Scuba tank information

[Alvin Slovinsky]

I had the opportunity to get a scuba tank from a person who is getting out of diving the tank is in pristine condition and is full of oxygen as well. I wasn’t able to ask the individual more questions about it and since I’m new at this and am still learning Im hopeful someone can give me more information about it.
1) Is it steel or aluminum
2) the cubic foot size
3) what is the PSI
4) where is the stamped pressure on the tank.

 

[diversteve]

lets hope it's full of air not oxygen as that would be toxic at depth. depending on how long it's been sitting, I'm not sure I'd want to breathe it either. About the only good thing about something in the tank is that it keeps other stuff out.

Judging from the NASDS VIP's it looks like a vintage 90's aluminum tank. Some around that time period (or possibly a little earlier) were condemned due to stress fractures in the neck. You can figure out if it's one here - Is my cylinder made from the "bad" alloy aka AL6351?

fyi, NASDS (I'm one) was absorbed into SSI at least a decade ago which helps date the tank.

If it's a steel, all it would need it to be tumbled to remove any rust. I don't believe it's a steel though.

This is totally a guess but I think it's an AL-80 - popular around that time and they came in white.

B4 you pay good money see if the seller is willing to have it inspected and more importantly - hydro'd. He may not as that's not cheap relative to the value of an old used tank he's trying to sell.

Most shops have a paid inspection where they remove the valve and stick a light in to check for problems. Plan on having the valve serviced on your dime also.

what's the price?

 

[swimlikethefish]

1. Steel
2. Unknown but big, Faber 108 maybe. (looks 8 inch diameter)
3. Psi is stamped on the shoulder of the tank.
4. See #3.

 

[swimlikethefish]

 

[Alvin Slovinsky]

Take a picture of all the markings on the top of the cylinder you should be able to get more into. So far we only see pictures of inspections/hydros which tell nothing about the tank itself. Other than it's been a long time since the last inspection/testing

The only markings on the top of the tank are the ones in the picture there are no other markings on it.

 

[Alvin Slovinsky]

lets hope it's full of air not oxygen as that would be toxic at depth. depending on how long it's been sitting, I'm not sure I'd want to breathe it either. About the only good thing about something in the tank is that it keeps other stuff out.

Judging from the NASDS VIP's it looks like a vintage 90's aluminum tank. Some around that time period (or possibly a little earlier) were condemned due to stress fractures in the neck.
You can figure out if it's one here - Is my cylinder made from the "bad" alloy aka AL6351?

If it's a steel, all it would need it to be tumbled to remove any rust. I don't believe it's a steel though.

This is totally a guess but I think it's an AL-80 - popular around that time and they came in white.

Most steel tanks are steel colored.

B4 you pay good money see if the seller is willing to have it inspected. He may not as that's not cheap relative to the value of an old used tank he's trying to sell.
Most shops have a paid inspection where they remove the valve and stick a light in to check for problems. Plan on having the valve serviced on your dime also.

what's the price?

Oops my mistake it’s full of air how can I tell if it’s the bad alloy and there is an A marked on top of the valve itself in a black marker. There is a boot on the bottom of the tank I’ll check and see if there is any more information located there. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question.

 

[swimlikethefish]

Will look like this but harder to read

Here is a diagram of what to look for. It won't say this exactly, but gives you an idea of the layout.

 

[Alvin Slovinsky]

It may be covered with paint. But if what you are saying is true then the tank is almost useless in the us. You need DOT markings in order for most shops to fill/inspect the cylinder

I do appreciate you all taking the time to answer my questions about it. Thank you once again

 

[Alvin Slovinsky]

Will look like this but harder to read
View attachment 516158

Here is a diagram of what to look for. It won't say this exactly, but gives you an idea of the layout. View attachment 516159

If it’s painted over can I feel the stamp markings on it and then remove the paint to read it. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions.

 

[swimlikethefish]

I would not remove any paint. That is what protects it from corrosion. The stampings are difficult to see on painted tanks. Try a flashlight held at different angles to see if you can make out anything. Maybe some windex and a paper towel to clean the dirt off.

The other option is to give me exact dimensions. Measure the height (floor to bottom of the valve where it meets the tank) and circumference. I could probably figure it out from that info.

Also, if you turn it on its side and look at the bottom of the tank. Is it round or flat? I'm pretty certain you will see it is round. If so, it is definitely a steel tank.