Does hang on back filter provide oxygen?
In recent years, the popularity of snorkeling and scuba diving has surged, with more and more people seeking thrilling experiences underwater. One of the essential equipment for these activities is the hang on back (HOB) filter. While many divers are familiar with its primary function of removing saltwater and impurities from the air, there is often confusion about whether the HOB filter provides oxygen. This article aims to shed light on this topic and provide a comprehensive understanding of how the HOB filter operates.
The hang on back filter is designed to remove saltwater and other impurities from the air that a diver breathes during snorkeling or scuba diving. It does not generate oxygen; instead, it ensures that the air a diver inhales is free from moisture and other contaminants. This process is crucial, as it helps maintain the diver’s breathing comfort and prevents the buildup of harmful bacteria and fungi that can lead to respiratory infections.
The HOB filter achieves this by using a desalination process that involves passing the air through a series of membranes or filters. These filters are designed to trap saltwater particles, allowing clean air to pass through to the diver. The desalinated air is then mixed with fresh air from the surface, ensuring that the diver receives a balanced and breathable mixture.
To address the question of whether the HOB filter provides oxygen, it is important to understand that the human body requires a constant supply of oxygen to function properly. While the HOB filter does not generate oxygen, it plays a crucial role in ensuring that the air a diver breathes is free from impurities that could potentially interfere with oxygen absorption.
In scuba diving, divers use tanks filled with compressed air or enriched air nitrox (EANx) to breathe underwater. The HOB filter is used in conjunction with these tanks, ensuring that the air a diver inhales is free from saltwater and impurities. However, the oxygen in the air comes from the tank, not the HOB filter itself.
In conclusion, the hang on back filter does not provide oxygen. Its primary function is to remove saltwater and impurities from the air, ensuring that the diver can breathe comfortably and safely during snorkeling or scuba diving. Understanding the role of the HOB filter in maintaining air quality is essential for divers to make informed decisions about their equipment and ensure a pleasant and safe underwater experience.
