Much More Information About Scuba Tanks

Gas cylinder which are used to store high pressure breathing gas are scuba tanks. If we talk about scuba gear, scuba tank is one of its most important component. As human lungs provide breathing gas to human, in the same way underwater scuba tanks provides breathing gas so that diver can easily breath underwater. These scuba tanks are also known as aqua lungs. Using diving regulator diver can easily control the volume of gas. Internal volume of scuba tanks lie between 3 - 8 liters and pressure lies between 200 - 300 bars. Internal volume can be expressed as the volume of cylinder which can be hold by the cylinder, also known as "water capacity".

Scuba tanks made of?
Scuba tanks are made of steel or aluminum. Steel scuba tanks are harder, last longer and has superior buoyancy characteristics. Buoyancy of steel tanks changes from negative to neutral buoyancy. Aluminum scuba tanks are lighter, less expensive and susceptible to heat damage. Buoyancy of aluminum changes from negative to positive buoyancy.

Gases in scuba tanks
Highly pressurized breathable gases are present in scuba tanks. Compressed air used in scuba tanks is the mixture of 78 percent nitrogen, 21 percent oxygen, 1 percent other gases. Make sure that your scuba tank is filled by some who is familiar with technical diving because your life will depend on it while you are diving. Depending upon the depth of your dive, calculations may differ and you need to calculate with proper ratio of gases.

Components of scuba tanks
Scuba tanks consist of several parts such as pressure vessel, cylinder valve and its accessories. How much pressure in tanks are measured by pressure vessel. Valve is used to control the flow of the gas to and from the pressue vessel. Different type of accessories are available for scuba tanks such as manifolds, which connects the two cylinders together. Cylinder bands, to clamp two cylinders together as a twin set. Cylinder boot, to protect the surface of the cylinder. Cylinder net, to protect the paintwork from scratching and cylinder handle, to conveniently carry the cylinder.

Capacity of scuba tanks
Internal volume and nominal volume are two ways to describe the capacity of scuba tanks. Internal volume is also called water capacity which is generally measured with the amount of water in tank. Nominal volume is the measure of the volume of gas which can be released at the atmospheric pressure.

Scuba tanks testing
Tanks are so important so they must be tested properly. After every five years hydrostatic testing is required. This testing must be done by certified technician. Check whether the tank is structurally sound and will not burst under pressure.

Scuba tanks are very important part of scuba diving so properly check it. It is advisable to be certified and expert before taking a chance on your own.