Need help identifying old steel tank

[scubadiver888]

Greetings,

A local is selling an old tank he inherited. The markings are ICC-3AA2250 and HJ176923. There might be other numbers but I have to go see the tank still.

Obviously, it is an old (1970s?) low pressure steel. Can anyone tell from the serial number who the manufacturer was? The dimensions are 7 inch diameter and 25 to 26 inches high (not including the valve). Do these dimensions sound like a LP72?

I've seen a picture of the valve. It is yoke and there are no threads exposed.

It has a backpack with straps on it. There is a wide H (wider than the Halcyon logo) on it. I think this is Heathway, yes?

Thank you for any help you can give me on this.

 

[Texfrazer]

I'd all but bet the farm that this is a steel 72. Talk him down since it's soooo oooollllldddd!

 

[Luis H]

It is a steel 72 made by Norris. The serial number starting with HJ is a Norris serial number.

Since it is an ICC (Interstate Commerce Commission) I would guess it is probably from the late 60. In a steel tank age doesn't matter.

Since no threads are showing, it is probably a 3/4 inch NPS (the same as most modern Scuba tanks).

The backpack is almost certain a Healthways.

 

[scubadiver888]

Thanks guys. I figured out everything but the manufacturer but it is nice to have someone confirm it.

So if I get this tank filled to 2250 PSI it will be around 65.5 cubic feet. If I can get it + rated I'll get the full 72 cubic feet at 2475 PSI. Correct?

Is there any way to confirm the size of the cylinder? Is there anywhere I can look up the specs (diameter, height, weight) and determine the capacity from that?

 

[captain]

Book it, it's a 72, actual diameter is closer to 6.9". I have seen length vary as much as .75" but 25" is in the ball park. Weight is about 29 +/- 1. Buoyancy full -4/-5 empty -1/+1.

 

[scubadiver888]

Thank captain. I'm going to look at it on Saturday. Hopefully it still has air in it. The original owner stopped using it 15 years ago. I figure it will be a good alternative to an AL80 and something I can use in the pool.

 

[Gilldiver]

If you can, take the valve off and have a look inside. A few rust spots is OK, but nothing major. Also look for a white or red resin coating, nothing wrong with the coating but some dive shops will not do a vis on a resin lined tank.

As for price, I'd go in the $25-$50. On the high side if the owner will sell on the condition the tank passes hydro, the low if it is a "as is" sale.

 

[scubadiver888]

Thanks Gilldiver. I was thinking about offering the guy $25 as-is. I basically can afford to be out $25 if it turns out to be unsalvageable. It will definitely need hydrotest test (which comes with a cleaning and visual). The valve will need to be rebuilt (assuming it works). Hopefully I don't need to tumble the thing as well.

I think it will make a good cylinder for work I'm working in the pool and open water checkouts. Most my personal dives are cold, dark and deep. So I use HP100 or HP119 cylinders. Just a little bit of overkill for working with students.

 

[akdeepdiver]

Thanks guys. I figured out everything but the manufacturer but it is nice to have someone confirm it.

So if I get this tank filled to 2250 PSI it will be around 65.5 cubic feet. If I can get it + rated I'll get the full 72 cubic feet at 2475 PSI. Correct?

Is there any way to confirm the size of the cylinder? Is there anywhere I can look up the specs (diameter, height, weight) and determine the capacity from that?

If it is a Norris tank, look closely at the shoulder. Somewhere on the top of the tank will be a small stamp of a Diamond with a N in it. Thats the Norris factory stamp.

 

[Gilldiver]

Thanks Gilldiver. I was thinking about offering the guy $25 as-is. I basically can afford to be out $25 if it turns out to be unsalvageable. It will definitely need hydrotest test (which comes with a cleaning and visual). The valve will need to be rebuilt (assuming it works). Hopefully I don't need to tumble the thing as well.

I think it will make a good cylinder for work I'm working in the pool and open water checkouts. Most my personal dives are cold, dark and deep. So I use HP100 or HP119 cylinders. Just a little bit of overkill for working with students.

A steel 72 is a pretty good stage as well.