How to build a Hooka surface air supply system?

[davekro]

I am interested in building a hooka surface air supply system. This 2009 thread:
http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=109208
has given me some good info. My original intent was for a 12v powered system. Then I realized that the 110v Porter Cable oiless compressor (135psi, 2.6 scfm@90psi, 2HP, 6 gallon) that I have might be OK to use. It is about 7 years old. I wonder if some kind of air filters might make this older tank's air clean enough to breath?

I am not certified, but have done 5-6 resort dives (1/2 day classes each) in Caribbean and Australia as well as being very comfortable under water. My reason for considering this system is so I do not need to continue to free dive to pull the Egeria densa weeds around my dock (they have been getting worse every year. I work in a 5' - 15' depth so with a quick push (or kick) to the surface while exhaling is an easy thing if the hooka system stopped pumping air.

I'd be curious of the components, specs and sources that others have used for air filters, second stage hooka regulators, air hose, check valve, harness, etc. Thanks

 

[Ross]

Why not just make a long handle rake?

 

[Gary_H]

I've used one before when I didn't feel like toting my scuba tank around. It belonged to a friend of mine and was built on a very small Sears electric compressor and an old spare second stage that he had. It actually worked very well. However when you build something like that there is a risk and there are no warranties either expressed or implied, so should you kill yourself there will be no one to blame but yourself.

 

[RichH]

Do a websearch for compression systems that fill SCBA systems (firefighting self contained breathing air, etc.) and you find a whole series of adsorbent 'filters' that remove Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, particulate (pathogens), hydrocarbons, etc. etc. etc. Even with low compression ratios involved with 'hookas' I wouldnt use one without such 'scrubbers'/filters/adsorbents ... most remove the 'harmfuls' that come from the 'compressor/blower', even if they are 'lubeless' systems. You can find such 'breathing air' specifications in the NSF/FDA and NFPA regulations, etc.

That Porter cable engine is going to have an EXHAUST and if it gets sucked into the intake of your hooka the CO/CO2 is going to be compressed 6 times ... meaning the toxicity of the exhaust now going into your lungs will be 6 times as when at atmospheric pressure ----- a very BAD idea to use a gasoline engine to power a hooke - IMHO.

I'd go with the 15 ft. long rake --- much safer and cheaper.

 

[Steve Dion]

I am sure you can find one that is safe on e-bay or Craigslist for a price that may be similar to what you may spend on all the parts. Aren't you concerned about safety with a home made unit?

 

[ffaubert]

http://www.browniedive.com/

Not home made, not as inexpensive but maybe better in the long run.

 

[davekro]

Why not just make a long handle rake?

Egeria densa needs to be pulled by the roots if at all possible. Any little pieces that float away will start a NEW plant, exponencially increasing the weeds. (

 

[hman]

you might want to try finding a hooka on ebay, look under gold dreges. I know a lot of miners use them to dredge in the rivers around here....Well, they used to until the State decided that dredging for gold was too destructive to the environment and canceled all the permits.

(that means a lot of guys are getting rid of their equipment cheap!)

 

[davekro]

...no warranties either expressed or implied, so should you kill yourself there will be no one to blame but yourself.

I do not believe in blaming others for 1) life or 2) my misjudgments/stupidity. I find little to no comfort in being able to initiate a 'sue the deep pocket' law suit. Let's keep in mind the risk involved at 10' depth are pretty small compared to 30'+ diving. Obviously, someone can drown in 2" of water. I believe in personal responsibility. I would not consider building my own parachute or dive gear for 100' depth! Remember what Forest's mom used to say: "Stupid is as stupid does." I am willing to take full responsibility for my life and my choices.

 

[davekro]

Do a websearch for compression systems that fill SCBA systems (firefighting self contained breathing air, etc.) and you find a whole series of adsorbent 'filters' that remove Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, particulate (pathogens), hydrocarbons, etc. etc. etc. Even with low compression ratios involved with 'hookas' I wouldnt use one without such 'scrubbers'/filters/adsorbents ... most remove the 'harmfuls' that come from the 'compressor/blower', even if they are 'lubeless' systems. You can find such 'breathing air' specifications in the NSF/FDA and NFPA regulations, etc.

That Porter cable engine is going to have an EXHAUST and if it gets sucked into the intake of your hooka the CO/CO2 is going to be compressed 6 times ... meaning the toxicity of the exhaust now going into your lungs will be 6 times as when at atmospheric pressure ----- a very BAD idea to use a gasoline engine to power a hooke - IMHO.

I'd go with the 15 ft. long rake --- much safer and cheaper.

Thanks for the info on SCBA systems. I'll check into that.

