Re: Scuba tanks for dust removal...INFO..a better idea!

[Jerry Olson <jerryolson@xxxxxxx>]

Any welding supply usually has large nitrogen and oxygen tanks, and the air
in them is extremely pure. At work, they charged $16 to fill it (It was
4 feet high), and it lasted about 6 months under heavy usage. It would
probably last a year for personal photo cleaning use. They don't charge
for the tank, (they just bring you a new one when you need a refill).
but you need to buy a regulator, about forty dollars.  Use about a
hundred pounds of pressure to clean a slide or neg, and maybe 40 - 50
for computers, printers, and scanners.

Jerry

gecko@geckocustomlab.com wrote:
> 
> Just to let all know a bit more about the scuba tanks since I'm a diver
> also..
> 
> Scuba tanks are filled with highly filterd air and is VERY dry, moisture
> is removed thru the tank refilling process with high end dive tank
> compressors.  I have never heard of any vegetable oil being used in the
> process though. (Imagine any liability for putting something in someones
> brathing air..it just isn't done)  When diving you actually get a very
> dry mouth because of this.  The air has to be dry as not to cause any
> rust/corrosion INSIDE the dive tanks so I don't think there is any issue
> with moisture for using dive tank air for dusting.
> 
> Remember if planning on buying a dive tank for this...dive shops will
> fill a tank (or supposed to) for only certified divers for safety
> reasons.  You'd be quite lucky to get if filled if not 'certified
> yourself'...or have someone do it for you.
> 
> You CAN get a valve to fill it yourself with conventional compressors,
> but not recommended because you will probably get moisture INSIDE it and
> create more problems yourself.
> 
> Dive tanks need to be inspeceted each year (VIP) or they wont fill them.
> $15.00
> Every 5 years they need a HYDRO test to make sure they can be pumped up
> to 3000psi and not blow up if bad. $25.00
> 
> With any release of compressed air from a tank at high rates does cause
> condensation inside that is why air compressor tanks have a blead valve
> on the main tank.  But using a dive tank to dust off at small bursts
> shouldn't cause any problem..I'have used them to fill up air mattresses
> with no problems.
> 
> Has anyone thought the CHEAPER route of just getting a PORTABLE air tank
> like you use to fill up a tire?  Just fill it up at any service station
> and you're on the way.  Dive tanks are HEAVY!!!  Go to any auto parts
> store, K-mart etc to find one.  (Thats what I'd do) If worried about the
> purity of the air, just install a filter in your hose on the way out to
> trap any moisture/contamination like most quality air compressors use.
> I have them on my photo lab compressor as not to blow out any water that
> may form in the condensation process.....
> 
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