Valve for HP Steel Tanks

[Scuba_Noob]

If I wanted to get a High Pressure steel tank (e.g., 80 or 100), would I need a DIN first stage connected to a DIN Valve?

Or are there HP Steels that connect to yoke valves? Or could I just have a Yoke to DIN converter? Or is there a way I can replace the DIN Valve on a steel tank with a Yoke valve?

I just read somewhere that HP Steels always have DIN valves because of the high pressure.

If I'm going to have to get a DIN first stage, how much do they generally cost? How much is a Yoke converter (which I'll probably need too)?

 

[zimmo]

You should really read:

SCUBA Valves, Regulator Fittings, and Cylinder Neck Threads - Dive Gear Express

It answers your question and some other questions you probably didn't know you had.

 

[sprange]

If you purchase a HP steel tank (XS scuba for example), they generally come with a DIN valve that has a yoke insert so you can use either type of first stage. If your first stage is DIN you can buy an adapter for less than $60 that allows use of yoke valves (ie aluminum 80 rentals).

 

[Scuba_Noob]

I read the article in the link. The link answered some questions, but left others blank. As for the questions I didn't know I had, it was more confusing than helpful (e.g., I don't really care much about the history of the valves).

However, sprange's answer was pretty helpful. With the XS Scuba as well as the Steel Worthington's, both brands have a convertable Din to Yoke Thermo Valve. I do want to buy used (as it's cheaper), and many used have DIN valves. I guess I'll have to try buying a used steel tank with those brands or get a DIN first stage.

 

[zoom5]

When you are looking at the tank just ask if it is 200 or 300 bar valve. The 200 bar valves can be converted into yoke, like sprange said.

Modern steel tanks have a pressure rating of 3442psi and come with the 200bar convertible valves. They have the option of being ordered with 300bar valves so you still have to check the valve regardless of manufacture. The older steel tanks that are rated to 3500psi can only use 300 bar valves.

 

[sprange]

I read the article in the link. The link answered some questions, but left others blank. As for the questions I didn't know I had, it was more confusing than helpful (e.g., I don't really care much about the history of the valves).

However, sprange's answer was pretty helpful. With the XS Scuba as well as the Steel Worthington's, both brands have a convertable Din to Yoke Thermo Valve. I do want to buy used (as it's cheaper), and many used have DIN valves. I guess I'll have to try buying a used steel tank with those brands or get a DIN first stage.

If you're looking to buy used, Craigslist usually has some around (some for good deals..I just missed picking up a one year old 130 for less than $300). You should be able to find a Worthington (XS scuba) steel 100 for around $250. There are PSTs around too, but I have no idea what happened with their exemption status in Canada.

 

[D_B]

Zoom5 has your answer

3442 psi tanks usually come with a yoke valve convertible to DIN
3500 psi tanks are DIN

 

[hypertech]

When you are looking at the tank just ask if it is 200 or 300 bar valve. The 200 bar valves can be converted into yoke, like sprange said.

Modern steel tanks have a pressure rating of 3442psi and come with the 200bar convertible valves. They have the option of being ordered with 300bar valves so you still have to check the valve regardless of manufacture. The older steel tanks that are rated to 3500psi can only use 300 bar valves.

Not all of them. You really need to check. If it is advertised as a convertible valve or a pro valve it can do both. If you are looking at a tank, look at the center of the o ring. If it looks like an alan head (hexagon shape), it can be converted to DIN by removing the insert.

If you are planning to have your own tanks, you could consider just switching over to DIN. You do not need to buy new regs. You can generally just have the reg switched.

 

[Scuba_Noob]

I've checked online, and cost of switching to a DIN first stage is around $50 (affordable) and the DIN to Yoke converter is around $50 (also not too bad).

Just a final semi-related question. Can shops actually replace the entire valve with a convertible valve?

 

[sprange]

I've checked online, and cost of switching to a DIN first stage is around $50 (affordable) and the DIN to Yoke converter is around $50 (also not too bad).

Just a final semi-related question. Can shops actually replace the entire valve with a convertible valve?

Yes, the valve could be changed and prior to the shop giving it a visual inspection. I'd strongly recommend against changing it yourself however, despite it being a straightforward procedure. Not to mention some shops understandably won't fill an empty tank without performing a visual inspection first.