Nitrox (oxygen-enriched air) is produced in professional diving in two ways: by mixing (blending) oxygen and air, or directly with a dedicated Nitrox compressor. The choice depends on your production volume, your safety requirements and the target oxygen purity. The goal: produce a precise, stable and compliant mix, without the risks linked to handling oxygen.
For professional units — military, civil safety, technical centres — Nitrox extends no-decompression dive times and reduces fatigue. But producing it requires suitable equipment and procedures. Here is how to equip yourself.
Why Nitrox in professional diving?
By increasing the oxygen share, Nitrox reduces nitrogen absorption: more bottom time, lighter stops, faster recovery. For repeated missions, it is a real operational gain. This requires controlled production and oxygen-compatible equipment.
Blending or a dedicated Nitrox compressor?
Blending mixes oxygen and air before compression, via a dedicated system such as Bauer’s B-Nitrox blending. A dedicated Nitrox compressor, such as the Bauer Nitrox compressor or the Nitrox Poseidon Edition, produces enriched air directly. For higher demands, the B-Nitrox membrane compressor separates nitrogen upstream.
Oxygen safety
High-concentration oxygen requires compatible equipment (O2 cleaning, suitable seals and lubricants) and strict procedures. The whole chain — from storage to filling — must be designed for these uses. Discover our air filling solutions.
Mix control
A Nitrox mix must be verified: the oxygen percentage sets the maximum operating depth. Analysing the mix after production is part of good safety practice.
FAQ — Nitrox in professional diving
What is the difference between Nitrox and compressed air?
Compressed air contains about 21% oxygen. Nitrox contains more (often 32% or 36%), which reduces inhaled nitrogen and extends no-stop time, at the cost of a shallower maximum depth.
Do you need a special compressor for Nitrox?
Yes. You need either a blending system that mixes oxygen and air, or a dedicated Nitrox compressor (membrane or mixing), with an oxygen-compatible chain.
Does Nitrox let you dive deeper?
No, the opposite: the higher the oxygen percentage, the shallower the maximum depth (oxygen toxicity risk). Nitrox optimises duration, not depth.
Can you produce Nitrox on site / autonomously?
Yes, with a Nitrox compressor or a blending system sized for your cadence. It is an asset for units that must be self-sufficient in air filling.
Need to produce Nitrox safely?
Blending, dedicated compressor, oxygen safety: we size the right solution for your cadence and constraints. Request a personalised quote.