How to VIP Galvanized Steel HP Scuba Tanks

Steel scuba tanks are subject to rusting at a rapid pace if water is allowed to enter the cylinder. In this video I show you 3 examples of advanced rusting in galvanized steel scuba tanks are 2 years old.

[@crowdfundcrew]

I was hoping you'd have some "after" shots of those tanks. I've been amazed sometimes on how bad a tank looks and how well they actually clean up after a good tumble. I got one tank that had 6" of wet sand in the bottom from the previous owner's attempt to tumble it. I thought it was going to become a bell - but I emptied it, put in good tumbling media and there was actually very little pitting and none that were deep - again tank passed vis and hydro and is back in service. Subscribed as I like the content and pace of your videos, but wish for a little more complete story (the "after" results). When whipping a tank, do you use a collar to avoid the shaft rubbing against the threads? The cheap pvc fittings work well - threads are not perfect, but work well to protect tank threads. Donate for a Dream

[@scubatechkeylargo]

Soon I'll post follow up video, I'm in July the pre-lobster season and short on time.

[@josephdracula7487]

👍😎🤿 Thanks! Looking forward to seeing more!

[@BurhanMuntasser]

I have a customer who brought tanks that looked like the first two tanks you showed in this video. Do you know how water, or moisture, got in the tanks to cause this much rust inside? It wasn't just two tanks, all of his tanks, 11 of them, looked the same. I am suspecting issues with the compressor he is using. Do you have any idea or suggestions for why?

[@scubatechkeylargo]

The compressor is a possibility, if the filter are neglected moisture will saturate it and then all moisture will pass into tanks. If 11 tanks from the same owner have water, this is a good possibility. The only other way is the tanks were empty and fell in the water.

[@kevinkilleen6375]

I have done hydro testing and a few vip. I have never seen tanks like these tanks.

[@scubatechkeylargo]

Yeah these tanks were neglected, it's a shame they were manufactured in 2021.

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

How did that happen???

[@scubatechkeylargo]

Not sure , the owner was surprised and had no clue. For large amounts of water to enter a tank it has to be empty.

[@danielclark7495]

No ultrasound ?

[@scubatechkeylargo]

I believe ultrasonic testing isn’t used in cylinder testing, it’s commonly used in pipeline testing. It’s effective for finding flaws and weakness and wall thickness.

[@maccliff2115]

Its almost as if the customer tried to spray out the tanks himself with the hose or left the valve open and somehow sea water got inside the tank... That is bad.

[@scubatechkeylargo]

Yes it is, I see this often. As a matter of fact after posting this video I found another Al 80 with saltwater and advanced corrosion. May due a follow up including it.

[@maccliff2115]

@@scubatechkeylargo Yes! Do a follow up...That is the content I like to see. I should know this, there is a galvanized coating inside steel tanks, yes? I know aluminum corrodes like iron/steel but if I've heard correctly, the aluminum oxide layer does not continue to penetrate and eat away like iron oxide (rust) does. Your thoughts welcome.

[@Keithleo828]

The owner is one dive buddy I don’t want. If that’s how he/she cares for their gear I don’t want them anywhere near mine or my friends gear/life

[@Keithleo828]

I’ve owned my own tanks for years and none of them look as bad as those ie 1995 manufacturers date and they still look new. Someone is totally neglectful

[@rvierra7235]

Please do an update video on these 3 tanks.

[@scubatechkeylargo]

Ok will do, the customer already picked up one tank, but I can follow up on the others.