How to Refill a Scuba Cylinder

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

Rate: (8 Ratings)

Refilling a scuba tank yourself requires a large investment in equipment and installation costs. Training and certification in compressor operation is essential. Have your tanks filled by licensed professionals unless you are considering becoming a dive service operator yourself.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Obtain Professional Scuba Inspector (PSI) or other DOT and OSHA approved certification before filling any cylinders.
Step2
Confirm hydrostatic testing dates on the cylinder. Avoid filling out-of-compliance cylinders.
Step3
Bleed cylinder off until it has only 5 to 10 lbs. per square inch (psi) of air inside.
Step4
Listen to the cylinder for sounds from loose objects or water inside. Do not fill cylinders that sound damaged or flooded.
Step5
Inspect the valve for damage, rust or debris.
Step6
Place the cylinder in a cool-water tank at your compressor facility.
Step7
Inspect the compressor, filters and gauges to make sure they are working within operational specifications.
Step8
Set your compressor to shut down automatically at the specified rating for the cylinder you are filling.
Step9
Wipe the cylinder valve and compressor yoke clean and dry, then attach the yoke to the cylinder.
Step10
Open the cylinder valve completely, then start the compressor cycle to begin filling the cylinder.
Step11
Monitor the automatic shutoff, and be ready to manually shut off the compressor if needed. Never leave the compressor unattended while filling the cylinder.

Tips & Warnings

  • Plan on an initial investment of $5000 dollars to get the equipment, the training and the infrastructure necessary to fill scuba tanks yourself.
  • You must obtain formal PSI (Professional Scuba Inspector) or similar training that complies with HAZMAT, DOT, OSHA and other government requirements before filling high-pressure cylinders.
  • Custom air blends (NITROX) require extreme skill to use safely. The use of custom blends is discouraged by most sport diving organizations.
  • Abide by all regulations of the DOT (Department of Transportation) and other regulating agencies when filling cylinders. All tanks must be hydrostatically tested according to their maintenance schedule. Do not fill uncertified tanks. This is for your safety and the safety of your customers. Cylinder explosions injure and kill many people every year.

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article: How to Refill a Scuba Cylinder

eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

Related Ads

Sports & Fitness

JoeRivera
Meet Joe Rivera eHow’s Sports & Fitness Expert.