Use an AL 80 scuba tank?

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 16:23:01 GMT

go to see Welding Machine for Use an AL 80 scuba tank?

I was wondering if I could use one of my AL 80 aluminum scuba tanks for my argon/gas mix?  Would I need to have the tank 02 cleaned?
Reply:I wouldn't.City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:Why not?I also have 100cf steel tanks.  They are HP tanks.  All tanks are in current hydro.
Reply:O2 cleaning is only necessary for O2.For inert gas service, you would need a CGA-580 valve installed, BUT I would check with your LWS  to be sure they'll be willing to fill it (and I would have THEM do the valve install).
Reply:Have a look here:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=27621
Reply:Originally Posted by cybordolphinI was wondering if I could use one of my AL 80 aluminum scuba tanks for my argon/gas mix?  Would I need to have the tank 02 cleaned?
Reply:I'd ask your gas supplier if they will trade for the right bottle. My portable argon bottle is an aluminum CO2 bottle formerly used for soda machines, it's really light and the handle on top is handy. Only one of my three local gas suppliers will swap this style bottle. And, about half the time they don't have any in stock, so, I usually re-fill it myself from my big bottle.Last edited by fortyonethirty; 12-09-2010 at 05:08 PM.Ian TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools
ReplySW,Excellent summary!  Not only did you tell him NO, but explained WHY.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Originally Posted by fortyonethirtyMy portable argon bottle is an aluminum CO2 bottle formerly used for soda machines, it's really light . . .
Reply:Sorry.... I did not make it more clear.   Of course the DIN SCUBA valve would not be used.   I meant just the tank.Yes, I would let the air supply company install the new valve and fill.The steel 100's should work as they are HP tanks.  I am pretty sure the neck is the proper thread for the needed valve no???  DSW.... do the LWS use high pressure fills for argaon/co2 mixes or low pressure?  Normally swapping out the tank is the way to go I know..... but I was thinking of doing a tank wrap/paint scheme on the tank and reusing it.Thanks for all the input!Last edited by cybordolphin; 12-10-2010 at 01:28 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by rlitmanThey DO make CGA-580 inert gas valves that will fit your tank, BUT it is almost certainly not something your LWS will stock (they'll likely only stock NGT threaded valves, and that won't safely work with your tank, which probably has a straight NPSM thread and o-ring, EVEN IF it may appear to screw in because the thread pitches match).  That's OK.  Bring the tank to your filler, explain your situation, and be courteous.  I can't speak for what would happen at your LWS, but at mine, the answer would be "Sure we can get you working, but you'll have to leave the tank here for a couple of weeks, for us to get the correct part installed".
ReplySW...... what about one of my steel 100's?  They are HP tanks.  But I was reading the valves used for welding might not fit the tank neck (threads)?  Its not a big deal...... I just wanted to have a tank that I kept without exchanging.  Although I will be exchanging also. Thanks for your input.
Replyifferent tank neck threads on those, but still an O-ring seal. If anything it's probably harder to find a valve that would have a CGA opening and fit those as they are pretty much obsolete. I can't even get any decent DIN manifolds or straight neck single valves for those cylinders any longer. All the major SCUBA manufacturers stoped producing them back before 2004. If you ever want to double those up you will find it a PITA to find anything but one of the Sherwood slant neck manifolds for them ( if you can even find the left side modular valves for them ). Normal CGA valves are tapered pipe threads and a larger diameter. The newer 3442psi "HP" 100's use the same valves as the alum 80's and the LP steels. As soon as they got the DOT exemptions on the 3442psi steels all the mfg's dropped the 3500 psi HP valves. Seems like a lot of work for a cylinder you can grab at my LWS "cheap" compared to what a steel SCUBA cyl would go for even used. My LWS wants $117 for a 60cf cyl, and $161 for an 80cf cyl, filled. Then any time I wanted a basic mix like 100% argon, 75/25 or even 100% O2, all I'd have to do is drop it off and they'd hand me another cylinder. I can understand not wanting to exchange a SCUBA cyl, but not the welding ones. Ton's less hassle. Take it from someone who's "downsized" to only about 25 SCUBA cylinders at the moment. (yeah my hydro bill last year was over $400, and I do all my own O2 cleaning and VIP's)Where are you located at. I may know someone who might be looking for one or two HP steels. I'd have to check with him if he's picked up a set or not.Last edited by DSW; 12-10-2010 at 02:08 AM..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan