New tank, failed inspection.

[Cloudrider]

Anyway, they call me and say that the tank failed inspection because either the valve was cross-threaded, or the threads were bad. They did not remove the valve because they were not sure they could get it back on and did not want to make it worse. They said that the much-greater than normal resistance to turning was always bad or cross-threads, that is an inspection fail, and they will not fill it. They demonstrated to me what they were describing, and it seemed plausible. They have no reason to make excuses not to fill.

I'm will to bet that your new tank is okay and that Dive shop was a waist of time.

How can one say the valve threads are problematic without actual visual inspection?

Dive shops have little experience with carbon fiber wrapped hp air systems! 

I've spent 20 years on the national tournament paintball and every couple months I spend time with about 1000 players, who all sport 4500 psi CF wrapped tanks attached to their markers. In all my time seeing countless airsystems, I've never seen a cross threaded valve and tank, the threads are at least 2 inches in length.

The SCBA is just a larger version , all DOT approved and certified like our smaller cubic inch versions.

Manufacturers of HP air systems use loctite to secure the valve onto the tank. The do this limit their liability. Im sure the dive shop you went to, is unaware of this. The threads on the valve and bottle are very robust and an oring completes the seal, not the threadlock media. There is also a bleed hole directly below the oring as a safety feature, in case the valve does become loose or un-threaded before being de-gassed.

I've have my own personal Bauer salvaged from yacht, my paintball field has one those $30k Bauers that will handle 1000+ players on a continuous basis. Bauers are just real reliable, buy once cry once. Dive shops specialize in dive tanks, almost always seen in either aluminum and steel.

HP CF paintball tanks need hydrostatic recertification every 3 to 5 years, usually performed at a fire extinguisher and CO2 gas cylinder service business.

I'd say forget the Dive shop, look for a paintball field, they will check the cylinder manufacturer date and since your tanks is new, there will be no issue.

 

[Funshine]

When I took my tank to get its first fill, the SCUBA Fill shop, a very reputable one in S Fl, inspected it right in my presence before he filled it. I think I know who the vendor is. If it is the same as I am assuming, I too, had some issues with them. I hope you get your issue resolved.

 

[lenweber2]

One question for me. Looking ar the length of tread, it would tade a gorilla to cross thread all the way on. Something here just doesn't ring.

 

[Enkey]

Hi

For the avoidance of doubt the best thing to do is to check the thread yourself, open the valve to make sure there is no pressure and unscrew the valve to check its thread

Regards 

Enkey 

 

[Guest]

Hi

That story sounds like a joke, they have to review a new scba LOL. I think you should post the name of the dive shop not the seller

Regards 

Enkey

Right? Why are they holding the new tank that you should return? 

 

[Eaglebeak]

There seems to be a lot of opinions and blind assumptions going on here. The op stated that he took his new tank to a large dive shop that is also an authorised testing facility to have it filled and they refused to fill it because they deemed it non-compliant because of an incorrectly installed valve. If that is the case, then they should supply a written report with the reason they refused to fill it. If the vendor doesn't accept that, then the op will have justification for having the payment stopped by his credit card provider. It's up to him if he wants to expose the vendor.

 

[Guest]

Hi

For the avoidance of doubt the best thing to do is to check the thread yourself, open the valve to make sure there is no pressure and unscrew the valve to check its thread

Regards 

Enkey

Indeed...without seeing it you just can’t know 

 

[Guest]

There seems to be a lot of opinions and blind assumptions going on here. The op stated that he took his new tank to a large dive shop that is also an authorised testing facility to have it filled and they refused to fill it because they deemed it non-compliant because of an incorrectly installed valve. If that is the case, then they should supply a written report with the reason they refused to fill it. If the vendor doesn't accept that, then the op will have justification for having the payment stopped by his credit card provider. It's up to him if he wants to expose the vendor.

Well with written evidence that is a good diplomatic route, but how would they know if it was cross threaded without looking? The lock-tite theory seems plausible to me.

 

[stoti]

The threads on a tank and valve are pretty big and deep. Seems like it would be difficult to cross thread them. Although, anything is possible. The OP is talking about being in Georgia, so why is everyone assuming it was from California, did I miss something? 

Stoti

 

[boscoebrea]

 A true mystery,in part one there were many assumptions on "who and why"in the coming chapters we will be able to point our fingers in a better direction....maybe my reading comprehension is not awake....

Please wait for part two to get more FACTS...on this matter....There is ,I think much false information floating here about why and how ..Time will tell.



I

 

[frunobulax]

Sounds like blackmailing and a threat to me. Either fix it or i put you in blast. Lol. Something seen fishy to me. This hydro place said tank if Fked up but they wont take the valve off to inspect it cause they worry they might not be able to put it back? Lol if its fked up why are they worry to fk it up anymore? I would taken off the valve to inspect it. Btw you claim its a new tank. When I purchased my tank new, the tank came with the valve off. Its like brand new never used before. I was the first to screw the valve in. Never had a problem. So is the tank new or used? Why was the valve already screw in and had crossed thread already??? Another thing fishy is, if its new why are they inspecting and hydro testing it? I never heard of a fill shop doing this unless its passed the 5 year due date. Since its new, it would still be in the 5 year period. So they would just fill it. How about putting this hydro/fill place on blast so we know who they are and avoid them. I took my new and used tank to get fill and they just fill it with no question ask cause its still in the 5 year period. It seem odd they would even inspect and hdyro test a new tank. First time I'm hearing this.

Geez, it did not take long for this to go south. 

As stated originally.The tank is new. It was ordered with valve and valve was installed by the vendor. Just because your tank arrived with valve off does not mean that is how all of them are delivered.

