Yes, mini scuba tanks and compressed air kits can be refilled using a special high pressure air compressor that operates at high psi and filters the air. After using your Mini scuba tank, there are a few different ways that you can refill it. The company behind Mini Dive actually sells various means of filling the tank with air.
They include:
- A hand pump
- An air compressor
- A filling station
- And an official scuba dive air compressor
Because there are four different ways to fill the tank, the tank has four different outlets that can connect to various hoses for the device that you want to use in order to fill it.
The hand pump is self-explanatory. You simply plug the correct hose into the tank, then start pumping to fill the tank with air. While this is one of the more mobile methods to fill your tank, it’s going to take a while and may exhaust you.
Using the branded air compressor for the mini tank is another way to refill it. This comes with its own hoses and other attachments to ensure your tank is filled quickly. It’s an electric compressor that only requires 220 V to work. This is a standard volt setting for most plugs. This air compressor also comes with a safety valve to ensure you don’t overfill the tank.
The third method is with a filling station. A filling station transfer air from one device to the next. If this is your preferred method to refill tanks, then you’ll be happy to know that the mini tank comes with an adapter that allows for this exchange.
Finally, you can also hook the tank up to an official diving compressor. This compressor will fill it quickly and likely filter the oxygen entering the tank as well.
How Long Does It Take To Refill One?
The time it takes to refill a mini tank depends on what method you choose to fill your tank. Obviously, using a hand pump is going to take the most time. While some suggest that it will take anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes to fill the tank, it may actually take longer if you’re not in shape.
Pumping air into anything is exhausting. If there isn’t a tight grip where the hose is connected to the tank, then the air might also escape. You may find yourself having to pump for around an hour by the time the tank is filled–and that’s if you choose to fill the tank the entire way.
A faster method is with the branded electric compressor. The company states that the compressor can fill a mini tank in around 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Considering that you’re likely only going to be able to dive under the water for a few minutes at a time, that faster fill time is ideal.
Another method, the fill station method, may take a bit longer than the electric compressor. Depending on what device you’re using to fill the tank, it could take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. It depends on how much pressure there is in the device you’re using to exchange the air. If there’s not a lot of pressure, then the tank will slowly be filled. High pressure, on the other hand, should fill the tank quickly. This could become dangerous quickly. You’ll want to keep a close eye on the pressure gauge on the tank to ensure it isn’t overfilled.
Finally, a diving compressor that is specifically designed for filling tanks will likely fill your tank up the fastest. Most of these compressors are designed to fill large tanks. A mini tank should be filled in a matter of minutes, if not seconds. Like the fill station, you’ll want to keep a close eye on the pressure gauge. The classic diving compressor also comes with the added advantage of ensuring your tank is filled with filtered air.
This is important because your lungs can have a bad reaction if they’re breathing in anything but oxygen for a period of time. Hand pumps, for example, can sometimes allow outside pollutants into the tank. You may find yourself breathing in carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide.
Can They Be Refilled On The Boat?
A few of the methods may be able to used on the boat to refill your tank. A hand pump most certainly can fit on a boat. You can easily tuck your pump into any storage compartment on your vessel.
The electric compressor may be able to used on your boat if it has a 220-volt plug. Otherwise, the compressor won’t have the power to fill the tank.
A filling station may also be used on the boat if you have enough space for the device that contains the air. Since the tank only can hold so much air, you’ll likely be able to fit it on your boat.
Finally, the diving compressor is a hit or miss. It may be too large for some boats. It also requires a lot of power. If your boat doesn’t produce electricity, then you won’t be able to use this on your boat either.
How To Safely Refill A Mini Scuba Tank
To ensure you safely refill a mini scuba tank, follow these steps.
1. Remove Check Port
On top of the tank is the regulator. You’ll see a small port that can be screwed off. Unscrew this to access the charge port.
2. Attach Adapter
The tank should come with an adapter that allows you to fill the tank with whatever means you intend to deliver air. Attach the adapter to the charge port.
3. Attach Compressor/Pump
Whatever you’re using to pump your tank full of air, you’ll then attach to the adapter. For a compressor, it’s called the yoke. You’ll need to adjust the yoke to ensure the adapter fits inside of it.
4. Close Bleed Valve
For compressors, your next step is to close the bleed valve. If your hand pump has a bleed valve, make sure you close it as well.
5. Turn Compressor On and Turn Valve
The next step is to turn the compressor on. Once it’s running, turn the valve on the yoke to allow air to filter into the tank. Fill it to the desired, or safe, amount.
Shut off the compressor, remove the yoke, replace the charge port covering, and your tank is ready to use.
