How to fill my tank

[Lobzilla]

If the OP wants to breathe the air pumped into the tank, he needs -at a minimum- filters that will cost more than his compressor.

There was a small, relatively affordable table-top compressor available way back when that would fill a tank with breathing air, given enough patience.

I built something similar with a gasoline powered surplus flame thrower compressor for fills in remote places. On a boat, I had a slightly bigger compressor from the same manufacturer that came out of a retired bomber and was powered by a hydraulic motor. In both cases the filter columns were far more expensive than the compressors. Air purity was repeatedly tested to exceed my LDS'.

Any factory-built fill station, even if small and used, will be well North of $2000.

Economically speaking, this rarely makes sense. The upfront and operating cost can only be justified by the convenience factor or the joy derived from successful tinkering. If you tinker you also need to invest in thoroughly researching the subject and seeking advice from professionals if you don't want to poison yourself

 

[rhwestfall]

There is a reason I have as many tanks as I do.... I'll always have a tank or two handy for a splash, and refill in batches when needed. I've considered a compressor, but the O&M logistics really haven't made it ever work. Best to use the compressors at the shops around here... I could reduce costs if I was to swap out all my 3442 tanks for LP, and thus not need a 5k psi compressor ($$$$$).

I hope the OP really listens to what has been said here...

 

[Lobzilla]

If you live in the boonies or your LDSs are jerks, some Oxygen and Nitrogen cylinders from your local gas supplier, a Haskel, and a 120 PSI shop compressor will get the job done nicely for someone who understands the physics.

Compared to a 5000 PSI compressor with filters and cascade, the economics might be more appealing especially if Helium is in the mix. Even if you get your air from the LDS, a Haskel is worth every penny sooner or later.

 

[Kharon]

I wonder if they can't get the tank filled at the LDS because they aren't certified. If they are trying to cheap out on a compressor maybe they are trying to dive on the cheap as well by buying equipment and forgoing training. Either one is a nearly sure path to a Darwin.

 

[Beau640]

This is the best thread ever. We usually get people who ask "newb" things that would potentially be dangerous but this is one of the first times I've seen someone ask something that if they do it is going to out right kill them (with the exception of that guy who doesn't think O2 is flammable and is going to light himself on fire at some point).

Return the compressor. You can't just pick up a random compressor without any knowledge of how to use or care for it. Breathing compressed air is a completely different beast. You are literally going to kill yourself trying to do what you are trying to do.

 

[mmerriman]

Ok, so yes you can fill your scuba tank with that compressor. You can also fill your scuba tank with the garden hose.

The results of you breathing from either of those fills under water will likely result in the same thing.


* Disclaimer : that was sarcasm. That compressor is not designed for breathing gas.

more sarcasm - becase water is incompressible, you wouldn't be able to breath it - it won't come out of the tank.

 

[mmerriman]

and if not - can you recommend a good compressor that WILL work for Scuba Tanks
Thanks again - I cannot thank you enough

Really - you should stop pursuing this. It will not be cost effective, and the risks drastically outweigh saving $10 on a tank fill.

 

[Outbound]

To the OP: just remember to tell your buddy that cherry red lips don't look red at depth. And also that he should have emergency oxygen on hand.

 

[hhmoore]

(with the exception of that guy who doesn't think O2 is flammable and is going to light himself on fire at some point).

O2 is NOT flammable - that is a simple fact. It does, however, support combustion...and anything that can burn will burn more readily in the presence of extra oxygen.

Back on topic. OP - I'm all for convenience; but I still consider value. For me, it would take years of fills for a suitable compressor to "pay for itself". As an individual filling only his own tank(s), once could probably skirt the regulatory issues; but if you fill for a buddy, you'd be opening yourself up to serious liability.

 

[TrimixToo]

O2 is NOT flammable - that is a simple fact. It does, however, support combustion...and anything that can burn will burn more readily in the presence of extra oxygen.

Back on topic. OP - I'm all for convenience; but I still consider value. For me, it would take years of fills for a suitable compressor to "pay for itself". As an individual filling only his own tank(s), once could probably skirt the regulatory issues; but if you fill for a buddy, you'd be opening yourself up to serious liability.

It took about 3 years for my compressor and Haskel to pay for themselves, but I use a lot of Trimix and Nitrox. The Trimix is over $250/fill locally. For air, the equation would never work in my favor, most likely.

The best two articles that come to mind are these:

Compressed breathing air the potential for evil from within.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct..._Article.pdf&usg=AOvVaw3BxGnqtDrmkeyne5nzEs2_

Take them *very* seriously. Your life and those of others you fill for are at stake.