Scuba Myths, Tank Air Goes Bad - Scuba Tech Tips: S11E19

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ก.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 117

  • @seanstevenson8038
    @seanstevenson8038 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    One caveat for the technical divers: When you have tanks filled with trimix, it is theoretically possible for helium to preferentially leak through a microscopic leak path that may exist across the seat in the tank valve, where nitrogen and oxygen (large diatomic molecules) don't leak through, but the helium does because it is monoatomic and so much smaller. Over some period of time, this could change the mixture analysis, so it is critical that gas always be re-analyzed to confirm the mixture just prior to diving.

    • @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
      @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Totally agree with you on trimix tech diving concerns. As you know all tech divers do double or triple checks on everything before diving especially their trimix levels. Thanks Sean.

  • @petethehandyman9185
    @petethehandyman9185 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Here’s one ,years ago I was diving on one of my favorite spots near Sebastian Fl,when I found a full tank on the reef,someone must have lost it overboard and couldn’t find,anyway I bring it up and hand it to my wife and go back down. Later that day I checked it out,it was full,it looked like it was down there for a while so I dove it that day. The air had a stale taste to it but it was fine. I took it to my LDS they cleaned it out some how and I used it for many seasons.

    • @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
      @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      How funny is it to go diving and find a tank! I found lead weights, masks, snorkels, fins and even an iPhone. Thanks for sharing Pete and keep on hunting.

  • @gregorycraig9882
    @gregorycraig9882 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The worst air I ever had was fresh, 1 hour old. It was in Dominican and they filled it with a gas powered compressor where its intake was next to the exhaust of the compressor. We were on a wreck at 120 feet when the gas tasted like I was breathing directly from a bus exhaust.

    • @anony-ic3pz
      @anony-ic3pz 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Wow, sounds lucky you can still talk about that

    • @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
      @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      You are lucky not to have a serious accident. Hope you spoke with the dive operator as many tanks could be unsafe to use. I have travelled around this world diving and at a new location/resport/liveaboard, I like to look at their operation and fill setup. One good clue is if the air inlet to the compressor is on a roof, not pulled in from the wall where staff sit and smoke! Thanks for sharing Greg.

  • @Will-ol9lp
    @Will-ol9lp 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I agree. Take in for visual inspection because who knows if someone did drop your tank when it was out in storage fir that year. Lots of stuff could of happened to it. Be a safe diver and dive responsible

    • @Mrich775
      @Mrich775 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      May as well use up the fill first, I know I'm not wasting what could potentially be a few hundred dollars in gas depending what you have it filled with and the size of your bottle or doubles.

    • @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
      @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Glad you agree Will. Safety first keeps you diving till your as old as me!

  • @capnstevoanythinggoes
    @capnstevoanythinggoes 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks again for the professional info and suggestion. The air in my tank is over a year old and with Florida lobster season approaching in less than a week, the visual inspection makes the tank good through the next full year.

  • @SeattleRingHunter
    @SeattleRingHunter 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    3:34 I’ll answer that question for you because it’s a good rule of thumb for divers to remember the annual yearly tank inspection schedule. Every year you need to take your tank in for a visual inspection and a hydro every five years. Also over the course of a year who knows what kind of unknown things may have happened to your tank while stored in someone’s garage. Best to have a qualified dive shop inspect the tank and ensure fresh o-rings are installed so you don’t have a potential blow out during your dive. Great videos Alex, wishing you the best of health. Cheers, #SeattleRingHunter

  • @davids7550
    @davids7550 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Those old twin 50's make the best table lamps. 80's are pretty tall. I have a pair of 50's on the nightstands on each side of my bed and an 80 next to my desk. They're great.
    Aluminum does not make good bells - use steel for that.

  • @nickpannell2752
    @nickpannell2752 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good advice given many of us haven’t been able to dive for a long time.
    Further to your video on boots, could you please do more videos for those of us with mobility issues on the easiest equipment to doff and don. Diving is an absolute freedom/joy compared to the issues we have on land, but getting our gear on and off can be very difficult.

    • @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
      @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      A very good suggestion Nick. I will add it to my ideas list for our next shooting session.

    • @toriless
      @toriless 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      One tip is to do shore diving with a healthy partner. It make putting on the BCD easier since it can be inflated and then you can just slip into it as it floats in a few feet of water. Deflate and adjust the belts. You can not do that when boat diving.

