tank storage question

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Chebby

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Messages
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Location
Grafton, MA and Brooklyn, NY
# of dives
200 - 499
Is it ok to leave a tank full for a long time, like 6 months? Or is it better to let the air out before the end of the season? I have LP steel tanks filled to the plus rating.

thanx
 
You might drain them down to 500 PSI to lessen the pressure on the valve & o-rings, but the benefit is more theoretical than practical. The logic is the same as ending with pressure in your tank; positive pressure will keep stuff from entering the tank.
 
I recommend diving 'em if they're full.
Rick :)
 
Send them to me, I will dive them for you...........
 
ShakaZulu:
Send them to me, I will dive them for you...........

You don't want them, they are heavy as hell and few LDS here in northeast will overfill them for me. Now, when I'll retire to Florida, then they'll be worth something ;)
 
On another thread here somewhere I read some information that I wouldn't have considered. If you were to have a fire (god forbid) it would be safer if the tanks were full or nearly empty (500psi or below). The pressure in the tank will increase due to the higher temperature, and if full, should blow the burst disc out before the tank itself becomes weak enough to explode. If left with say 1500 psi the tank could become structurally compromised due to the heat, but the burst disc would not relieve the pressure. Just a safety thought.

Bob J
 
Bob J is correct. Manufactures and PSI recommend to store Steel cylinders nearly empty for long term storage. The cylinders should be secured and stored vertical.

The reasoning behind storing nearly empty is that the O2 content can and does diminish in the presence of corrosion. Oxidation eats up the content and if oxidation is extreme enough, the O2 level can drop as low as 3%.

What is nearly empty? Well pretty danged empty. If the valve is strong enough to hold in 3000 psi when closed, what makes you think that it can't keep out 14.7 psi when closed?

Hope this helps.

Chris
COVCI
 
COVI is correct, better to store them at low psi. If any moisture is present the high ppo will accelertate corrosion and potentially cause hypoxia. Is it worth the price of an airfill?
 

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