I agree on concern for the 'GAS engine' exhaust, so I am only considering using electric motor (12v or 110v) to power a compressor.
"That Porter cable engine is going to have an EXHAUST ..."
What kind of exhaust does a 110v powered compressor have?

And as mentioned, rakes spread the weeds. (

 

[davekro]

http://www.browniedive.com/

Not home made, not as inexpensive but maybe better in the long run.

I've read about the Brownie Third Lung as well as Sea Breathe and Hookamax. So far, of the OEM systems, the $750 Hookamax 12v system looks the most cost effective.
http://www.hookamax.com/17710.html

It was pointed out that the Hookamax system is built based on the Eagle Flight 12v compressor ($250)
http://www.jaeeagle.com/product/353/Eagle+Flight+12+Volt+Air+Compressor.html


So even copying a Hookamax design, I am curious if I can assemble the components for a good bit less than $750. Maybe so, maybe not so. That is why I am researching. )

 

[davekro]

you might want to try finding a hooka on ebay, look under gold dredges.
(that means a lot of guys are getting rid of their equipment cheap!)

Thanks for the 'search criteria' idea! I'll check that out.

 

[Steve Dion]

Dave:

I was not even thinking about the issues from the gas engine. My concern was the potential for breathing in something through hoses, compressor etc that will give you a lung infection that may kill you or someone else that would possibly use the unit.

There are times when you purchase stuff from places (like, say CHINA) and you think you know what you are getting and they have health issues.

So you think you can save $300 by making a unit yourself and one trip to the ER will be $2,500, not a good trade off.

I won't be using it, but someone you know will be and you better be sure that everything is right!

 

[Ross]

I will bet that an engine driven propeller running through a weed bed will make more pieces than your hand pulling efforts versus a rake will prevent.

 

[davekro]

Dave:

I was not even thinking about the issues from the gas engine. My concern was the potential for breathing in something through hoses, compressor etc that will give you a lung infection that may kill you or someone else that would possibly use the unit.
... but someone you know will be and you better be sure that everything is right!

Steve,
Your words of caution are good to keep in mind. Especially if it is used by someone that is not me.

 

[davekro]

I will bet that an engine driven propeller running through a weed bed will make more pieces than your hand pulling efforts versus a rake will prevent.

Ross,
Beside the fact of pieces breaking off and reseeding, raking just does not remove enough of the weeds. Believe me, I have tried raking. It is hardly even a bandaid to the weed's proliferation let alone removal.

 

[Ross]

Dave, I read two web sites concerning Eregia Densa and that battle is lost. The plant has found a home and it plans to stay.

 

[Tom]

How to build a Hooka surface air supply system

Jeez Steve (Dion) You just don't give up do you! The last time this subject came up you did the same "YER GONNA DIE" thing. THE IDEA WORKS!!! I'm still using mine, I still have clear lungs, I still haven't been "bent" and it's still fun to use. The idea is VERY sound, give the guy a break! Some people can think outside the box and use their heads instead of their charge cards and save a few bucks. It's about using common sense, of course know the dive tables, of course NEVER hold your breath. But please Steve, give the doom and gloom a rest.

Tom (from the old thread)
s/v GAIA

 

[FourPoints]

I agree the idea is sound, and should be safe as long as you use common sense, but the air filter suggestions are very important IMO. I would add that you should include a water seperator on your output line going down to the second stage. regular air compressors will "spit" water out with the air, not something you want to breath in while tending the garden...

btw, I would suggest rigging a float with a diver down flag attached on the air hose about 20 feet from the regulator. This serves two purposes, first, you have a diver down flag that will follow you around while you are down there, and 2nd, it will deter you from diving any deeper so you do not exceed the depths for which you are trained for.

 

[Brian D]

Jeez Steve (Dion) You just don't give up do you! The last time this subject came up you did the same "YER GONNA DIE" thing. THE IDEA WORKS!!! I'm still using mine, I still have clear lungs, I still haven't been "bent" and it's still fun to use. The idea is VERY sound, give the guy a break! Some people can think outside the box and use their heads instead of their charge cards and save a few bucks. It's about using common sense, of course know the dive tables, of course NEVER hold your breath. But please Steve, give the doom and gloom a rest.

Tom (from the old thread)
s/v GAIA

Tom, if you have a hookah system, which one did you go with? If you made your own, what parts did you use? You can PM me if you don't want to go public with homemade system.

I too would like to go without my tank when cleaning the bottom of the boat. I am certified so I could go either way. My plan was to just get a 50' hose and connect it to my tank and leave it topside. But that tank is heavy and if I had a portable hookah system I would probably use it more.

Good thread.