TANK SERVICE PROGRAM

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Each year all tanks must go through an annual inspection.  This looks at the inside and outside of the tank to ensure that the tank doesn’t show signs of being dropped or damaged.  We look for pitting or dents, or as I like to note “tire tracks”.  Once a tank has passed an annual visual inspection, there is a label applied to the tank showing the inspection completion date.  So the label then indicates when the service was "done" and therefore when service is required next.

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Every 5 years all scuba cylinders must have a Hydrostatic Test.  This is an elasticity test to ensure the tank is expanding and contracting properly.  This test is done “offsite”.  Normally, a Hydro Test will be done at the same time as the annual inspection.  Once a tank has passed the Hydro Test, the test facility will stamp “test details” into the shoulder of the tanks.  These details show when the test was done, which facility performed the test, indicating when the test needs to be done again in the future.

 

There are a number of differences between service to a steel tank verses an aluminum tank.  Both tanks share some common services and some unique ones based on metal construction.

 

Steel Tanks are terrific.  Their buoyancy in the water and the toughness of the tanks make them a favourite for divers.  The issue of course with steel is it rusts, especially when it comes in contact with oxygen and water. The annual service on steel tanks examines the inside and outside of the tank for any anomalies and specifically looks for any traces of corrosion that need to be addressed.  If there is rusting inside the tank, this can be resolved by “tumbling” the tank.  We literally fill the tank with an Alkaline cleaner and sharp ceramic media, that allow the tank to be polished or sanded on a tank tumbler.  The tank tumbler rolls the tank for a period of time, which allows the media and cleaner to descale and remove the rust.  Once the rust is removed and the tank is clean, we then apply a “sealer” that helps prevent future rusting.  Then we dry the tank, install the valve back and fill it.  This cleaning process is critical for oxygen cleaning tanks for use with Nitrox.  However, even if you are just filling your tank with air we feel that breathing rust isn’t great either, so tank tumbling is often a suggested service.  After all, “you’re breathing it right”?

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Aluminum Tanks were introduced to the dive industry in the mid 1970s. They are lighter and less expensive to purchase, and were designed to hold 80 cu.ft. of air when filled to 3000 psi.  To this day they really are the most popular tank globally.  Like steel tanks, these aluminum tanks require annual inspections and every 5 years require a hydrostatic test. 

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One additional test that the aluminum tanks go through each year is an Eddy Current Test.  This is non-destructive test performed on the threads and shoulder of the tank to evaluate the structural integrity of the tank and measure it’s ability to hold onto the valve of the tank.  There is a lot of mis-information and confusion in the industry about this test and process.  If you have questions, we will be happy to review this in detail with you.

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When a cylinder, regardless of the metal it is made from, suffers from what we call the paperclip effect, it can fail.  If you bend a paperclip back and forth, eventually the metal will heat up and crack.  A tank is just like this! So we want to test and evaluate the tanks often to try and catch the bad ones, before they fail!

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ALUMINUM TANKS & STEEL TANKS

 

Annual Tank Inspection Service: $35

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• Inspect the inside and outside of the tank for pitting, dents or any signs of damage

• Eddy Current Test for Aluminum Tanks

• Valve inspection, replace O-rings and install

• Tank fill of air or mix

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5 Year Tank Hydrostatic Test Service: $30

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• Hydrostatic Testing (off-site)

• Hydro test details stamped on tank at testing facility

• Complete valve service

• * This test is normally done in conjunction with the annual service

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Tank Cleaning of Aluminum Tanks $15

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• Empty and Inspect tank

• Whip tank with ceramic brush and alkaline cleaner

• Empty and rinse tank

• Apply Oxygen Compatible Tank Sealer (helps protect clean metal surfaces)

• Empty and rinse tank

• Dry tank, install valve and fill

 

Tank Cleaning of Steel Tanks $40

• Empty and Inspect tank

• Fill tank with ceramic tumbling media and alkaline cleaner

• Tumble tank until corrosion free

• Empty and rinse tank

• Apply Oxygen Compatible Tank Sealer (helps protect clean metal surfaces)

• Empty and rinse tank

• Dry tank, install valve and fill