F1 tech on yer rib and sib.

[dave3235]

Hi all

Been watching F1 for years and the other day I thought what could be used in motor racing and boating and came to the conclusion NITROGEN GAS they use for inflating the tyres with because air temp makes no difference,no cold air deflation or hot air inflation.probably no good for those of us who do not trailer or leave inflated.Why not use NITROGEN to inflate our inflatables or ribs.What's your thoughts.

[Nos4r2]

Surprisingly,you're not the first to think of it Do a search for Nitrogen on the forum search and you'll find a lot of reading.

[Roflhat]

been talk about this on the thundercat forum too, but in relation to weight reduction. helium tubes!
the jet racing boats use big rear spoilers on them too

[Nos4r2]

It'd be interesting to see how long an inflatable filled with helium would stay inflated.

[ShinyShoe]

Hydrogen??

[kerny]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

It'd be interesting to see how long an inflatable filled with helium would stay inflated.

I bet it would fly....

[Poly]

Originally Posted by dave3235

Why not use NITROGEN to inflate our inflatables or ribs.

If you had ready cheap access to DRY nitrogen it would be perfectly feasible. However most people don't have access to that, certainly don't have it at the dockside and won't have it with them if something needs topped up etc.

It only takes a tiny drop of water evaporating/condensing to make a big difference to tube pressure. With so much water around its very difficult to ensure the inside of your tubes never get any moisture in them. I have wondered whether putting a sachet of molecular sieves inside tubes would be better than the expense of PRVs.

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by Poly

If you had ready cheap access to DRY nitrogen it would be perfectly feasible. However most people don't have access to that, certainly don't have it at the dockside and won't have it with them if something needs topped up etc.

It only takes a tiny drop of water evaporating/condensing to make a big difference to tube pressure. With so much water around its very difficult to ensure the inside of your tubes never get any moisture in them. I have wondered whether putting a sachet of molecular sieves inside tubes would be better than the expense of PRVs.

You defiantly have to get out more!

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Maximus

You defiantly have to get out more!

You've not met her, you certainly shouldn't defy her!

[m chappelow]

I dont think it would make all that much difference on a weight saving owing to the low inflation pressures but using different gasses might have a pre/ post immersion advantage ?
As NoS said You would have a job keeping Helium in an inflatable owing to its molecular size & would leech out of the tiniest holes or valve seats .

[jyasaki]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

It'd be interesting to see how long an inflatable filled with helium would stay inflated.

Not very. Small molecule will pass through membranes much easier than N2 or O2 will. Maybe if you ditched hypalon for Mylar...

jky