Aluminium tank problems

[Larry M]

Does anyone know what series of Aluminium 80s were to get inspected for possible flaws or cracks developing in the necks of these tanks ?

 

[Spectre]

Aluminum Alloy 6351.

Luxfer appears to have recalled theirs:http://www.visualplus.net/Luxfer UK Scuba Policy 7.17.2000.htm

Another interesting link is:http://www.ndtech.net/archive/newsletter10.html

-Jeff

 

[devjr]

Larry, are you in the US? The old aluminum tanks marketed in the US may not have been stamped with the alloy type so this info won't do you any good. Instead, the ALCAN, Kidde and other brands may have the designation "SP 6498". This special permit number flags the now suspect 6351 alloy. Generally, tanks manufactured after 1988 are of a different alloy, 6061-T6, and less susceptible to cracks.

For tank nerds and inspectors, see the following:

http://www.sportdiverhq.com/tanktalk.htm

 

[roakey]

Here's a good writeup on 6351 from the Professional Scuba Inspectors, Inc. (PSI) page:

http://www.psicylinders.com/message.html

Roak