I just went to detach my 13 cu ft Luxfer pony bottle from its mount so I could take it over to have it hydro'ed. It was heavier than normal and when I shook it, there was LOTS of water inside (about half full). Not sure how long it has been sitting like that, possibly 2-4 weeks since it was out of hydro and I wasn't using it.
Questions for those who are in the know:
1. How should I best deal with the flooded cylinder? I removed the Thermo valve and have the open tank and valve soaking in hot fresh water right now.
2. Do you think the tank will be worth hydro'ing?
3. Should I do anything else with the valve itself to ensure its usability (I can always use a spare if the tank is no good)?
4. Has anyone else had problems with the Luxfer 13 cu ft pony and Thermo valves? This one had trouble retaining a fill within months after I purchased it. I had the neck ring replaced numerous times, but it still failed (leaking) which may have been due to electrolysis of the tank valve seat (I dive steel primary cylinders). The valve itself often did not seal properly over the last year or so.
I've purchased a new Catalina pony since I'm not happy with the Luxfer. The neck never seemed to seal properly after the first 10 months of use.
Thanks for any suggestions from the equipment techies... although I dive incessantly, I'm really just a marine biologist who dives, not a seasoned equipment monkey.
Pony Bottle Flooded
Started by
drbill
, Dec 13 2005 04:01 PM
7 replies to this topic
#1
drbill
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#2
Latitude Adjustment
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Posted 13 December 2005 - 06:22 PM
I just had my 14al hydro'd, VIP'd, filled and the K-valve rebuilt for $50, you can buy a new tank online with VIP for $95 or contact DRCKW, she has a black 19al that she doesn't use that's due for hydro.
If the tank flooded you might want to check your pony reg too, you may have saltwater in the first stage.
If the tank flooded you might want to check your pony reg too, you may have saltwater in the first stage.
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#3
ScubaDadMiami
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Posted 13 December 2005 - 06:51 PM
If it's aluminum, it is not likely a big deal. If it is steel, it all depends on how bad the rust is inside.
If it is steel, and you have been soaking it, do not put it back into an air environment. It will make the rust worse when the steel reacts. Keep it in water until you turn it over to your LDS. They can take care of the steel in order make sure that the rust doesn't form or get worse.
A new valve will run about $50 for 300 bar, and less for 200 bar. It is not a big deal to rebuild it. However, you should get an estimate of what it will cost compared to buying a new one.
If it is steel, and you have been soaking it, do not put it back into an air environment. It will make the rust worse when the steel reacts. Keep it in water until you turn it over to your LDS. They can take care of the steel in order make sure that the rust doesn't form or get worse.
A new valve will run about $50 for 300 bar, and less for 200 bar. It is not a big deal to rebuild it. However, you should get an estimate of what it will cost compared to buying a new one.
Edited by ScubaDadMiami, 13 December 2005 - 06:55 PM.
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#4
drbill
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Posted 13 December 2005 - 07:41 PM
Yep, first thing I did was take the pony reg in for servicing with a description of what had happened. It definitely had salt water coursing through both stages.
Fortunately it was an Al pony bottle so I'm not as worried about the effect of the flooding on it. I'm more concerned with the fact that the neck hasn't sealed properly in several years and that there is so much pitting and corrosion on the tank surface (which I still think is due to electrolysis).
Off tomorrow to take the pony over and give a dive club talk to the Dive n' Surf dive team.
Fortunately it was an Al pony bottle so I'm not as worried about the effect of the flooding on it. I'm more concerned with the fact that the neck hasn't sealed properly in several years and that there is so much pitting and corrosion on the tank surface (which I still think is due to electrolysis).
Off tomorrow to take the pony over and give a dive club talk to the Dive n' Surf dive team.
#5
normblitch
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Posted 14 December 2005 - 06:22 AM
Doc,
I'm fixing to have an extra Thermo K (my pair of 85's come with them whether I want them or no...)
Interestingly enough, one IS slated to go on my Buddy AL40, and the other will be homeless...PM if you are interested!
Norm
I'm fixing to have an extra Thermo K (my pair of 85's come with them whether I want them or no...)
Interestingly enough, one IS slated to go on my Buddy AL40, and the other will be homeless...PM if you are interested!
Norm
Yep, first thing I did was take the pony reg in for servicing with a description of what had happened. It definitely had salt water coursing through both stages.
Fortunately it was an Al pony bottle so I'm not as worried about the effect of the flooding on it. I'm more concerned with the fact that the neck hasn't sealed properly in several years and that there is so much pitting and corrosion on the tank surface (which I still think is due to electrolysis).
Off tomorrow to take the pony over and give a dive club talk to the Dive n' Surf dive team.
#6
6Gill
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Posted 29 December 2005 - 10:30 PM
"Fortunately it was an Al pony bottle so I'm not as worried about the effect of the flooding on it. I'm more concerned with the fact that the neck hasn't sealed properly in several years and that there is so much pitting and corrosion on the tank surface (which I still think is due to electrolysis)."
There is a tool(the name escapes me) that looks like a 2 flute end mill with a pilot which fits into a drillpress(hand drill in a pinch) which cleans up the sealing surface .As long as the pitting isn't bad this will fix it up and your good to go.
Eric
There is a tool(the name escapes me) that looks like a 2 flute end mill with a pilot which fits into a drillpress(hand drill in a pinch) which cleans up the sealing surface .As long as the pitting isn't bad this will fix it up and your good to go.
Eric
#7
Scott
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Posted 29 December 2005 - 11:25 PM
Yep, first thing I did was take the pony reg in for servicing with a description of what had happened. It definitely had salt water coursing through both stages.
Fortunately it was an Al pony bottle so I'm not as worried about the effect of the flooding on it. I'm more concerned with the fact that the neck hasn't sealed properly in several years and that there is so much pitting and corrosion on the tank surface (which I still think is due to electrolysis).
Off tomorrow to take the pony over and give a dive club talk to the Dive n' Surf dive team.
What did you discover in the dive shop? Was the water getting in through your 1st stage or through the diaphram at the neck?
If it is the neck I would ask the dive shop to cover the costs. If it is through your 1st stage I would have every reg I used checked out at a different shop (assuming that you've had annual maint. performed) before diving where you can't do a safe, no-air ascent.
A gal at a bar recently told me I was acting weird...I told her,
" I bet you would act even more weird than me if you were 5 atmospheres higher than you prefer."
She didn't get it.
Her loss.
" I bet you would act even more weird than me if you were 5 atmospheres higher than you prefer."
She didn't get it.
Her loss.
#8
drbill
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Posted 30 December 2005 - 01:46 AM
To update this. I'm putting the cylinder in my Dr. Bill's Museum of Diving, having the valve rebuilt (for the cost of the parts) and my new 19 cu ft pony is due to arrive tomorrow. Not willing to play with the old one any more.
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