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Steve Lindblom wrote: snip- I can't even recall the last time I >actually saw an inspector use a light and mirror to inspect the thread >base area - probably the most critical step of all with the questionable >alu tanks. I'm not sure what you're saying here Steve. I agree the PSI post was very self serving, but I don't understand your seeming lack of concern regarding substandard visual inspection techniques. The main problem with the PSI post was that it obscured the fact that divers need to be VERY careful with DOT-AL cylinders made of alloy 6351-T6. VERY careful means (according to the DOT advisory notice 7/26/94): >1. Do not fill the cylinder to greater than the marked service pressure, >except during a hydrostatic test. > >2. Do not fill a cylinder that is beyond its required retest date. > >3. Do not use a SCUBA or SCBA cylinder that is beyond its required retest >date. > >4. Whenever you remove the cylinder valve, > >VISUALLY INSPECT THE INTERIOR OF THE CYLINDER NECK AND SHOULDER AREA FOR >CRACKS. > >Any evidence of a crack or crack-like defect may require further >evaluation. Contact the cylinder retester, distributor or manufacturer for >the >procedure to be used in performing the visual inspection and for >rejection criteria. >For guidance on inspecting Luxfer USA >cylinders, contact Luxfer USA Limited, Customer Service Department, PO Box >5300, >Riverside CA 92517, telephone (909) 684-5110. All pretty standard stuff and as the PSI fellow said, it is not a recall, BUT, it does say to inspect the neck and shoulder area. The ONLY way you can do that is with a light and a mirror. I have never seen a visual inspector that did NOT use a light and a mirror and I would never accept a visual that did not incorporate this technique. My advice to all divers with DOT-3AL tanks with exemption or special permit numbers: 6498 7042 8107 8364 8422 If you are not sure of the quality of you last visual, HAVE A VISUAL INSPECTION DONE IMMEDIATELY. This MUST include the use of a light and mirror to inspect for internal cracks in the neck and shoulder area. I am a prime example of what can go wrong. I had an old USD alum tank that did not get a visual in the last two years and I was going to wait until spring to do it. Sure enough it is a DOT-3AL with permit number 6498 and it was sitting fully charged right next to my washing machine. Needless to say I vented it to 50 PSIG and will have it in the shop for a visual next week. (one that includes the mirror and light) Regards, Bruce Bowers Akimbo Music Prod/Hungry Hill Records -- Send mail for the `techdiver' mailing list to `techdiver@aquanaut.com'. Send subscribe/unsubscribe requests to `techdiver-request@aquanaut.com'.
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