It is well recognized that a diving tank is a tank that supplies air to a diver underwater. But in addition to this seemingly simple and unique role, there is a lot of variety. The flat metal cylinder for diving tanks has an amazing number of options. With the exception of a few exclusive models, all diving tanks are made of aluminium or steel alloy. Chromium molybdenum alloy will be used from time to time in specialized diving for sports, military use and technical diving. All styles have their own positive and negative points.
Aluminium tanks are the lightest, although the significant difference underwater is minimal. The difference becomes more significant when the amount of effort required to move between dives is taken into account. Aluminium air tanks also usually have a positive buoyancy, which you may have to pay for by adding weights. This detail slightly interrupts their lightest weight advantage over steel tanks. Aluminium containers are generally cheaper than steel and are widespread, but are likely to have a longer shelf life. Suitable maintained steel tanks can last thirty years or more. Many dive shops will refuse to fill an aluminium tank older than fifteen years.
Steel diving tanks have traditionally been heavier but much less prone to rupture or puncture, tooth extraction or scratches. Modern steel tanks are much closer to aluminium tanks because they can be made thinner while maintaining sufficient stability. More importantly, the threads on the neck of the steel tank are much less susceptible to constant replacement of the regulator set.
Although the steel cylinder can corrode in the form of iron oxide, aluminium can also corrode to form alumina. Neither of them poses a serious threat to your health, but both must be maintained regularly to remove all contaminants. Aluminium will need it at less frequent intervals. Most dive tanks contain about eighty cubic feet of compressed air. Auxiliary tanks, most commonly referred to as pony tanks, are needed as spare reserves in the event that the main is empty or fails.
Any scuba diving air tank that is properly maintained will last for many years to a reliable service. Bearing in mind what actually depends on it; take the time to research your purchase carefully. Smaco Scuba offers mini scuba diving cylinders that are compact in size and doesn’t add any drag even if you have to carry the tank a long way.
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