  • @scubasteveandunderwaterroc3547
    @scubasteveandunderwaterroc3547 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I was buying some vintage dive gear (as usual) and I found some really good twins from 1978, (42 years old) never saw the water and the box was in ok condition. It still had stickers on it advertising how aluminum never rust and stuff like that.
    Anyways, the tank to my surprise had about 300 psi in it. Yes I did take a wiff and it was the *worst* smell/tatsing air I have ever inhaled. So, my wild guess is the limit to the air is 41 years. (Probably a lot less)

    • @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
      @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      That's funny. I have old (eg stone age), diving friends who keep as much stuff as me. One found tanks older than yours that were almost full. Smart enough not to use it until after passing a VIS and hydro test and they are his favourite twin set today. Thanks for sharing Steve.

  • @BersekerSpirit
    @BersekerSpirit 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow, this video comes just in time for me, i have my tank full and i was wondering if i have to empty my tank or to keep the air over the winter, thank you Mr. Alec

  • @DigginwithSeven
    @DigginwithSeven 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for covering this. I have heard the myth and wondered if it were true... now I know. I learn so much from your tips!

  • @TheJoeyboots
    @TheJoeyboots 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Working thru my Sea Hunt CD's fantastic. Go Mike Nelson, he sure was a ladies man wasn't he lol. Great Show I am still looking for the props.

    • @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
      @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      He was a great guy in TV and in real life. Someone kids and adults could look up too. Wish there were more like him around today. Thanks for watching Joe.

  • @TheJoeyboots
    @TheJoeyboots 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Your channel is fantastic! Its really a true love of SCUBA :)

    • @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
      @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you very much!

    • @benheckendorn2696
      @benheckendorn2696 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah it is, i learn so much and I love his sense of humor. Like: " don't do it at home, we are professional stuntmen." 😊

  • @jacquespoirier9071
    @jacquespoirier9071 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    for the ones that fear breath " old " air, if you use the first stage of an old regulator, these tanks makes a wonderful compressed air reserve to drive air tools as nailers and for an emercency tire refill.

    • @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
      @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      You have a good point Jacques. Don't waste what you paid for but label the tank as "not for diving" when used for garage projects.

    • @HKChad
      @HKChad 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter why? They make emergency tire inflator for scuba tanks, would it not be OK to pump up a tire on the way to the dive site then breath the air? Few 100psi in the tank nothing should get in no?

  • @timgosling6189
    @timgosling6189 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Absolutely correct as long as your cylinder is in good shape. Although, if it is expired for inspection/clean/both you will not be able to get a re-fill.

    • @Mrich775
      @Mrich775 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      May as well use up the gas before you get it hydrod then.

    • @timgosling6189
      @timgosling6189 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Mrich775 yup.

    • @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
      @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      That is one of the safety steps that makes our sport one of the safest there is. Thanks Tim.

  • @anony-ic3pz
    @anony-ic3pz 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    When I was about 15-16 years old(?) I had the Dacor double 50's. When I went to the shop for an air fill, the dive attendant persuaded me to trade it in for a brand new single aluminum 80. I was ecstatic because the doubles weighed a ton for me. Now I totally regret it and know the guy took advantage of my naivety! I still have bad feelings about that especially because the 50's were a graduation present from my father.

    • @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
      @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That was a sweet setup and I'm sad to know dive shops pressure new/younger divers into buying what they don't need. Hope you're still diving and picked up some tips you can pass along to new divers.

    • @anony-ic3pz
      @anony-ic3pz 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter I haven't been diving in eons, as life just got in the way and now my bones are creaking but your channel brings back fond memories!

  • @rwhippo
    @rwhippo 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    As long as there is not a cricket in the cylinder like we found during a vip of another local shop this week...

  • @patrickfain9318
    @patrickfain9318 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video! Thank you sir! Was just wondering this myself yesterday

  • @johnforsythe434
    @johnforsythe434 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey Alec, I’m a new dry suit diver and was wondering if there are any tips you may have on how to get the darn thing on. And just general prime care and feeding for the suit. Any help would be appreciated! Love the videos keep up the great work!

  • @chrisphilhower6029
    @chrisphilhower6029 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    It gets a Stale Smell after awhile. I paid $9(USD) for an AL80 Fill.

    • @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
      @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter  5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      If you could detect a smell from the tank air, it's either the fill air or the tank needs an VIP check. These are the two most common sources of bad smells.
      A

  • @ptjones57
    @ptjones57 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I used to own an al 80. After two years of it sitting, I went diving, after all, fills cost 6 bucks at the time. It was fine. Yes when I brought it in to be filled I needed it inspected.LOL.

    • @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
      @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Scuba air in a tank is like Christmas fruit cake, can last years before anyone touches it. Thanks for sharing Patrick.

  • @joeltuck2741
    @joeltuck2741 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great idea Alex!

