My local fill place, out of the blue imposed a visual inspection VI of my 97cf tank, despite having filled it there 3 other times without this VI. At this point I really do not wish to mention the name of the tank, nor where purchased from, until I'm able to get more info and second opinions. This tank was bought brand new and only have had it just over a year. The hydro is not due until just under 4 years from now. The VI technician indicated that near the last couple of threads inside the tank had 2 cracks in the threads valleys. This is my first ever tank and all this is new to me. He was going to condemn and destroy the tank, but without going into the specifics this was not done in lieu of some assurances, etc.
However after some research following the VI and crack notice, which by the way he let me see what he was seeing via some fancy magnifying scope with an adjustable bright light and some other gizmos on it. I saw what he was identifying as cracks and took his word that he's assessment was completely accurate. Unbeknownst to me, on further due diligence on this issue (after the fact, later that evening), I found that sometimes the VI tech will conflate "tap stops" with perceived cracks. So now I wonder if this may have been the case, as the article (https://imaginescuba.com/2020/12/28...r-what-differentiates-a-tap-stop-from-a-crack) indicates it is very difficult to differentiate a crack from a "tap stop" and I believe it said this is done about 50% of the time. The article further states that cracks in threads are rare. Sorry for my incorrect method of sourcing, but figure no one here would get too bent of of shape on any mechanical writing errors on my part.
So, may I ask if any of you forum members have ever had a similar experience with your larger CF fill tank, and if so what happened? I don't begrudge the VI tech for doing what he believes is safe and prudent. But on the flip side, I now have a tank that may be unsafe, or quite possibly was assessed a false positive for a crack. Either scenario is a drag and really leaves my in a very uncomfortable spot. While I have much more reading and research to do on this subject, I'm very torn on this issue. Even if I get a second opinion with a different outcome (passes VI), how does one really know who is correct. For in the article it does not detail how one could confirm if a false "negative" from a VI tech thinking that what may appear to be a crack is a "tap stop". How's does one know if a "tap stop" is just that, or if in fact an actually crack since it is difficult to tell them apart?
I will be approaching the entity where the tank was purchased and see what they may say about this and hopefully being that this is a fairly new tank, I would be able to receive a warranted replacement at no additional expenses. I'm already out for the VI inspection, but is small change compared to the cost of the tank.
Any thoughts or opinions are appreciated. Thanks.
However after some research following the VI and crack notice, which by the way he let me see what he was seeing via some fancy magnifying scope with an adjustable bright light and some other gizmos on it. I saw what he was identifying as cracks and took his word that he's assessment was completely accurate. Unbeknownst to me, on further due diligence on this issue (after the fact, later that evening), I found that sometimes the VI tech will conflate "tap stops" with perceived cracks. So now I wonder if this may have been the case, as the article (https://imaginescuba.com/2020/12/28...r-what-differentiates-a-tap-stop-from-a-crack) indicates it is very difficult to differentiate a crack from a "tap stop" and I believe it said this is done about 50% of the time. The article further states that cracks in threads are rare. Sorry for my incorrect method of sourcing, but figure no one here would get too bent of of shape on any mechanical writing errors on my part.
So, may I ask if any of you forum members have ever had a similar experience with your larger CF fill tank, and if so what happened? I don't begrudge the VI tech for doing what he believes is safe and prudent. But on the flip side, I now have a tank that may be unsafe, or quite possibly was assessed a false positive for a crack. Either scenario is a drag and really leaves my in a very uncomfortable spot. While I have much more reading and research to do on this subject, I'm very torn on this issue. Even if I get a second opinion with a different outcome (passes VI), how does one really know who is correct. For in the article it does not detail how one could confirm if a false "negative" from a VI tech thinking that what may appear to be a crack is a "tap stop". How's does one know if a "tap stop" is just that, or if in fact an actually crack since it is difficult to tell them apart?
I will be approaching the entity where the tank was purchased and see what they may say about this and hopefully being that this is a fairly new tank, I would be able to receive a warranted replacement at no additional expenses. I'm already out for the VI inspection, but is small change compared to the cost of the tank.
Any thoughts or opinions are appreciated. Thanks.
.
