How Often Do Scuba Tanks Need to Be Tested?

August 23, 2022 3 min read

The number of hydrostatic tests a scuba tank has undergone is stamped into the metal below the neck. This information is also easily available during a visual inspection. Hydrostatic tests are a good way to find corrosion. During a hydrostatic test, media is poured into the tank and scrubbing and polishing the inside surface. Hydrostatic tests are not as thorough as a visual inspection. Proper use and often test should keep scuba tank lasting longer.

Visual Inspection

Scuba tanks must be hydrostatically tested every five years for safety purposes. Visual inspections are also necessary. Most failures in scuba tanks are due to defects found during visual inspection. This can include cracks in the tank walls, corrosion, and pitting. If you suspect a defect, have it fixed. This will prevent an explosion or leak. But it's not enough to just check the color of the tank. You should also test the threads for tightness and cracks.

To perform a visual inspection, you can use a dental mirror or tank inspection light to check the condition of the cylinder. Although the light can be very bright, it is not so bright that it casts shadows. To see the interior of the tank better, tilt the light to the side. To see all the threads inside the cylinder, you can use a magnifying glass. This way, you can see any signs of damage on them.

Hydrostatic Test

The hydrostatic test on Scuba tanks is used to find flaws in a cylinder that could put a diver in danger. This test goes beyond a visual inspection and presses the cylinder up to 5000 psi. This stretches the cylinder to the fullest capacity and records the total expansion of the tank when it is released. This is an important part of the certification process for any scuba tank, as a faulty tank can endanger a diver's life. If you have bought a used scuba tank, you should do all the test to find out used scuba tank's worth.

In order to pass the hydrostatic test on scuba tanks, the cylinder must meet DOT requirements. This test can be performed by either a professional or a dive shop. Visual inspections check for corrosive material and cracks while hydrostatic tests look for elasticity. In addition to checking the elasticity, the hydrostatic test also checks the internal surfaces of scuba tanks for corrosion and cracks.

Re-Qualification

Re-qualification of Scuba tanks is an important process to ensure that they are safe and reliable for use by divers. The process involves checking cylinders to ensure that they meet the DOT requirements for a specific cylinder size and type. This procedure is conducted by specially trained personnel who ensure that re-qualified cylinders are removed from service safely. London Fire Equipment's employees are trained and certified to conduct these tests.

The DOT requires re-qualification of all aluminum scuba tanks every five years. This process involves hydrostatic testing and visual inspection. For 6351-alloy scuba tanks, the U.S. scuba industry recommends an annual visual inspection. Luxfer supports this recommendation and has set a manufacturer's requirement for 6351-alloy scuba tanks that includes a visual inspection and an eddy-current test.

Getting Your Scuba Tank Inspected Regularly

If you dive frequently, it is worth getting your scuba tank inspected. These inspections can help you identify possible problems before you go under the water. The process of assessing the condition of your tank is simple. A trained technician will take your tank apart and inspect the interior. He will look for signs of rust, corrosion, or discoloration. If the tank is coated, a skilled technician will look for signs of corrosion beneath the coating. Older steel tanks will need to be tumbled with abrasive substances to expose the underlying damage. After this process, the technician will conduct hydrostatic testing to determine its condition. Do scuba tanks become bad during the time of use? Read more from us to stay informed.

Regular scuba tank inspections will look for corrosion and other damages, as well as the elasticity of the metal. These are important because scuba tanks expand and contract when filled and released with water. As they age, metal tends to lose its elasticity, causing it to crack or burst. Regularly testing your tank will prevent this and keep your tank safe and ready to dive. And you'll also be able to tell if it needs to be replaced based on manufacturer's instructions.



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