  • @sbcinema
    @sbcinema 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The air doesn't get bad, but the tank does.
    If anyone would take a closer look at a tank, that would be it (but luckily I have my own compressor)

  • @TheJoeyboots
    @TheJoeyboots 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Man he really goes for the depths. Always talking over 120 140 with a tank I hope is HP Steel. And the light at those depths is exceptional. But I love it!

    • @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
      @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's a habit from long ago. Nobody is excited to dive to 10 to 20' so I drifted into using deeper numbers. Funny that today I like shallow where there is more life on a reef than deep. Thanks for watching Joe.

  • @benheckendorn2696
    @benheckendorn2696 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Well i heard canadian air last 12 years, because of the woods and nature, air from the swiss or austrian Alps last 10 years, but American just last 5 years. While air from New Zealand last 11 years.
    :D

    • @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
      @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      For sure our Canadian air last a long time as its frozen to 0 Kelvin in winter here. Thanks for the laugh Ben.

    • @benheckendorn2696
      @benheckendorn2696 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter you are welcome, I guess one or two years is the best to change, because ot the test of the air tank, because I guess even if you would go the risk you would test them atleast every 18 month. More I wouldn’t risk. But ever year sounds much like makeing money, maybe I am wrong.
      Here in Switzerland you must check your Car every secound year, while Taxis must do it yearly, sure we cary people around and we drive a lot, but others who drive 100000 km per year also don't need to check more often. So this is why it feels to me, they just want to take our money. I prefer to check the cars, it's great to know the car is fine, but every third year would be enough, as long as the car is new.
      Sure savety first, I was a volunteer firefighter for seven or eight years, where I lived before, so I know a little risk is okay, but I would just recommend them in emergency. We learned to keep 200% air left for the way as we use until we found the fire. But if I could save a colleagues I wouldn’t mind to be out of the building with almost 0% but such risk must be worth.
      For me there is always to kind of risks: stupidness or because of a good reason.
      If I would be able to save another diver without risk to get help too, a risk should be done, I would say as long as I am on surface with 5% air it was worth to take the risk if I had saved someone else's live.
      What do you think?

  • @beerkegbandit
    @beerkegbandit 12 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I've got one in my basement had it filled 13 years ago still sitting there I was ganna use it for air guns I had I did air the gun up 4 times over the years but I kno the tank had over 3300 psi. It's a aluminum tank now I'm wondering is it getting so old the thing could just explode?

    • @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
      @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter  9 วันที่ผ่านมา

      If it hasn’t blow by know, it’s probably ok to drain it for air guns before getting it VIS and hydro tested.
      A

  • @victorhernandez4375
    @victorhernandez4375 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Alec very good video 👍👍👍

  • @alaind831
    @alaind831 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    and yet a diver died recently in Monterey and I recall reading it was found his tank was low on Oxygen (fell asleep ?) and a very old steel tank. But I would have to find the article again....

    • @KSakamoto
      @KSakamoto 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      He said in the video air won’t go bad “for a very long time in a steel tank,” so I think that allows for what you’re remembering there.

    • @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
      @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I always want to see the official version of a dive accident as most media services are interested in the big headline, not facts. The annual DAN diving accident report has several accidents caused by diver failure of basic actions/checks. I truly love this sport but skipping common sense can be fatal. Thanks for watching Alain.

    • @Mrich775
      @Mrich775 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Remember Alain, divers do use hypoxic gas and without a travel gas to get to a working min depth this can happen even with a fresh fill.

  • @Mrich775
    @Mrich775 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Come on down to cave country, where a visual is looking at your gauge to make sure my LP doubles are filled to 240bar.

    • @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
      @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Well that works most times. Hope you're doing a bit more safety checks than that my friend.

    • @Mrich775
      @Mrich775 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter oh of course, it's partially sarcasm. I'm a working diver and vip qualified so I end up doing inspections very frequently when I'm working on gear, however in N. Florida no one bothers to check for vip stickers at any of the cave diving shops. In Europe they don't vip at all, only hydro. Edit: over fills on steel tanks however, are commonplace down here, we fill LP steel tanks to HP steel pressures on a daily basis, when I'm in a hard or soft overhead environment I want all the life support I can, I've personally moved to diving a rebreather with a second bailout rebreather for bigger dives.

    • @toriless
      @toriless 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Mrich775 Actually, the last time I had a VIP they forget to put a new stickler on it. I had to look at the receipt for the date.

  • @diverdave4056
    @diverdave4056 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    ...mmm SO if - the air hasn't gone bad in 3 years - why not just dive with that tank full of air and then go to the dive shop for a visual and refill ? There is no need to waste a tank full of good air !

