, a chemical absorbent that removes carbon dioxide from exhaled air. As a result, the rebreather can recycle breathing gas, enhancing efficiency and extending dive time. Moreover, soda lime effectively scrubs the carbon dioxide, making it a crucial component for longer dives.
Duration
Thanks to its 1.9-liter aluminum cylinder and soda lime, the OMG Rebreather offers an estimated dive duration of 3 to 4 hours. This extended duration is achieved through the semi-closed design, where exhaled gas is scrubbed of carbon dioxide and then supplemented with additional oxygen for reuse. Consequently, divers can enjoy longer, more efficient dives.
Gas Mixtures
The rebreather supports two breathing gas options:
- Oxygen: Ideal for shallow and decompression dives.
- Nitrox: Allows for semi-closed circuit operation with nitrox mixtures up to 40%, thus broadening dive profile options. Therefore, divers can choose the optimal gas mix based on their specific diving needs.
Magnetic Properties
Constructed from Inconel, the rebreather is non-magnetic. This feature is particularly advantageous for divers working near magnetic equipment or sensitive instruments. In addition, the non-magnetic property helps prevent interference and ensures accurate readings from magnetic instruments.
Cyclic and Semi-Closed Operation
The rebreather operates in cyclic closed-circuit mode, where exhaled gas is scrubbed and re-oxygenated for reuse. Alternatively, it can function in semi-closed mode with nitrox, providing flexibility in dive planning and gas management. Thus, divers can adapt their approach based on the specific requirements of each dive.