Free Tank from Buddy, need help

[jkyle]

Hi, I got this tank free from a buddy.

It has ICC-3AA2250 and HJ 186641 engraved on it.

What can y'all tell me about it? Is it safe (once hydro'd and vip'd)?

 

[chrpai]

ICC (Interstate Commerce Commission) is the predecessor to the DOT ( Department of Transportation ). It's a steel tank with a service pressure of 2250PSI. It's very old (vintage). Is it safe? Hard to say. It could pass hydro and VIS or it could be a big pile of rust inside ready to fail.

Was the tank stored with any pressure inside of it?

 

[jkyle]

How old are we talking? He said he kept it full always

 

[knotical]

How old are we talking?...

The markings immediately above the area where the coating has been cut out appear to be 9^60+. If so, it was made in September, 1960.

 

[jkyle]

why would it have been cut out?

 

[knotical]

why would it have been cut out?

It appears that particular hydro inspector chose to go to bare metal to stamp the date and his symbol (it's faint, but there). Unlike the inspector who stamped through the coating to the right.

 

[jkyle]

It appears that particular hydro inspector chose to go to bare metal to stamp the date and his symbol (it's faint, but there). Unlike the inspector who stamped through the coating to the right.

So no damage most likely? Something normal? Would it be worth hydro-ing and getting inspected? Any idea what size?

 

[knotical]

So no damage most likely? Something normal? Would it be worth hydro-ing and getting inspected? …

Hard to tell. I’ve never been a fan of coated cylinders because when compromised, saltwater can creep under the coating and take its good old time doing damage. Are there any bubbles or crinkly spots? It’s probably worth getting a visual to start. And the valve could likely use a rebuild.

…Any idea what size?

Not from those markings, but 72 was a common size then.

 

[jkyle]

Awesome! Thanks for all the quick help guys. I'll take it to my local dive shop and have them do a visual and go from there.

 

[knotical]

They probably won't do a formal visual inspection if it's out of hydro, but letting the air out, removing the valve and peering inside could tell volumes.