Lexi Webster
The air hose is an essential component of a scuba diver's gear, delivering air as the diver breathes or 'demands' it. While it is not true that all diving air hoses are made in Australia, there are several Australian companies that manufacture them, such as Esdan Plastics, which produces the Oxyflow® air breathing hose, and Barfell, which manufactures the Divers Air Breathing (Hookah) Hose. These hoses are made from low-odour, non-toxic, food-grade PVC with a yellow outer cover and are designed to meet Australian standards AS1716 and AS2299. They are available in various lengths and diameters to suit different diving needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Esdan Oxyflow™ |
| Manufacturer | Esdan Plastics Pty Ltd |
| Country of origin | Australia |
| Inner diameter sizes | 8 mm and 10 mm |
| Lengths | 20 to 300 meters |
| Material | Low odour, non-toxic, food-grade PVC inner, polyester yarn braiding, and yellow PVC outer cover |
| Standards | AS/NZS 2299 and AS/NZS 1716 |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Shipping | Worldwide |
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What You'll Learn
- Esdan Plastics: the Australian manufacturer of diving air hoses
- Oxyflow: the high-quality air hose made from non-toxic, food-grade PVC
- Hose maintenance: the importance of checking for fraying, chafing, and kinks
- Hose replacement: when to replace a hose and what type to choose
- Hose safety: the need for competent installation and handling of diving air hoses
Esdan Plastics: the Australian manufacturer of diving air hoses
Esdan Plastics Pty Ltd is an Australian manufacturer of diving air hoses, based in Melbourne, Australia. The company produces the Oxyflow®, a high-quality air breathing hose made from low-odour, non-toxic, food-grade PVC inner, polyester yarn braiding, and a yellow PVC outer cover. This product is suitable for scuba diving, hookah diving, spray painting booths, and sandblasting applications.
The Oxyflow® hose is designed to meet the Australian standards AS1716 and AS2299 and offers a working pressure of up to 348 PSI. It is available in two inner diameter sizes: 8 mm and 10 mm, and lengths ranging from 20 to 300 meters. Esdan Plastics provides a 2-year warranty for this product, assuring customers of its quality and performance.
The company's product range includes a wide variety of air, water, chemical, and fuel hoses suitable for household, agricultural, and industrial applications. Esdan Plastics is ISO9001 certified, ensuring the quality and reliability of their hose products.
Esdan Plastics ships its products worldwide using Australia Post, couriers, air freight, and sea freight. The company offers a 60-day money-back guarantee and accepts various payment methods, including major credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
With its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Esdan Plastics has established itself as a trusted manufacturer of diving air hoses in Australia and beyond.
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Oxyflow: the high-quality air hose made from non-toxic, food-grade PVC
Esdan Oxyflow™ is a high-quality air hose made from non-toxic, food-grade PVC. It is manufactured by Esdan Plastics, an ISO9001-certified Australian company. Oxyflow is designed for use in scuba diving, hookah diving, spray painting booths, and sandblasting applications. It has excellent kink resistance, flexibility in low temperatures, and a high working pressure of 348 PSI at 23°C, making it ideal for underwater breathing devices such as hookah compressors and scuba compressors.
Oxyflow is constructed with a PVC outer cover and an inner made from food-grade PVC and polyester yarn braiding. This design meets the standards set by AS/NZS 2299 and AS/NZS 1716. The hose is available in two sizes: 8mm and 10mm inner diameters, with lengths ranging from 20 to 300 meters.
The non-toxicity of Oxyflow's PVC material is an important feature, ensuring the hose is safe for breathing and suitable for applications where the user is inhaling air through it. The food-grade quality of the PVC indicates that it is safe for contact with food and has been approved for this purpose by relevant authorities.
The hose's manufacturer, Esdan Plastics, is based in Melbourne, Australia, and offers a two-year warranty on the Oxyflow product. The company specializes in producing high-quality hoses and tubes and provides worldwide shipping for its products.
Oxyflow's non-toxic, food-grade PVC construction, coupled with its excellent performance characteristics, makes it a reliable choice for breathing air hoses in various applications, particularly those involving underwater breathing devices.
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Hose maintenance: the importance of checking for fraying, chafing, and kinks
While scuba diving is a fun activity, it requires careful preparation and maintenance of the equipment. One of the most important components of the gear is the air hose, which is often the most mistreated part of the setup. It is crucial to inspect and maintain your diving hose regularly to ensure your safety and the longevity of the equipment. Here are some essential tips on hose maintenance, specifically regarding fraying, chafing, and kinks:
Checking for Fraying and Chafing
Fraying and chafing on a diving hose can occur due to various reasons, such as sharp objects, rubbing against sharp or uneven surfaces, or frequent bending and twisting. It is important to regularly inspect your hose for any signs of fraying or chafing. Look for loose threads, cut marks, or significant scuff marks on the outer layer of the hose. If you notice more than six loose threads together or any cut marks, it is recommended to replace the hose.
Preventing Kinks
Kinks in a diving hose can weaken or damage it and compromise your safety. To prevent kinks, always store your hose in a natural curl without any sharp bends or tight loops. Avoid hanging the regulator by the first stage, as it can cause unnecessary bending. When not in use, keep the hose straight and avoid folding it. Use a hose reel to store your hose neatly and avoid heavy traffic areas to prevent tripping hazards and potential damage. Additionally, avoid exposing the hose to prolonged direct sunlight, as the heat and UV rays can shorten its lifespan.
