Scuba tanks make up a fundamental part of any scuba diver’s kit. Although they are not air-filled, they do hold a large amount of gas. The size of a tank will depend on what type and type of diving it is. Listed below are the main types of scuba tanks and their sizes.
scuba tanks contain no air
The standard aluminum 80 cylinder can hold 77 feet3 of air. Trimix is a type of dive fuel that has a lower capacity than air. It can hold between ten and twenty percent more. Also, higher maximum service pressures don't necessarily equal more air. Although manufacturers often exaggerate their tanks' capacity. Hence, you should compare the capacity of each cylinder against the actual volume of air in it.
They have more gas than water and contain more free gas.
Technical divers use different mixture gases than recreational divers. The true air and trimix capacities of technical divers are smaller than their actual water capacity. Helium, for example, is less compressible than air, so the true air and Trimix capacities are smaller than their water capacity. 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 of steel or aluminum
When choosing between a steel and an aluminum scuba tank, consider which is more suitable for a divers' needs. Steel tanks are more robust and can withstand deeper underwater dives. This durability comes at a price. Aluminum tanks can quickly develop structural cracks, which can be dangerous. A steel tank can also be more expensive than an aluminium one. But, aluminum tanks are now the industry standard.
They are available at different sizes
Scuba tanks are made from steel or aluminum. Steel tanks are lighter and last longer, but heavier. A lightweight aluminum tank might be the best option if you intend to dive a lot or bring a weight belt. Aluminum tanks are lighter than steel tanks. You will need to consider your weight requirements when purchasing an aluminum tank. Steel tanks are ideal for drysuit diving or local scuba diving.
They need to be inspected on a regular basis
There are several ways to check your scuba tank. Hydrostatic testing is typically done by stamping into the tank's neck. A visual inspection is also a good way to find any corrosion or contamination. Tumbling is another method to inspect 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 sounds rattly, it may mean it needs to be cleaned.