steel tank hydro

[ECUPirate]

Hello ECU,

If the dive shop is also the hydro facility, then I would want to speak with the owner/manager and tell them you are not satisfied. If the LDS is NOT the hydro facility, find out where it was done, contact them, and ask for an explanation. You are correct that the LDS statement is bogus. Below is a link to a thread loaded with good information re steel tanks and hydro inspections. Look for post by Luis H, Hallmac, and ctcdg. It may simply be a case where the testing facility did not bother to put the + stamp on.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/tanks-valves-bands/277461-plus-ratings-hydros.html

In the meantime, fill in a little more info about your tanks. Post all the info stamped on it...especially if it has an REE number. I'm sure some of the gurus here can point you in the right direction.

Here is a post by a tester you may find helpful:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/4320648-post59.html

That was great information. Unfortunately my tank stamps do not give much information. What I do know is it is a Coyne 3AA tank with a 9/93+ original hydro and 2400 working pressure The only other info is that it is galvanized and what I suspect is the serial number (see below). From the suggested reading above I suspact my lack of a stamped REE number may be the downfall of not getting the + without exspressly having asked for it. I guess I am just going to have to fuss to the LDS and see what happens. Any chance anyone here knows the REE number of this tank? Or any other helpful info?

DOT-3AA 2400 A 646710 GALV 9^93+
Dimensions Approx 24" x 8" diam

 

[oxyhacker]

I was just talking with the DOT, and asked them about this, and was told that if the tank qualified for the "+". but the shop neglected to stamp it at the time, it would be OK to return it to the shop to add the "+" as long as the test data in the logbook showed that it qualified.

Since phone answers are always a bit suspect, and this conflicts with what you have heard, I've requested a formal Letter of Interpretation just to nail it down.

For him to get a + stamp now though, the tank must be hydro tested again. The stamp must be applied at the hydro.

 

[Luis H]

I was just talking with the DOT, and asked them about this, and was told that if the tank qualified for the "+". but the shop neglected to stamp it at the time, it would be OK to return it to the shop to add the "+" as long as the test data in the logbook showed that it qualified.

Since phone answers are always a bit suspect, and this conflicts with what you have heard, I've requested a formal Letter of Interpretation just to nail it down.

That is correct; the hydro data was already recorded.

A few years back (before my LDS got their own hydro equipment) I bought some steel 72 that had a hydro stamp that was a year old. I went to the hydro facility that did the last hydro and asked them if they would + stamp the tanks. They stamped it free of charge (I was having a few other tanks hydroed at the same time).

Not all hydro stations are well informed about all the aspects of hydro testing, therefore, having a letter from the DOT is a very good idea.

Thanks for pursuing this information.

 

[elan]

will a 20 yr. old steel tank pass a hydro?

I had a LP72 dated with 1968 hydroed succesfully last year

 

[elan]

I recently had two LP steel tanks sent to hydro. The orginal date of 9/93 came with a +. When I got the tanks back they did not get a +. The LDS stated steel tanks wouldn't get a + on subsequent hydro as a general practice. From reading around here that seems to be bogus. What should I do? I don't know if they truly didn't qualify for a + or the hydro guy was lazy/incompetent.

I realize how lucky we are in Canada that at least with newer tanks (from the beginning of 2000 I think) we do not have that + issue as everything is hydroed in bars and they include the + rating

 

[ROMO DIVER]

I have 3 that are pushing 50 years old and pass every time!!!

 

[captain]

That is correct; the hydro data was already recorded.

A few years back (before my LDS got their own hydro equipment) I bought some steel 72 that had a hydro stamp that was a year old. I went to the hydro facility that did the last hydro and asked them if they would + stamp the tanks. They stamped it free of charge (I was having a few other tanks hydroed at the same time).

Not all hydro stations are well informed about all the aspects of hydro testing, therefore, having a letter from the DOT is a very good idea.

Thanks for pursuing this information.

Which asks the question, if the tank's owner has a copy of the logbook page from the hydro facility that shows the tank qualified but it was not plus stamped can the owner legally stamp the plus on it.

 

[spectrum]

Which asks the question, if the tank's owner has a copy of the logbook page from the hydro facility that shows the tank qualified but it was not plus stamped can the owner legally stamp the plus on it.

Having the data to support the calculation wouldn't be the same as being qualified to arrive at the result would it?

I'm sure the owner could whack the mallet under supervision.

 

[oxyhacker]

I think that would be pretty definately a no-no. No one is authorized to stamp markings on the tank except the manufacturer and the hydro tester, and the hydrotester is very limited in what they are authorized to stamp.

Too bad. A few years back at DEMA I suggested to the Hydro-Test folks (who make hydrotest equipment) that "+" stamps would make a good "show specials" to sell at their stand.

Which asks the question, if the tank's owner has a copy of the logbook page from the hydro facility that shows the tank qualified but it was not plus stamped can the owner legally stamp the plus on it.

 

[crpntr133]

Good try Vance! However, it might be illegal to DIY, but the punch/stamp can be obtained from the internet.