Composite Tanks

[Rich Keller]

I am doing a little research and wanted to know more about composite, wrapped or hoop wrapped tanks. I have heard all three terms used in reference to the same item. I know Luxfer makes only one for scuba. Are there other manufactures? Are there other sizes then the one offered by Luxfer? Are there smaller sizes available that might be suited for scuba even if they were not intended for that purpose? On the non-scuba composite tanks can a scuba valve be used? I would also like to hear from anyone who dives a composite tank and your experience with it so far. What I am looking for is a very low profile tank that operates at the highest pressures possible.

 

[rjack321]

I am doing a little research and wanted to know more about composite, wrapped or hoop wrapped tanks. I have heard all three terms used in reference to the same item.

3 different tank designs

I know Luxfer makes only one for scuba. Are there other manufactures? Are there other sizes then the one offered by Luxfer?

No and no

Are there smaller sizes available that might be suited for scuba even if they were not intended for that purpose?

No because carbon fiber exposed to salt water is a corrosive disaster. It needs to be designed for UW use.

On the non-scuba composite tanks can a scuba valve be used?

No SCBA uses a different threading/valve. A machinist could probably turn a 3/4" SCUBA valve down to 1/2" SCBA. But see above, SCBA is not intended for UW use and no smart dive shop would support this use. SCBA tanks aren't much smaller than SCUBA tanks anyway. Mostly just in length.

I would also like to hear from anyone who dives a composite tank and your experience with it so far. What I am looking for is a very low profile tank that operates at the highest pressures possible.

Look into the now defunct divator tanks via the vintage forum.

Composite tanks are too buoyant and nobody wants to trash their compressor and regs always filling to 4500+psi. Not to mention the rediculous price and the fact that for all their lightness on land you have to add lead to sink them.

 

[Rich Keller]

Interspiro is still making Divator tanks, but I am looking for a smaller size then they currently make.