  • @KevinMcMullen.
    @KevinMcMullen. 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks

  • @andrecandrade
    @andrecandrade 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Makes total sense

  • @fanplant
    @fanplant 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I haven't been diving but if my friend asked me to fix a leaky swimming pool I would use my air. BTW I'm going to drive through NYC later, are you saying I shouldn't go near broadway??

    • @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
      @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Ha I want everyone to be safe so we can all return to diving where everyone wears a mask.

    • @toriless
      @toriless 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter I wonder what would happen if I wore a diving mask to the grocery store? I could pair it with my P95 respirator to complete the lunatic look.

  • @HWill-iq9sl
    @HWill-iq9sl 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hay everyone check out that light blue t-shiert

  •  2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I would empty tank for that reason people might have used nitro and might not remember It, so if there is wrong mixture and someone tops tank full with air againg the mixture changes. Allas what gas you are gonna breath underwater.

    • @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
      @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      A tank filled with nitrox, example, 32%, will not change over many years in a sealed tank. If not sure the air mix, an O2 analyzer will confirm if air, 21% or a nitrox blend. Never guess tank air before a dive.
      A.

    •  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter yes. There is no guessing in gases. 🤔🙄💨

  • @sitkadiver40
    @sitkadiver40 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    FIVE years for Alaskans.... But the Canadian air is just not that resilient. 🤣

    • @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
      @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter  ปีที่แล้ว

      Well its also a tiny bit older where you are so the air is perfectly preserved. Thanks for the laugh.
      A

  • @diveinstructordaniel1095
    @diveinstructordaniel1095 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have to store my tanks now for 3-4 months I have between 50 and 100 bar left in them. What should I do ? Store then upright? Bring them all down to 50? Will the air still be fine after storage ?

    • @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
      @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      If keeping them for 4 months then leave filled, upright (so nothing hits the valve), then go diving. Remember to check when your next Visual Inspection or hydro test is needed. Have fun.

    • @diveinstructordaniel1095
      @diveinstructordaniel1095 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter thanks a lot Alec 😊

  • @captainpanda5533
    @captainpanda5533 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Is it detrimental to the tank to leave it full for a long period of time?

    • @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
      @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Not for a reasonable time like a year or so. Watch my video S11E19 Scuba Myths, Tank Air Goes Bad, several tips on storing tanks for a long time. thanks for watching Captain P.
      A.

    • @beerkegbandit
      @beerkegbandit 12 วันที่ผ่านมา

      I got one 13 years just sitting all but full like 3300 psi

    • @captainpanda5533
      @captainpanda5533 12 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@beerkegbandit Bro, if they're AL80's sitting at 3300 PSl, they're overfull.

  • @SDSpike
    @SDSpike 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've used 5 year old air.

    • @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
      @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      That may be pushing the safety limits but remember to get it VIS and hydro tested to be sure. Safe diving.

    • @gameonyolo1
      @gameonyolo1 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Did you die?

  • @HWill-iq9sl
    @HWill-iq9sl 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    should or can I travel with air in my tank from Chicago to L.A.?

    • @timgosling6189
      @timgosling6189 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      All the airlines I know of will not allow tanks to be carried in an aircraft if they have any pressure in it. Some insist they can only be carried if the valve has been removed.

    • @Mrich775
      @Mrich775 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      If you are flying, you can take the bottle if you remove the valve, then when you land reinstall and use a transfill whip to fill it on up and your good. It's not sensible to fly with large bottles v. renting, but for my rebreather bottles or my al19 for bailout I fly with them regularly.

    • @Mrich775
      @Mrich775 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@timgosling6189 in the USA, it is law that the bottles must be empty with no valve and technically nothing covering the valve hole at all, even a piece of clear tape could theoretically get you grounded although most agents are reasonable enough to understand you want to minimize possible contamination.

    • @timgosling6189
      @timgosling6189 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Mrich775 And you can understand why.

    • @Mrich775
      @Mrich775 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@timgosling6189 oh of course, I was merely attempting to let you know the valves out was written into law rather than up to the airline as you had written. Edit: perhaps not law but regulations at least.

  • @aliasincognito0
    @aliasincognito0 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    You are getting more and more handsome after each video.

    • @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
      @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      You have an excellent eye! Thanks and I'll share this with my wife who may think otherwise.

  • @toriless
    @toriless 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Don't get miffed about the word.

  • @Blastfence1
    @Blastfence1 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    What if you put a mouse 🐭 in the tank and comeback a year later what then!

  • @jacobhicks7959
    @jacobhicks7959 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Drinking game baaahaahahaha

    • @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
      @AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Apparently a group of viewers in England made up an Alec Peirce Drinking game! Maybe I should do a video on that so everyone can play.

    • @jacobhicks7959
      @jacobhicks7959 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter I'm in