Lead (solder?) residue inside steel LP85

[Tanker299]

Folks, I just had my tank hydro'd by dropping it off at an LDS I wasn't familiar with.
It is closer than my normal shop so I gave them a try. They also VIP'd it.
Picked up tank about 3 weeks ago, had it filled 4 times since and made 6 dives with it.

Today after completing my EAN course I took the tank to my old LDS to get it serviced for Nitrox. As soon as the folks there removed the valve and dipped the inspection light a collective gasp was heard. Dead center at the bottom of the tank there is what seems to be about an inch to 2 inches diameter lead or solder residue. It also shows signs that an attempt was made to clean that with a hard metal brush.

One issue is that the residue can be punctured and it flakes when a probe is rubbed against that spot.

Worth noting that the folks who discovered this are the same folks who sold me the tank 6 years ago and the owner is who VIP'd it 2 years ago. He said he would have immediately noticed the spot inside the tank.

Thinking I may have to scuttle it as I'm not comfortable at all diving with lose stuff inside the tank let alone lead residue.

Thoughts? Anyone experienced this before?

Many thanks.

Alex


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[oly5050user]

I would take it back to facility that did the hydro and ask what up with this

 

[captain]

Is it aluminum or steel, solder will not stick to aluminum and not even to steel unless the tank was heated above 700 degrees. If it is hot dip galvanized steel it might have been possible that a drop of zinc fell in the tank. Consult with the hydro shop and the tank manufacturer. In most cases the hydro shop knows more than the dive shop when it comes to inspecting tanks, they should they are licensed by the government to know the dive shop isn't.

 

[Tanker299]

It is a steel tank. My greatest concern is that the tank was VIPd by the shop who sold it (the owner whom I trust to have said something last time he VIPd it vs. the new shop) and he assures me that such a deficiency, even on a new tank, would have been noticed immediately.
As for the galvanization process, yep, plausible, but why would either the LDS or the hydro shop want to re-galvanize a cylinder they were not asked to even if the offered the service?
Perhaps they where in the process of doing that to another tank and zinc found its way to mine.
I'll get a reaction either way tomorrow when I visit methinks.

Was more curious about this having been something part of the manufacturing process.

Thanks.


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[captain]

I was not saying it was done by the hydro shop, it may have come from the manufacturer. I doubt it is lead and I am not convinced it is zinc but it was a best guest as to what it might be. I think the hydro shop is the best place to get an answer.

 

[Tanker299]

Just thinking out loud. Well, tomorrow shall bring forth the truth ( one hopes )
Will post a follow up.


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