Filling tanks?

[GraemeC]

Haha ok this might be a dumb question, but I was at the gas station today and got thinking.. I know you can dive on just air (if your not nitrox certified) and was wondering if it would be possible to fill your tanks at a compressed air pump thing... (I dont know if any of you guys have it, but at least around here the gas stations have places where you can go to a pump like thing and fill up your tires with compressed air for free).... So do you think its possible that you could fill your dive tanks with that stuff and use it to dive? or would that just blow your tank...

 

[tedwhiteva]

simple answer - no. Ignoring air quality, you won't get a very long dive on 60 -100 psi which is typical max ant gas station - maybe 150 for one that does truck tires.

 

[mike_s]

sure. you can do that. [sarcasim implied]

the 25cent operated air compressors might get your scuba tank up to 50psi.

the average "real" gas station that has a repair center compressor might get you up to 125psi.

Seeing how your average scuba tank is 3000psi, you'll fall a little short of the amout you'll need for a dive. Especially since you're supposed to surface with at least 500psi and the first stage of your regulator delivers between 130 and 150psi intermediate pressure.

 

[do it easy]

NO!!! That air is not filtered and is not suitable for breathing. Scuba air is filtered to remove:

moisture- which causes free flows/freeze ups
carbon monoxide/carbon dioxide- which cause unconsciousness/death
oil/hydrocarbons- not something that you want in your lungs.

In short, don't do it.

 

[DiverBuoy]

You'd need a minimum of 50psi just to prevent moisture from entering the tank with corrosive influence. You'd never get a breath off the tank, because just filling your BC for water entry would use up your pressure. Meanwhile the unfiltered air around a gas station filled with gasoline fumes and carbon monoxide ... would make quick work of your lungs and brain.

 

[PAdiver93]

Haha ok this might be a dumb question, but I was at the gas station today and got thinking.. I know you can dive on just air (if your not nitrox certified) and was wondering if it would be possible to fill your tanks at a compressed air pump thing... (I dont know if any of you guys have it, but at least around here the gas stations have places where you can go to a pump like thing and fill up your tires with compressed air for free).... So do you think its possible that you could fill your dive tanks with that stuff and use it to dive? or would that just blow your tank...

Absolutely not - pressure difference. But u could use a pressure washer (minimum 3000psi, or if using an LP tank, u can use one with even a lower psi rating) to fill your tanks - just make sure that u unhook the water supply hose...


I am just wondering - how many of those types of questions resulted in "dumbing related incidents"?

 

[Packhorse]

Go back and read your original post. "Ha Ha this might be a dumb question".
Are you out of your mind and where did you get your instuction so we can all stay the he!! away from that place. Think before you speak or should I say post.

Geez give the the guy a break. It sounded like he already knew he couldnt do that but just didnt understand why. Im sure most Scuba schools teach the basics of how dive compressors work but there is no reason why they have to explain how tyre inflator compressors work.
The whole idea behide forums like this is so people can learn. But maybe you know it all already aye.

 

[OE2X]

I'm going to admonish everyone to be civilized in how they impart their knowledge to the poster.

If you look at the posters profile you will notice that he is not certified. Under the circumstances I don't think this question is inappropriate. I'm also sure that none of us has ever asked something similar about a topic that we had not yet gained knowledge of.

Those of you who don't feel as if you can post in this thread according to Scubaboard rules should refrain from doing so.

 

[LSDeep]

yep its a "great solution" to get some pressure (to keep moisture out) after you sucked it completely dry! just dont forget to get them inspected and cleaned after that operation to get the ***** (contamination) back out! your ldc will love you for the increased biz!!!!
ROFLMAO.

 

[Cacia]

off topic, I heard about a compressor that had an intake near where the van idled waiting to load tanks and the air was contaminated with Carbon Monoxide.