scuba tank to use with OBA

[robbie]

are scuba tanks that are relatively old and out of test ok to use on an onboard air system? next question, are they safe?

[-Scott-]

Given that they're designed to run in excess of 200 Bar, and your typical OBA setup would rarely exceed 7 or 8 Bar, I reckon one would be quite safe.

Cheers,

Scott

[robbie]

even an old peice of shiat?

[rOd]

I would think that if doesnt have deep gouges or damage then its safe.

[beretta]

Rule of thimb with Scuba tanks is always store em with air still in em, so if you've got one give it a quick blast and see if theres any air in it, I wouldn't think you would have a drama, it would have to be a pretty old tank or very badly abused for it to worry about that little amount of air that you'll use it for.

[-Scott-]

They're designed for a working pressure in excess of 3500 psi - their proof pressure (to which they're normally tested) is higher again. You're talking about maybe 110 psi?

As r0d suggested, they would need some severe damage before they wouldn't withstand that sort of pressure, and even then the energy stored within is negligible compared to a full tank at max pressure.

Unless its got severe damage (cracked, buckled, or deeply rusted or gouged) if it holds air I'd use it.

Scott