How long would you keep your air?

[cstreu1026]

I tried searching because I know this has been discused before probabluy 10,000 times but I couldn't fit what I wanted so here it goes.

How long would you keep a filled tank? I am asking because I had my tank filled last August and didn't get to use it until now. The air smells a little off to me, mostly because I don't seem to recall the air in a tank smelling much like anything to me before.

So with that all in mind whats the best way to empty a tank with out actually diving?

 

[TheRedHead]

So with that all in mind whats the best way to empty a tank with out actually diving?

Ummm. turn the value on.

 

[Doc Intrepid]

What's a fill run near you? $6?

Throw a folded towel over the valve and hold it in place with some duct tape or a piece of cut up inner tube. A buddy of mine uses a very large adjustable wrench to hold the towel in place. The towel reduces the noise somewhat.

Crank the valve open.

Each time it starts getting softer, crank the valve open more.

In about 5 minutes or so the tank will be empty.

No worries.

 

[cstreu1026]

Yeah but if you just crank open the valve you cause condesation on the inside of the tank to form or at least thats thats what I seem to remember someone telling me in the past.

 

[cstreu1026]

Yeah, I am not really worried about the cost of the air, but rather causing corrosion in the steel tank.

 

[Doc Intrepid]

condensation forms on the valve, not inside the tank.

When the tank is empty, though, close the valve.

 

[mike_s]

if your air smells, maybe the shop filling it has 'not so clean' filters.

I used tanks with "last years air" before w/o any problems.

In my opinion, if it smells, then it could be because of some contaminant.

 

[cstreu1026]

Thanks guys I knew I would get a quick reply here.

 

[millphils]

Let the air out slowly to avoid moisture forming in the tank. FYI, as it has been at least a year since your tank's last VIP, your LDS will want it inspected, before they will re-fill it.

 

[spectrum]

Just vent it down to a few hundred PSI do you will arrive with air in the tank. Tell them you want a clean fill and finish dumping the air in their preesence. Other wise if you show up with an empty you could get hit up for an early VIP.

As for condensation dive air is dry but nothing is perfect. The faster you vent the colder the valve (expansion point) will get. This will in turn chill some of the cylinder and condensation is possible. Upon rewarming it will return to vapor. Bleeding it down slowly in a warm spot can minimize any temporary condensation.