Scuba tanks are a basic component of any scuba diver's kit. Although they are not air-filled, they do hold a large amount of gas. Different types of diving require different tank sizes. Therefore, you need to make sure you choose the right tank for you based on what water you are going to be using. Below are the main types and sizes of scuba tanks.
scuba tanks contain no air
Standard aluminum 80 cylinders can hold 77 cubic feet of air. Trimix, a type of dive gas, has a ten to twenty-percent lower capacity than air. The same goes for air. A higher maximum pressure doesn't necessarily indicate more air. However, manufacturers are known to overstate the capacity of their tanks. It is worth comparing the capacity of each cylinder with the actual volume.
They are able to store more free gas than they can hold in water.
Technical divers divers use different mix gases to divers than recreational divers. Therefore, their true air- and Trimix capacity is less than their water capacities. For example, Helium is more compressible than air so their true air and trimix capacities are lower than their water capacities. Heliair 10/50, on the other hand, has a true volume of 216 ft3 and Double HP117 cylinders a volume of 235ft3. Use the Z Factors to determine the correct mixed gas capability.
They are made out of steel and aluminum
If you are faced with the choice between an aluminum and a steel scuba tank, make sure to consider what is best for your needs. Steel tanks are stronger and can withstand deep dives. This durability comes with a price. Aluminum tanks can develop structural fractures more quickly and can be dangerous. A steel tank costs more that an aluminum one. But aluminum tanks are now the industry standard.
They come in a variety of sizes
Scuba tanks can be made from two materials: aluminum or steel. Steel tanks are lighter and more durable, but tend to weigh more. If you plan on doing a lot of diving and plan to bring a weight belt, it might be best to go with an aluminum tank. However, aluminum tanks are not as lightweight as steel tanks, so you should be aware of your weight requirements before purchasing one. Steel tanks work well for drysuit and local diving.
They should be checked regularly
There are many options for checking your scuba diving tank. Hydrostatic testing is typically done by stamping into the tank's neck. You can also inspect the tank visually to detect corrosion and contamination. Tumbling is another way of checking the tank's condition. Tumbling involves filling it with media and spinning it for a certain period of time to remove dirt and other contaminants. If the tank's sound is unusual, it might be an indication that it needs to get cleaned.