Dealing with Leaks
If you notice any leaks in your diving hose, it is crucial to address them immediately. Pin hole leaks indicate that air is leaking through the lamination, and the problem will worsen over time. Replace the hose as soon as you spot this issue. For leaks around the quick disconnect fitting, you may need to replace the O-ring or the Schraider valve. If the leak is at the high-pressure hose connection, try tightening the fitting. If the issue persists, consider replacing the air spool O-rings or the entire air spool.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Proper cleaning and maintenance of your diving hose are essential. After each dive, clean the hose by removing any gross contamination with a scrub brush and warm water. Apply a cleaning solution, let it stand for 10 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. Wipe the hose dry and lay it flat in a shaded, well-ventilated area to completely air-dry before storing. Descale your hose regularly to remove any buildup of lime scale, using a descaling agent based on citric acid.
By following these maintenance tips and regularly checking for fraying, chafing, and kinks, you can ensure the longevity of your diving hose and have a safe and enjoyable diving experience. Remember to replace your hoses as recommended by the manufacturer, typically every five years or 500 dives, whichever comes first.
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Hose replacement: when to replace a hose and what type to choose
Scuba diving air hoses are often mistreated and can be allowed to fray, chafe, or rot. They are also often bent, twisted, or stretched out of shape, which can weaken the hose and damage the inner braiding. Sharp bends, kinks, and tight loops can also cause damage.
Pin hole leaks are a sign that the air is leaking through the lamination of the hose and it will gradually get worse, so the hose should be replaced as soon as this is spotted. Hose protectors can hide potential problems, so it is a good idea to remove them to check for damage. Other signs that a hose needs replacing include cracks, splits, swelling, bubbling, or any noticeable physical deformity or damage.
Most hoses are designed to meet CE EN250 standards and are Nitrox Ready. Braided flex hoses are much lighter and more flexible than rubber hoses, although some divers prefer the weight of rubber. Braided hoses are also better for diving in very cold water (under 10°C).
It is recommended that all scuba diving hoses are replaced after five years of service or 500 dives, whichever comes first. This is because all hoses will eventually fail due to age, storage conditions, or handling. However, some divers suggest replacing hoses every 6-10 years, while others say they only replace them when they don't like the length or when they start to leak.
When choosing a replacement hose, it is important to get one that is the correct length and either high or low pressure. Hoses should be installed in the correct port in the regulator, usually labelled "HP" or "LP". It is also important to make sure that the hose is installed by a competent person, as attempting to screw two different threads together can be very expensive to fix.
One example of a replacement hose is the Esdan Oxyflow, which is made in Australia and suitable for scuba diving. It is made from low-odour, non-toxic, food-grade PVC inner, polyester yarn braiding, and a yellow PVC outer cover. It has a working pressure of 348 PSI and meets Australian standards AS1716 and AS2299. It comes in 8mm and 10mm inner diameter sizes and 20-300m lengths.
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Hose safety: the need for competent installation and handling of diving air hoses
Scuba diving air hoses are made of sturdy materials and designed to withstand frequent handling and various abuses. However, the risks associated with their use remain ever-present. Hose safety is paramount, and it starts with competent installation and handling.
When installing a hose, it is crucial to ensure that it is the correct type (high or low pressure) and that it is installed in the appropriate port of the regulator, typically labelled as "HP" or "LP". Marine-grade brass is commonly used in regulator parts, and attempting to screw incompatible threads together can cause expensive damage. Proper installation involves first attaching the hose by hand until it reaches the O-ring, then tightening the rest of the way with a wrench. Any resistance during this process warrants an immediate inspection of the threads. Additionally, it is important to note that hoses and blanking plugs should only be screwed in with 5 Nm of torque, slightly more than hand-tight, to avoid stripping the threads.
For safety reasons, it is always recommended to have hoses changed and fitted by a competent individual, such as a scuba technician or a professional at a local dive store or service centre. This recommendation is made to ensure the correct tools and torque levels are used, preventing potential damage to equipment. Over-tightening, for instance, can lead to equipment and hose fitting damage.
Hose maintenance is also crucial. Regular inspections and cleaning with non-aggressive solutions are necessary to maintain hose integrity. Sharp bends, kinks, and tight loops should be avoided as they can weaken or damage the hose. Unusual bending can compromise the inner braiding. Frayed, cut, or badly chafed hoses should be replaced immediately. Hose protectors, while intended for safety, can hold water against the fitting, causing corrosion and obscuring developing issues. Instead of pulling on the protectors, it is recommended to use a special hook blade cutting tool or side cutters to remove them.
Furthermore, it is imperative to select the appropriate scuba hose for the specific application. Hoses with anti-whip characteristics and kink-resistant materials are ideal for high-traffic areas, abrasive contact, and typical dive environments. The end fittings' quality and secure attachment to the hose are also critical factors in hose selection. Reputable suppliers should be prioritised, and inspections of end fittings should be a top priority.
In conclusion, hose safety is of paramount importance in scuba diving. Competent installation and handling are key to ensuring the safety and longevity of diving air hoses. Regular inspections, proper cleaning, and timely replacement are essential to mitigating risks and ensuring a safe diving experience.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not entirely true that all diving air hoses are made in Australia. However, some popular options like the Esdan Oxyflow™ and Barfell Divers Air Breathing Hose are made in Australia. These hoses are made from low-odour, non-toxic, food-grade PVC and conform to AS/NZS 2299 and AS/NZS 1716 standards.
The length of a diving air hose depends on the configuration or style of equipment used. Most sport/recreational divers use the standard hose lengths supplied by the manufacturers of their regulators, BCD, drysuit, and SPG or console.
The standard inside diameter for a recreational diving air hose is 8 mm, while for commercial diving, it is 10 mm.
A quality surface supply diving systems hose will be coloured bright yellow for a high degree of visibility.
It is recommended to replace all SCUBA hoses every five years or 500 dives, whichever comes first. Before every dive trip, you should pressurise and inspect your hoses for mechanical damage, corroded fittings, bulges, and leaks.
