Plus Rating on Hydro

[FranzKafka]

Just picked up a pair of Scubapro LP95s (Made by Faber). Born on date May 1998 with plus rating. REE numbers on both tanks. They look practically brand new, stored with air, valves are visually spotless.

Dropped off yesterday at LDS for Hydro and Nitrox cleaning. I specifically asked to retain the Plus rating. LDS owner said, "well, plus rating is only good for first 5 years of tank, but will double check with Hydro Facility...."

This does not sound right to me. I have used the search function and read a lot of posts here. So my questions are.

1) Is LDS wrong? Can these tanks get plus rating on Hydro?
2) If LDS maintains I can not get Plus rating how do I tactfully convince/prove that I can indeed get plus rating (and what proof should I show him).
3) If LDS holds firm should I just say that I want tanks back and will get it done elsewhere? (They are a few choices in LDS where I live).

I really would like to maintain the plus rating (assuming they would pass the plus rating). Any input would be really appreciated. I know this has been gone over ad naseum, but would like some feedback for my specific case. Thanks in advance!

 

[captain]

The shop is wrong. If the tank meets the criteria for a + rating it gets + rated.
That said, some shops just don't want to bother with the very small amount of extra work involved in calculating if the tank qualifies.
If the shop won't do it go here and find one that will.

PHMSA - Cylinders - Authorized DOT Cylinder Retesters: Domestic

 

[scubafanatic]

..the '+' rating can be renewed indefinitely...I'm rather shocked your LDS doesn't know this! However, I'm not sure if you get it hydro'ed once without the '+' rating, that you can ever go back and later on get them '+' rated ever again.....no doubt others will chime in on this and verify this one way or the other....but I am 100% sure that, at least if you never let the original '+' rating lapse, you can renew the '+' rating indefinitely. You need to call your dive shop ASAP and give them strict instructions that they are under orders to NOT do the hydros unless the hydro facility is willing to test them for a '+' rating, and renew that rating if they pass. It is highly likely that the hydro facility at least knows what it's doing, even if you have a clueless dive shop. Plan "B" is get out your Yellow Pages, find your own hydro facility, and make your own arrangements....or reach out to another LDS that does have a clue. I would even go so far as to tape instructions onto the tanks for the benefit of the hydro facility specifying you want them tested for the '+' rating. Personally, I take my tanks to 'tech' oriented LDS....so I don't have to waste time educating them on such obvious matters.....I hate dealing with 'special ed' dive shops!

 

[rstofer]

My LP 72 was built in 1977 and came with a '+' rating. That would be the only way it could hold anywhere near 72 CF.

In 1982, 1987, 1994 and 2000 it was re-hydro'd without the '+' rating.

I had it hydro'd in 2009 when I bought it and it came back with a '+' rating because the hydro shop had, or found, the REE number and wasn't too lazy to do the last bit of work. I applaud them!

Richard

 

[oxyhacker]

Yes, one definitely can.

The HMR (federal regulations on the subject) says that the "+" for the 10% overfill can be done "at any test or retest" as long as the tanks meets the requirements. There are no restrictions regarding the the tanks prior history, or on how many times it can be done.

That said, it doesn't pay to obsess on the "+". since most dive shops seem to put the same amount of air in whether they are plused or not. Though if a dive or hydro shop gives you erroneous info on the "+", it can be a clue they don't know what they are doing in other areas as well.

Oh, as to how you can tactfully educate them, you can suggest they call the DOT and ask to speak to Hattie Mitchell, or call Hydro Test Products in Stow, MA and ask to speak to Tom - or, in the case of a hydro shop, just read the HMR or the CGA Pamphlets which they are required by law to have on hand!

However, I'm not sure if you get it hydro'ed once without the '+' rating, that you can ever go back and later on get them '+' rated ever again.

 

[rstofer]

Oxyhacker,

I like your avatar! I wonder if a fill station would accept such a tag because I am just nuts enough to have them made!

Richard

 

[FranzKafka]

I called the shop this morning before all your responses and told them I had done a lot of research and the plus rating should not be a issue. They are bringing tanks over to hydro shop tomorrow so I will call them and let them know I don't want the work done if the hydro shop won't test the tank for a plus rating. Not my normal LDS, wanted to try someone new to see what type of service was out there, and they promised a quick turn around. The shop owners are very nice and I cant say anything bad about them, just mis-informed on the initial issue and if I can help them learn something new and get the work done then it is a win/win situation.

Thanks for all your responses and I will let you all know how this works out.

 

[FranzKafka]

Update: Soke with shop today and requested that if hydro shop won't test for plus not to go ahead with hydro. LDS was extremely on top of it and called me back within 10 minutes and said "no problem, hydro place said tanks look great and will do the plus test."

Could not have done this without all the info I found here and all your posts yesterday. Thank you all for your responses and expertise.

 

[Cave Bum]

I like your avatar! I wonder if a fill station would accept such a tag because I am just nuts enough to have them made!

Then perhaps you haven't seen their tank stickers either...

For DIY tech information (or any tech info as we've seen here) you can't beat Oxyhacker!
Their web site is: Airspeed Press

Sorry for the minor highjack here, just wanted to put in a good word for Oxyhacker.

Now back to the thread already in progress...

 

[rstofer]

I have seen all of those stickers and they're very cool. At the moment, all of my tanks have conventional Nitrox labels at the top but I really like the VOODOO GAS labels better.

As to VIP, I have taken the PSI VCI course but I have yet to order custom stickers. Heck, I haven't even ordered stickers from PSI. I'm not sure I am going to do the visuals, it might be more effort than it is worth.

Richard