Scuba tanks should be a part of every diver's kit. Although they are not air-filled, they do hold a large amount of gas. Tank sizes vary according to the type of diving you'll be doing, and you'll want to choose the right one based on the type of water you plan to go in. 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 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 operating pressure doesn’t necessarily mean that there is more air. However, manufacturers are known to overstate the capacity of their tanks. It is worth comparing the capacity of each cylinder with the actual volume.
They contain a volume of free gas greater than their water capacity
Technical divers use different mixed gases than recreational divers, and their true air and Trimix capacities are less than their actual water capacities. Helium, for example, is less compressible than air, so the true air and Trimix capacities are smaller than their water capacity. The true air volume of Double HP117 cylinders is 235 ft3, while Heliair 10/50 cylinders have a true capacity of 216 Ft3. You can use the Z Factors of SCUBA tables to determine the correct mixed gases capacity.
They can be made of aluminum or steel
It is important to decide which scuba tank is better for divers. Steel tanks are more robust and can withstand deeper underwater dives. This durability comes at an expense. 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 of two materials: steel and aluminum. Steel tanks are lighter, more durable and heavier than aluminum tanks. However, they tend to be heavier. Aluminum tanks are better for those who plan on diving a lot and have a weight belt. You should know that aluminum tanks can be heavier than steel tanks and are therefore lighter than steel tanks. Steel tanks can be used for local and drysuit diving.
They must be inspected regularly
There are many ways to inspect your scuba tank. Hydrostatic testing is often done beneath the neck of a tank. An inspection visually can help you detect corrosion or contamination. Tumbling is another method to inspect the tank's condition. Tumbling involves filling the tank in with media and spinning the tank for a specified period to remove dirt and contaminants. If your tank sounds noisy, it could be a sign that it needs cleaning.