Risk with 1972-1988 AL80 Tanks ?

[rjack321]

i like to stir the pot as much as anyone, but we filled these tanks for how long before the SLC problem was realized. its not like it was ever a "here one day gone the next issue". if the ALM is inferior it had to be around since day one. might not of happened on the first fill, but we used these tanks for how long and never gave it a thought. it was just something you looked for durring an inspection. now that it is known, it is this huge risk ( which i will agree it is, dont need to be chastized for this comment) but was never gave a secon thought about before what the late 80's when it was discovered.

As they age its a bigger and bigger issue than it was in say 1985. More and more SLCs need to be caught every year until these tanks are completely gone or there's a near blanket industry decision to consider them obsolete and put them to bed.

The fact that PSI is basically cow towwing the CGA and DOT line does not help reach consensus between FSOs and divers who own these 22+ yo tanks. DOT has to consider economic impacts of removing them from service (which would not be that big for divers but would be huge for CO2 cylinders), but PSI and shops like Phil's are entitled to their own judgement.

 

[PhilEllis]

In other words, these cylinders are being phased out EXACTLY like DOT anticipated. Through VIP failures, hydro failures, VE failures, and general industry conservatism about uncertain but suspicious defects. Buying one today would be silly since they have ~5 maybe 10 yrs at the most of useful life left. Part of this includes FSOs deciding its not worth it to fill these.

Precisely!

Phil Ellis
www.divesports.com