Scuba tanks are an essential part of every scuba diver’s kit. They do not contain air but they do have large amounts of free gas. There are many sizes that can be used for different types of diving. It is important to pick the right tank according to what kind of water you will be using. Below are the main types, as well as their sizes.
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. Similarly, a higher maximum service pressure doesn't necessarily mean more air. However, manufacturers are known to overstate the capacity of their tanks. Therefore, it is important to compare each cylinder's capacity with the actual volume of air inside.
They are able to store more free gas than they can hold in water.
Technical divers use a different mix of gases than recreational divers. As such, their true air or Trimix capacities are lower than their actual waters capacities. Helium, for example, is less compressible than air, so the true air and Trimix capacities are smaller than their water capacity. Double HP117 cylinders contain a true air volume of 235 ft3 while Heliair 10/50 has a true air capacity of 216 ft3. Use the Z Factors (SCUBA tables) to determine the correct mixed gasoline capacity.
They are made from aluminum or steel
When choosing between a steel and an aluminum scuba tank, consider which is more suitable for a divers' needs. Steel tanks can withstand deeper dives and are more durable. This durability comes with a price. Aluminum tanks can quickly develop structural cracks, which can be dangerous. Additionally, an aluminum tank will cost more than a steel one. Aluminum tanks, however, are now the industry standard.
They are available at different sizes
Two materials can be used to build a scuba tank: aluminum and steel. Steel tanks are lighter and last longer, but heavier. An aluminum tank is better if you are planning to do a lot more diving and bring a weight belt. However, aluminum tanks are not as lightweight as steel tanks, so you should be aware of your weight requirements before purchasing one. Steel tanks are excellent for drysuit diving as well as local scuba divers.
They need to be inspected on a regular basis
There are many ways you can check your scuba tank. Hydrostatic testing is often done beneath the neck of a tank. A visual inspection can also help you find corrosion or contamination. Tumbling is another way of checking the tank's condition. Tumbling involves filling your tank with media, and then spinning it for a period of time to remove any dirt or other contaminants. If your tank sounds noisy, it could be a sign that it needs cleaning.