One quick way to refill your mini scuba tank is with an air compressor. Depending on what mini scuba tank you have, they typically come with a charge port and valve that allow you to hook up to an air compressor. This beats other means of filling your tank like a hand pump. A hand pump can take several minutes to fill your tank and not always with pure air.
Air compressors get the job done faster and can be equipped with filters to ensure you’re breathing in pure air.
However, before you buy an air compressor, you need to make sure that it’s the right kind. You also need to make sure that you have the equipment necessary to refill your tank safely. Not every air compressor comes with the needed equipment.
So can you fill your mini scuba tank with a home air compressor? Yes if it has an air filter and has high enough pressure. The amount of pressure varies by the size and type of the mini scuba tank. Most common air compressors won’t have enough pressure though.
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What Kind Of Air Compressor Do You Need?
Those who enjoy airbrush painting or filling up their own car’s tires may have an air compressor at home already. However, these air compressors typically aren’t the right kind to fill up a mini scuba tank. Instead, you need something that’s similar to the kind of compressors used to fill up the air supply for firefighters or even the oxygen tanks that are used in hospitals.
The main difference between these compressors and those typically found in households is the amount of pressure that they can exert and the purity of the air inside of the compressor.
Normal scuba tanks require 3,000 psi. Mini scuba tanks require less though you’ll need to check the tank for the specific amount that it can handle. You should never fill your tank above the recommended amount. This can result in serious injury and even death.
Regular air compressors used by households only produce a fraction of the air and pressure that is needed for tanks. They also aren’t always equipped with filters.
Filters are necessary because they remove moisture, contaminants, and even oil from the air. This is important because you don’t want to be breathing in pollutants like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide while diving. The filter is able to remove these dangerous gases by having an activated carbon screen. It renders carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide inert.
When looking for an air compressor for your mini scuba tank, you need to keep its maximum pressure capacity in mind. That will determine what kind of compressor you should buy. You’ll want to purchase a compressor that matches its maximum capacity of pressure with your tank.
There are some low-pressure air compressors that are better suited for mini scuba tanks. Yet if you also enjoy deep diving and have the equipment for it, then you’ll likely need a high-pressure air compressor.
How Much Does A Scuba Compressor Cost?
The price for a scuba compressor largely depends on how large it is and the amount of pressure it can carry. The higher the pressure capacity, the more expensive the compressor is going to be. That being said, the average price for scuba compressors rests in the range of $1,000 to $32,000.
Those who want a commercial scuba compressor will likely end up spending money in the $5,000 and up range.
Others who simply want a low-pressure scuba compressor for their mini scuba tank may be able to find compressors in the $5,000 and lower category.
However, you also need to keep in mind the costs of owning a compressor. Some compressors run on gas, allowing you to take them on boats to refill the tank. Yet you also need to pay for the gas. Depending on how often you use the compressor, gas costs could drastically increase how much it costs to use your compressor.
Others run on electricity. You may need to buy a generator if you wish to use it on your boat if the boat doesn’t supply around 220-volts of electricity.
Then there’s also maintenance. Scuba compressors require frequent maintenance to ensure they’re operating and filtering correctly. You may need to change out hoses and other valves to keep them operating efficiently.
It’s important to do this right if you want to Scorkl and dive with compressed air kits safely.
Can You Refill Tanks On A Boat?
Depending on the kind of compressor you buy, it is possible to refill on a boat. However, you’re likely going to need to take in some expenses to make it possible. One method is to buy a gas-powered compressor. All you need to do is fill the compressor with gas before you leave the shore. Then you can just turn the compressor on the boat when you need it.
Electric compressors can also be used on boats if you have a standard outlet to plug into. Because not all boats are capable of producing electricity, electric-powered compressors aren’t the most realistic to have in order to refill your tank on a boat.
Compressors are the fastest way to refill your tank. You’re looking at filling up your tank within one or two minutes.
Another method is with a hand pump. This can be done on a boat but will take a very long time. It isn’t very realistic.
How To Refill A Mini Scuba Tank With An Air Compressor
If you’re ready to start refilling your tank with an air compressor, then follow the steps shown in this exceptional video.
1. Remove Charge Port on Tank
Each tank should have a covered valve on the respirator. Removing the charge port will reveal the valve.
2. Attach Compressor Yoke to Valve
Attach a yoke to your compressor’s hose. Then attach the yoke to the valve on the tank.
3. Turn on Compressor
Switch on your compressor to the desired PSI rating, then allow it to fill your tank. You may need to screw the respirator or yoke to allow air to be taken into the tank.
4. Watch The Pressure Gauge
To ensure your tank isn’t overfilled, keep a close eye on the pressure gauge throughout the filling process.
5. Turn Off Compressor
Once your tank is filled, shut off the compressor, remove the yoke, and replace the charge port. Your tank should be refilled and ready to use.
