Last Updated on July 3, 2022 by Ema Brook
Scuba tanks are gas cylinders used to store and distribute the high-pressure respiratory gas that divers need. However, these cylindrical pressure containers come in a wide variety of pressures, sizes, and volumes when connected with a valve.
If a cylinder valve is overflowing or expanded overheat, it is specially made to burst & release pressure. K-valves are easily open to let gas pass through. Likewise, close to turn it off. There are two valves on the Y and H valves, allowing two regulators to be connected to each outlet. So, if one fails, you have a backup plan in place. So if you are interested to know more about aluminium scuba tanks, keep reading!
What is the longevity of a scuba tank?
When diving in calm waters at such a depth of around 10 metres, the normal diver’s air intake will reduce a tank to within a few centimetres of its capacity in around an hour. Because the depth of the dive directly impacts it, the longer you dive, the quicker your oxygen tank will run out of air.
Professionals can increase their time by controlling breathing and balance, even without wasting unnecessary motion.
When you add air to an empty tank, what happens?
Compression occurs while nitrogen & oxygen are pumped into an empty container. A heat reaction occurs when gas molecules are pressurised. Therefore, your tank will heat up more as more pressure is applied to it.
If you plan your dive right, you’ll never get an empty tank. Moreover, if the tank is fully empty, there is no more pressure to keep in moisture, so it will leak. It might result in leakage, which further fuels corrosion. Any extra moisture that has built up in the tank can be blown out with a small quantity of air remaining inside.
What is the average weight of a scuba tank?
When it comes to tank weight, aluminium tanks are typically heavier than steel tanks. For example, a normal 80 cubic foot aluminium tank weighs around 15.87 kilos. On the other hand, the weight of a steel tank of the same capacity will be around 13.60 kilos.
What material do tanks have?
Depending on your specific diving requirements, the kind of material you need for your tank will vary. Here is a quick comparison of steel and aluminium tanks:
Steel tank
- more powerful and long-lasting
- typically shorter and lightweight
- are under more pressure
- Durability is improved by damage resistance.
Aluminium cylinders
- Weight is typically higher due to larger walls.
- Pressures of 3000 psi are usually used.
- affordable and simple to manage
- Less expensive
