GUIDE TO SCUBA TANKS

Guide to Scuba Tanks

Scuba Tank : What is it?

Scuba tanks, also called diving cylinders, are containers that hold breathing gases in portable tanks that can be carried into the water. They allow divers to stay underwater for extended periods without having to surface for breathing. They are commonly used in conjunction with an aqualung, a larger cylinder delivering compressed air to the diver through a pillar valve and breathing tube.

Scuba tanks can contain a variety of breathing gases, although most are mixtures of oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes hydrogen and neon. A common diving gas is Divox, which is simply pure oxygen that can be mixed with other gases while in use. Scuba tanks are usually filled to a pressure of 2700 to 4400 psi and have capacities ranging from 850 to 4200 litres.

Types of Scuba Tanks

Kinds of Scuba Tanks include the following:

A-clamp scuba tanks

A-clamp or yoke valves have regulators surrounding the pillar valve. The valve presses a round output ring against the regulator’s input seat. They have maximum pressures of 232 bar. The O-ring tends to be the weakest part of the seal and is prone to over-pressurization. They are the simplest and cheapest type of scuba tank, and are the most commonly used worldwide. They have a maximum pressure rating of 232 bars and the weakest part of the seal, the o-ring, is not well protected from over-pressurisation.

232-bar DIN scuba tanks

These scuba tanks have regulators that connect to the pillar valve so that the O-ring is held tightly between the two. They feature a five-thread tube construction, which makes them safer than A-clamps. They are seldom on cylinders or compressors with DIN openings, particularly in European countries, where an adaptor is usually required to use them. They have the same maximum pressure rating as 232-bar tanks.

300-bar DIN scuba tanks

These scuba tanks are similar in construction to 232-bar DIN tanks, but are more commonly used in Europe. They have a sturdier seven-thread construction and a maximum pressure rating of 300 bars. They are also used in American cave diving, but are not widely used in U.S. sport because metal scuba cylinders with pressures above 230 bar are not allowed on public roads.

European Norm 144-3:2003 scuba tanks

These scuba tanks were developed by specifically for breathing gases containing more than 22% oxygen, which is above the proportion normally found in the air. They are similar to 232 and 300 DIN bars, but they employ a 26x2 metric instead of the 25x2 used in the other two.m They will also be required for tanks carrying pure oxygen or Nitrox, a combination of 79% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. They are designed to prevent cylinders oxygen-clean, particularly when used with rich breathing gas mixtures.

K-valve scuba tanks

K-valve scuba tanks have flat valves sealed by the O-ring. The valve and O-ring are held in place with a clamp fitted around the back. The tension between the clamp and the valve can be adjusted using a screw behind the clamp. The valve relies entirely on the O-ring to seal it, which requires frequent checking and maintenance.

Choosing Scuba Tanks (Buying tips)

Tank size: Choose a scuba tank the right size for your body frame. A large, heavy tank will be awkward to carry underwater, especially for small, light divers. Try on several tanks at the shop and choose the one you find easiest to carry.

Sealing: Make sure your scuba tank is airtight and properly sealed. Check the valves for any leaks or loose points that can allow the breathing gas to escape. Also check the cylinder for cracks or dents. Look for a cylinder made of thick, durable aluminum or steel.

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