Diver's bottle

[Axel]

Hi everyone,
I might buy a PCP in the near future. Once you have bought a diver's bottle and have emptied it, what is the procedure? Do you have the bottle refilled or replaced? How much does a refill cost?

Thanks in advance

[Buffy Vampire Slayer]

just get it refilled with dive quality compressed air.
round here a 12ltr 300 bar refill is around £3.
the bottle will need testing every 5 years though

[Axel]

Thanks buddy!

[sauer]

You won't ever "empty " it to zero pressure .... Maybe drop it down a wee bit but then get it topped up again to maximum pressure once it get below practical for the airgun

[smellywelly]

the bottle will need testing every 5 years though

IIRC .. if you tell the dive shop its for surface use ... or non diving .. I believe the test interval is longer than that

[Buffy Vampire Slayer]

the bottle will need testing every 5 years though

IIRC .. if you tell the dive shop its for surface use ... or non diving .. I believe the test interval is longer than that

do you wanna bet
dive use is 2 years and surface use is 5 years
have a quid on me on this one matey

[huntersvermin]

I'm with buffy Surface use is 5 years dude

[smellywelly]

the bottle will need testing every 5 years though

IIRC .. if you tell the dive shop its for surface use ... or non diving .. I believe the test interval is longer than that

do you wanna bet
dive use is 2 years and surface use is 5 years
have a quid on me on this one matey

Took mine into a reputable dive shop in Glasgow last year fully expecting a test, as I believed it was due, according to the dates on the bottle .. which were to 02/12 and was told it would take three weeks (or so) to do .. when I was told that timescale, I was about to rent one for a month, as I needed a charge for my gun, but when they found out it wasnt for actual diving they confirmed the test dates were different for that purpose

[leadpig]

the bottle will need testing every 5 years though

IIRC .. if you tell the dive shop its for surface use ... or non diving .. I believe the test interval is longer than that

do you wanna bet
dive use is 2 years and surface use is 5 years
have a quid on me on this one matey

yup
surface needs a hydro test every 5 years

[melg4yng]

I used to have a 300bar compressor when I belonged to a scuba club. You would be surprised at the number of people who would ask to have their bottle filled once they discovered I had one. They seemed to think that as I wasn't a commercial company the rules didn't apply and I would regularly be asked to fill bottles over their test date. Always refused without question, if the tank gave way it would have probably taken out my garage and most of my house. Frightening pressures. The reason that it's 5 years for surface use is there is less chance of internal rusting in the cylinder. Nevertheless, don't take risks and get it hydro tested within the 5 years. Around here you can get it done while you wait. At least, you could last time I needed one.

Mel

[smellywelly]

I knew about the 5 yr test for diving work , and like I said earlier

fully expecting a test, as I believed it was due,

I was expecting that it would need tested, so I dont know why the guy gave me 'that' info ?. I'm wondering if its the way the dates get stamped, if its been stamped into the steel, with a date, is that when its valid from then ? as opposed to when its valid until ?

[Buffy Vampire Slayer]

I knew about the 5 yr test for diving work , and like I said earlier

fully expecting a test, as I believed it was due,

I was expecting that it would need tested, so I dont know why the guy gave me 'that' info ?. I'm wondering if its the way the dates get stamped, if its been stamped into the steel, with a date, is that when its valid from then ? as opposed to when its valid until ?

you should have a certificate with the relevant info on it
a bit like a MOT certificate

[melg4yng]

The date stamped in the metal is the date of the hydro test, the sticker with the punch out markings is the date the next test is due. It's 5 years hydro testing whether surface or dive use but there is an additional 2.5 year visual test if it's for scuba. Costs around £30 for hydro, £25 for visual unless it's changed considerably in the last couple of years. Also need a test on the valve which is additional cost.

Mel

[smellywelly]

The date stamped in the metal is the date of the hydro test, the sticker with the punch out markings is the date the next test is due. It's 5 years hydro testing whether surface or dive use but there is an additional 2.5 year visual test if it's for scuba. Costs around £30 for hydro, £25 for visual unless it's changed considerably in the last couple of years. Also need a test on the valve which is additional cost.

Mel

I think that explains it .. sorry for any confusion fellas .. and if anything perhaps this will serve as a reference

Thanks Mel

[Ray7756]

the bottle will need testing every 5 years though

IIRC .. if you tell the dive shop its for surface use ... or non diving .. I believe the test interval is longer than that

10years for bottles that are not "wet used" or at least that is the IMCA reg, International Marine Contractors, main regulator for diving industry worldwide