Hot dipped galvanized...how bad for environment?

[ndemeis]

So I think I've read through most of the tank size or faber v. XS scuba threads. I've narrowed my choices done to this for the tank I will be using to Dive NE area. I want an HP tank. Either hp100 or 119 which I will use for doubles later on. I am still in between Faber or XS scuba tanks. So one question I've had as I've read in the argument is that HDG tanks are bad for the environment. How bad are they? Just looking for something to push me one way or the other as the two tanks are pretty much tied right now.

 

[cool_hardware52]

So I think I've read through most of the tank size or faber v. XS scuba threads. I've narrowed my choices done to this for the tank I will be using to Dive NE area. I want an HP tank. Either hp100 or 119 which I will use for doubles later on. I am still in between Faber or XS scuba tanks. So one question I've had as I've read in the argument is that HDG tanks are bad for the environment. How bad are they? Just looking for something to push me one way or the other as the two tanks are pretty much tied right now.

While I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want to live next to a HDG facility, I doubt if using HDG tanks presents any real risk to you or the environment of zinc contamination.

The "pickling" tanks at a Galvanizer are really nice, heated bubbling vats of acid, right along side huge troughs of molten zinc. The typical HDG plant is located on the "wrong side of the tracks" and looks a bit like Dante's Inferno. Really nice place in the middle of August

Galvanizing is used very very extensively for corrosion protection, on everything from Chain Link Fencing to auto exhausts. If Zinc was a huge problem there would be much bigger sources to work on before Scuba Tanks.

Tobin

 

[tadawson]

I think you hit it on the head. The process is nasty, and needs to be carefully filtered and monitored, but the final product is just about as inert as a rock, and presents no measurable risks to anything.

- Tim

 

[ndemeis]

Well actually not concerned about it once I buy it. More like how bad is to make. Which is what you answered. I just can't decide what brand or size to go with. I'll probably end up buying to many tanks. Just trying to get something that would be a positive for one or a negative for another. Not like it is a huge difference though.

 

[cool_hardware52]

I'll probably end up buying to many tanks.

Not possible.

Tobin

 

[Akimbo]

Hot dipped galvanized...how bad for environment?

You have to look at the total environmental impact from mining, manufacturing, transportation, use, and recycling to answer the question. If a corrosion protection coating increases the usable life of the tank by (pick your own number) 50%, then that is a huge environmental savings over making a replacement.

Let’s not forget that competing coatings also have an impact. Zinc’s toxic exposure risk is primarily in the hot dip process. The real question is not how bad hot dipped galvanizing is for the environment, it is which corrosion protection option has the lowest negative impact on the environment.

Of course here is also the impact on your environment to consider… from having to buy a replacement prematurely

 

[ndemeis]

I've had the same thoughts about it not passing inspection. Just this choice is killing me. I've dove on Faber's LP95's and 121 (this was really long and would never consider buying this tank) only before. And AL80's of course. The fabers are much cheaper and easier, but the xs scuba are much more durable I guess from what I've read. Will probably just go with the XS scuba and deal with the special hydro problems. Now i can't decide between x8 119 or x7100. Oh so many choices.

Thanks for the responses so far.

 

[halocline]

I have never read about a durability problem with faber tanks; that coating is really tough. I have a FX100 and I like it a lot. I bought it used, if a worthington or PST galvanized tank had been available at that price instead I probably would have bought it. I think it comes down to what you can get the best deal on.

 

[james croft]

I guess my practice of felling giant trees and making wooden tanks on my lathe from them would be a better option than galvanized. After all, wood is a renewable product.

Rust is not a factor with these tanks and being made from redwood are not particularly vulnerable to termites, although the ivory-billed woodpecker can be a nuisance and cause your tank to fail a visual.

 

[duckbill]

James, what about breathing pitch vapor. Is that a problem?
Do you hug the tree before you fell it, or is it too large?