Steel tank lifespan

[BrackaFish]

My question has to do with steel tank lifespans and when do you let them go. I have a couple of older LP 85s on their second rehydro, ie original date of 02/06, hydro on 02/11 and last hydro on 06/17. So at what point do you realistically say time to retire? I know people will say “use them until they fail hydro”, but is that what most divers really do? I am just wondering what others have done. Thanks in advance and be safe.

 

[James79]

1 of my 5 LP72's has an ICC stamp.... Interstate Commerce Commission. Later became DOT. Not one of them is younger than I am. I'm also putting a couple Navy surplus 1800 psi 38s into service for my youngest son... one tank was born in 1941 and the other was born in 43. Steel lasts forever if taken care of.
Respectfully,
James

 

[rhwestfall]

I know folks with 1950 era steels (possibly even older) still going...

I've got LP72's from the 70's....

It took a doofus to condem my LP85 at first re-qualification....

 

[kelemvor]

My question has to do with steel tank lifespans and when do you let them go. I have a couple of older LP 85s on their second rehydro, ie original date of 02/06, hydro on 02/11 and last hydro on 06/17. So at what point do you realistically say time to retire? I know people will say “use them until they fail hydro”, but is that what most divers really do? I am just wondering what others have done. Thanks in advance and be safe.

That's exactly what I plan to do with my steel tanks. 4xlp108 and 2xhp80

 

[tbone1004]

My question has to do with steel tank lifespans and when do you let them go. I have a couple of older LP 85s on their second rehydro, ie original date of 02/06, hydro on 02/11 and last hydro on 06/17. So at what point do you realistically say time to retire? I know people will say “use them until they fail hydro”, but is that what most divers really do? I am just wondering what others have done. Thanks in advance and be safe.

let them go until they fail hydro or vip. As said above, I have tanks from the 60's that still pass with their + rating. These bottles are designed to last a VERY long time. Aluminum tanks could be a different discussion, but that's a different discussion.

 

[dewdropsonrosa]

A well-maintained steel tank has a lifespan of decades. This is even true for tanks that are cave-filled.

 

[Bob DBF]

So at what point do you realistically say time to retire? I know people will say “use them until they fail hydro”, but is that what most divers really do?

Use them till they fail hydro or you find tanks you like better and don't want to use them anymore at which point you can sell.

The concept of hydro is to test the tank to insure it is fit to use at its service pressure for at least five more years. I also have some ICC tanks, but they are not older than I. Steel tanks, especially 3AA tanks can last a long time, I have heard of tanks still in service from before WWII.

 

[AfterDark]

My oldest steel tank was made in 1961 my newest was made in 1981. I had 1 tank fail after 40 years of intense use, it failed hydro, it didn't go back to original size after expanding. Lost it's flexibility.

 

[Bob DBF]

...after 40 years of intense use... Lost its flexibility.

More than 40 years on me, but I have the same issue.

 

[icechip]

Ditto all the above. Keep 'em, take care of 'em and they will last.