Has anybody heard about Luxfer coming out with a new tank design? Some kind of high pressure wrapped alum. 80?

Bill, here's the scoop on the new Luxfer tanks, quite possibly what you're hearing about through the diving grapevine:

At DEMA this year, Luxfer announced that it will institute a new three-year exchange program for all its tanks made of the infamous 6351 alloy. The way it works is that the customer calls the Luxfer Customer Service Department on the following toll-free line: 1(800)764-0366 and tells the representative how many cylinders they would like to turn in. The representative will then give the person a return goods (RG) number and will give instructions on how to ship the old tanks to Luxfer. The customer will then get a $50.00 dollar voucher good towards the purchase of NEW Luxfer cylinders made from the new 6061 alloy.

The customer sends in the tanks, gets the voucher from Luxfer and the customer then purchases more Luxfer tanks.

The new alloy is purportedly much better and safer than the old 6351 and will, hopefully, not blow up as many folks. I'm sure you've seen all the websites and cases of people being blown up by the 6351's, so I won't bore you with that here.

If anyone wonders whether they have one of the 6351 tanks, just look at the original stamped hydro date. If it was stamped with a date between 1972 - 1987, it's one of the ones in question. Also, there are some questionable 1988 tanks out there as well, so if you have one with that date, call to have it checked out further (1-800-764-0366).

Anyone wishing to see the actual press release from DEMA on this matter is welcomed to jump: www.luxfercylinders.com/news/releases/20021022.shtml

Best regards,

Gary Zane Cofield
PADI MSDT-178767
PSI Cylinder Inspector #12845

The new tanks are from XSscuba and they say they have lightened the load on every divers’ back... literally...with their new 4350psi kevlar wrapped aluminum tanks, which are a true breakthrough with a 30% smaller size than their equivalent aluminum cousins.

Just in case your in the So. California area, we can fill the new 4300psi tanks when they become available.

Bill,

This brings up an interesting question. Manufactures of LP steel tanks like to make claims that high pressure (3000+) causes more wear on your first stage. Also, they note that most dive boats can only generate 3000psi and therefore HP steel tanks are not as good. I am in the market for some tanks. Being a big guy (6’6”), I just consume more air then most people. My dive shop is amazed that I can last as long as I do on an 80. I’m looking at 100 to 120 cf tanks, but am up in the air about all of these claims.

4300 psi is a lot of pressure. Other than yourselves, who can fill these tanks? And what about the wear claims?

Any thoughts?

Dave

The Luxfer tanks are standard aluminum 63s and80's which are kevlar wrapped enabling them to go to 4300 lbs. They have the same buoyancy characteristics as their all aluminum cousins but can carry 30% more gas.
Luxfer tanks are distributed through Sea Pearls and XScuba.

Go with the lp tanks. it is easier on your gear (how ever so slight) it is easier to get a full fill, you will shead a little weight off your weight system and you will have a much more relaxed safty stop or deco. The bad part is carrying the dern things back and forth to the boats! If you plan on doubling up your rig you will at least have the tanks.