DNAx Nitrox Membrane Systems

Merging tradition and technology to bring you the very best in breathing air systems

System Layout || DNAx/O₂Comparison || Additional References

Undersea Breathing Systems, Inc. (UBS) is the inventor of the patented DNAx® (De-Nitrogenated Air nitrox) Membrane System that has dramatically changed the concept of diving with Nitrox. The DNAx® System produces any blend of nitrox from 21% through 40% oxygen by de-nitrogenating (removing nitrogen) instead of enriching standard air with high pressure oxygen.

Low pressure air (200psi-300psi) is fed to the hollow membrane fibers. All the oxygen molecules
pass through the hollow fiber walls but only some of the nitrogen molecules move through
resulting in up to 40% nitrox!

The principle concept behind the design of the UBS/PMS (Permeable Membrane System) is simple, yet dramatic. Instead of adding oxygen to the mixing and blending process, low pressure air flows into an in-line filter canister system that removes hydrocarbons and other contaminants. Next, the air passes into a membrane canister containing thousands of hairlike, hollow membrane fibers. Oxygen, which is more transferable than nitrogen, permeates across the membranes at a highly manageable rate. Determining the proper gas ratio is accomplished by adjusting a needle valve that allows the operator to simply "dial out" the nitrogen. The denitrogenated gas, including up to 40% oxygen, is then fed to a standard oil lubricated compressor for storage in nitrox banks or "hot filled" in standard scuba cylinders.

The user benefits of DNAx include increased bottom time, shorter surface intervals, the elimination of post dive fatigue, and built-in safety margins while diving on standard air tables. With these benefits, every diver will want to use DNAx, and every dive operator will eventually provide DNAx to its customers.

The benefits to the operator are just as significant, especially the safety of the staff who are responsible for producing enhanced breathing gasses.

Existing oxygen mixing and blending setups employ high oxygen concentrations that require oxygen clean (free of contamination) equipment. Our denitrogenated air never exceeds 40% oxygen and does not require O2 cleaning. It also eliminates the traditional procedures designed to reduce the risk of explosion and fire. In addition, concerns such as additional insurance costs, hazard potential, and voided warranties for equipment exposed to pure oxygen are eliminated.


Benefits of the DNAx Membrane System

*SIMPLE* Complete “Turnkey” operation “Instant” mix at the turn of the needle valve Only 1-hour operator training required 2 Hour average installation No compressor modifications *RELIABLE* Mix accurate to one tenth of 1% Uses 220V at 10 Amps Up to 20 year life Limited 3 year warranty *VERSATILE* Produces from 21% to 40% oxygen Unlimited continuous production even up to 300CFM l HP or LP feed Banked, hot fills, or continuous feed output Ideal for remote sites and live-aboards Compact and lightweight Trimix systems available	*SAFE* No O2 cleaning of tanks or equipment No blending courses required *COST EFFECTIVE* High volume output means no waiting for fills Easy maintenance (1 inexpensive filter change each quarter) Operates on Grade E Air Use your existing oil lubricated compressor No hidden costs** *Some compressors may not be suitable for nitrox use.

Typical System Layout

DNAx System Layout

Additional System Configurations

Low Pressure
Surface Supply

Low Pressure
High Pressure

High Pressure Feed

High Pressure
High Pressure

The development of user friendly enhanced air is as revolutionary as the development
of the closed-circuit regulator. Click here to continue to the page and view any of the
drawings listed below. Thank you.

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Comparison of DNAx and O2


No O2 Equipment Cleaning	Risk of Leakage and Explosion
Uses Inexpensive Compressed Air	Requires Expensive O2
Low, Non Critical Maintenance	High, Critical and Expensive Maintenance
Uses Standard Oil Lubricated Compressors	Expensive Oil Free Compressor Required
High Volume Output	Low Volume Production
No Hidden Costs	Only 50% of O2 Cylinder Usable
Continuous On-Site Production	Requires O2 Cylinders
Lightweight and Compact	O2 Cylinders Dangerous Fire Hazard
One Hour Operator Training	Mixing and Blending Courses Required
Fully Instrumented	Manual Process
No Logistical Limits: Dive Boats Live-aboards and Remote Sites	Access to O2 Cylinders Required

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Additional References

Typical System Layout

Introduction || System Layout || DNAx/O₂Comparison || Additional References