Steel Tanks

[wakerider017]

Steel Tank
Looking to abandon the AL80. I do however like its size which leads me to believe that the HP100 or LP85 are my best choices. (I am open to other suggestions though. For reference I am a 6'0" 180lb male diver)

The HP100 is a smidge shorter and a smidge lighter than the LP85. The HP100 also has what I believe to have better buoyancy characteristics at (-10, -2.5) VS (-7.1, -.7). I like the idea of wearing less lead.


Each tank filled to 3500psi equals:
LP85 110CF +/-
HP100 101CF +/-


Tanks are pretty similar, but LP85 does hold a little more air than the HP100. (at the cost of an extra inch, which is really moot).

I know I won't have a problem having the HP filled up close to or over its max fill (I've never had an AL 80 come back below 3000PSI & if I recall correctly I think I remember seeing my LDS filling steels upto 3800), but I am worried not all shops will over fill LP tanks up past 3,000.



Just looking for some expert opinions.




(Looking at Worthington tanks so I used their specs)

 

[Jax]

I did just this same research about a year ago. The Worthington X7-100's are perfect, as per my advisors and my own opinion, which doesn't have much experience behind it.

The only thing to consider is if you have an LDS that can fill them to their rated pressure of 3442. If your LDS fills only to 3000psi, then you will have only 87cf in the 100cf cylinder. At least the LPs can be filled to the +10% . . . if they are so marked and the LDS will do it.

 

[wakerider017]

I did just this same research about a year ago. The Worthington X7-100's are perfect, as per my advisors and my own opinion, which doesn't have much experience behind it.

The only thing to consider is if you have an LDS that can fill them to their rated pressure of 3442. If your LDS fills only to 3000psi, then you will have only 87cf in the 100cf cylinder. At least the LPs can be filled to the +10% . . . if they are so marked and the LDS will do it.

Yup, but a LP85 at +10% is still only 83cf. & you have to make sure you get the cylinder marked + at next hydro or else technically you are stuck with a 75cf tank.

This is assuming your LDS won't overfill. I shouldn't have a problem at mine now... But what about in the future???

 

[skankpile]

I love the HP100's and prefer to dive them over am AL80's

You'll likely not get full fills with the HP100 because they heat so much. Usually if mine are filled slow to 3500-3600 (In 100deg Houston weather) they will cool to 3200 or so which is still more than an AL80, but its annoying. If I want full fills I have to wait until they cool and top off. If I fill right up to 4000 they still cool to around 3300-3400 depending on rate of fill and temp so its annoying.

The other issue I have is many dive shops/locations etc have their bank/compressor set to shutoff at 3200 for safety and they just say sorry thats the way it is.... I wish people knew how to use their equipment.

If you get LP's I bet the same tank-jockeys will stop at 2600, and it will cool to 2200.

 

[Jax]

Yup, but a LP85 at +10% is still only 83cf. & you have to make sure you get the cylinder marked + at next hydro or else technically you are stuck with a 75cf tank.

This is assuming your LDS won't overfill. I shouldn't have a problem at mine now... But what about in the future???

That is something to consider.

However, an LP85 filled to 2640 (2400+10%) is supposed to be 85cf, right?

 

[wakerider017]

That is something to consider.

However, an LP85 filled to 2640 (2400+10%) is supposed to be 85cf, right?

Na, their names are not always indicative of their size.. Worthington LP85 is 82.9 cu ft at 2640psi.

HP100 is actually 99.5 cu ft.

 

[Jax]

Interesting -- which specifications list do you use?

I like Scuba Cylinder Specifications from Tech Diving Limited - 928-855-9400

 

[wakerider017]

Interesting -- which specifications list do you use?

I like Scuba Cylinder Specifications from Tech Diving Limited - 928-855-9400

Straight from the horses mouth.. XS Scuba Worthington Steel Cylinder Specifications

 

[coldwaterdufus]

I sure like my steel 100's, filled to 3500 the day I drop them off at the LDS ( they do heat up, no doubt ) and then topped off to 3500 the next day when I pick them up. I liked dropping 6 lbs from my weight. Trim is very good with them and handling them on shore is not to onerous, and I'm not very big. It's all good with the steel 100's in my opinion.

 

[Insta-Gator]

Living in Tampa, why would you not want a more neutrally buoyant tank? How much weight do you carry now? BCD or Back Plate?
Weight of BP if you wear one?

For warm water diving you may want to look at the Faber LP95, IMO.