Can I Change Type of Dan Buoy Inflator?

No

When you need to purchase a recharge kit for your dan buoy, you may wonder whether it is possible to switch between recharge kit types. It is important to purchase the recharge kit which matches your dan buoy’s inflator.

A portion of the inflation mechanism is built in to your dan buoy. It is non–replaceable. It serves as the attachment point for the rest of the inflation mechanism. Please purchase the dan buoy inflation kit which matches the inflation mechanism on your dan buoy when you need to recharge.

inflatable lifejacket recharge kit also used for dan buoy recharge kit

Dan buoy recharge kit - UML mechanism

inflatable lifejacket recharge kit also used for dan buoy recharge kit

Dan buoy recharge kit - Halkey-Roberts mechanism

H/T to Jim Toomey for asking the question.

Can I Change Type of Dan Buoy Inflator? was last modified: April 28th, 2016 by Philip Thompson

Why Is CO₂ Used to Inflate Life Rafts?

520g and 33g cylinder size comparison

520g & 33g CO2 cylinders

CO2 is commonly used to inflate life rafts and inflatable life jackets because it is an inert, non-flammable, inexpensive gas which is easily obtained and cheap to manufacture worldwide. The 2 man coastal life raft and dan buoy both use CO2 inflation cylinders.

Click to learn more about carbon dioxide. Inert means the gas is non–reactive. By contrast, air, which contains O2, can cause metal parts to oxidize over time. Nitrogen, another inert gas, can alternatively be used to inflate life jackets or life rafts.

Cost Comparison of CO2 vs. N

James Wuerth, president of Kinder Morgan CO2 division, says it costs about $2.50 to $3.00 to capture, clean, and compress carbon dioxide, per thousand cubic feet. By contrast, Nitrogen gas prices range from $20 to $27.50 per 1000 cubic feet, depending on purity.

Why Is CO₂ Used to Inflate Life Rafts? was last modified: April 27th, 2016 by Philip Thompson