Scuba tanks make up a fundamental part of any scuba diver’s kit. They do not contain air but they do have large amounts of free gas. The size of a tank will depend on what type and type of diving it is. 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 is a type of dive fuel that has a lower capacity than air. It can hold between ten and twenty percent more. A higher maximum service pressure does not necessarily mean 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 are capable of storing more free gas that their water capacities.
Technical divers use mixed gases differently to recreational divers. Their true air and Trimix capacities, however, are lower than their actual water capacities. Helium, for instance, is much more compressible that air. Therefore, their true air capacity and Trimix capacity are less than their water capacities. The true air volume of Double HP117 cylinders is 235 ft3, while Heliair 10/50 cylinders have a true capacity of 216 Ft3. Use the Z Factors (SCUBA tables) to determine the correct mixed gasoline capacity.
They can be made of aluminum or steel
You should consider the divers' needs when choosing between an aluminium or steel scuba tanks. Steel tanks are more durable and can withstand deeper dives. This durability comes with a price. Aluminum tanks can easily develop structural fractures which can lead to serious injury. A steel tank can also be more expensive than an aluminium one. But aluminum tanks are now the industry standard.
They are available in different sizes
Two materials can be used to build a scuba tank: aluminum and steel. Steel tanks are lighter and more durable, but tend to weigh more. An aluminum tank may be better if you plan to dive frequently and need to carry 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 can be used for local and drysuit diving.
They must be inspected regularly
There are several ways to check your scuba tank. Hydrostatic testing is typically done by stamping into the tank's neck. Visual inspections can be used to help detect corrosion or contamination. Tumbling is another way to check the condition of your tank. 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.