I said nothing about hydro testing my tank. The shop requires visual inspection for all tanks they have not filled before. I mentioned that that this shop does hydro testing to indicate that they may know what they are talking about.

It is not unusual for someone to want to inspect something that could be deadly, if defective, before they fill it. I have been told that most dive shops will not fill a tank without an inspection regardless of certification status.

Here is the original verbiage:

"Last week purchased a new SCBA tank from a well-known vendor.

This weekend I took it to a dive shop (supposedly the largest in GA) that requires their own annual visual inspection before they will fill it. "

 

[frunobulax]

There seems to be a lot of opinions and blind assumptions going on here. The op stated that he took his new tank to a large dive shop that is also an authorised testing facility to have it filled and they refused to fill it because they deemed it non-compliant because of an incorrectly installed valve. If that is the case, then they should supply a written report with the reason they refused to fill it. If the vendor doesn't accept that, then the op will have justification for having the payment stopped by his credit card provider. It's up to him if he wants to expose the vendor.

Bingo, you are exactly correct. That is what I tried to communicate.

The shop did state their reason for refusing to fill on my receipt from them.

 

[Guest]

Can you give us the vendors state? Because everyone is assuming California. Is this wrong? Can you at least verify if it isn’t California because everyone is assuming that.

 

[frunobulax]

Hi

That story sounds like a joke, they have to review a new scba LOL. I think you should post the name of the dive shop not the seller

Regards 

Enkey

Right? Why are they holding the new tank that you should return?

I did not say anything about the shop holding the tank.

They refused to fill it and gave it back. 

 

[Guest]

Well I would have already opened that sucker up to verify 

 

[Guest]

Sounds like blackmailing and a threat to me. Either fix it or i put you in blast. Lol. Something seen fishy to me. This hydro place said tank if Fked up but they wont take the valve off to inspect it cause they worry they might not be able to put it back? Lol if its fked up why are they worry to fk it up anymore? I would taken off the valve to inspect it. Btw you claim its a new tank. When I purchased my tank new, the tank came with the valve off. Its like brand new never used before. I was the first to screw the valve in. Never had a problem. So is the tank new or used? Why was the valve already screw in and had crossed thread already??? Another thing fishy is, if its new why are they inspecting and hydro testing it? I never heard of a fill shop doing this unless its passed the 5 year due date. Since its new, it would still be in the 5 year period. So they would just fill it. How about putting this hydro/fill place on blast so we know who they are and avoid them. I took my new and used tank to get fill and they just fill it with no question ask cause its still in the 5 year period. It seem odd they would even inspect and hdyro test a new tank. First time I'm hearing this.

Bought a new tank and it was delivered with all valves in place. Took it to a dive shop and they said they would not fill without inspecting it first. Forgot to add that same shop said if the tank failed inspection they couldn't release it back to me. YMMV. It's gonna depend on the shop and their policies.

Sorry OP I meant to quote this one not your post. They should have returned that that is insane

 

[frunobulax]

Well I would have already opened that sucker up to verify

Thank you, and others for the constructive advice, and thanks to those that read my original post and understand what I said.

I have probably replied to too many responses, and this may be my last. At this point all that can be said, has been said. If it is not clear, sorry. This is my last attempt to clarify.

I am not blackmailing or threatening. It is not unreasonable to expect a new product to pass a routine inspection by experts. I spent over $800 on something I cannot use.

For those that misunderstood, let me briefly summarize the details.

1. I bought a new unused tank that was delivered with the valve attached.

2. The only shop (a scuba shop) I can find within an hours drive that will fill tanks like this to 4500 PSI, required annual visual inspection of their own before they will fill it. This shop routinely fills similar tanks, and even showed me one they just filled. According to them, most scuba shops require their own inspection before filling a tank.

3. The new tank failed inspection because of the resistance to removal of the valve. They did not remove the valve because they said the resistance they encountered fails their test regardless of reason, and said that either bad or crossed threads cause such resistance. They also do not want to be blamed for the possible defect or crossed threads.

4. The dive shop returned the tank to me in the same condition it was when I gave it to them. They did not keep it, alter it or disassemble it.

6. I did not disassemble the tank myself, because I know nothing about this, and do not want to be accused of causing the possible issue.

7. The tank vendor is not being as responsive to emails or phone as I would like. I am somewhat patient, but i have limits.

8. I am not revealing the vendor or locations, except possibly as a last resort or post-mortem depending on outcome.

 

[Yo]

 Many have positive experiences with your vendor while many others MOST DEFINITELY do not it's a FACT. Got people waiting to be made right which never happened and probably NEVER WILL... FACT. Wrong parts do not fit sent returned never replaced with correct items never refunded. Parts charged ordered only partial sent and the rest send when in stock. Well never in stock but paid years ago. WARRANTY on guns and compressors refuse to honor. It's not only me here I know many AIRGUNNERS like to share stories when shooting the bull about airgun stuff. Fact many done good (NORMAL AS IT SUPPOSED TO BE) many got screwed that's all its a fact.

 

[Peskådot671]

frunobulax, 

I agree. I'll never buy another CF tank from Omega again. Lesson learned.

 

[KulaHI]

Sounds like blackmailing and a threat to me. Either fix it or i put you in blast. Lol. Something seen fishy to me. This hydro place said tank if Fked up but they wont take the valve off to inspect it cause they worry they might not be able to put it back? Lol if its fked up why are they worry to fk it up anymore? I would taken off the valve to inspect it. Btw you claim its a new tank. When I purchased my tank new, the tank came with the valve off. Its like brand new never used before. I was the first to screw the valve in. Never had a problem. So is the tank new or used? Why was the valve already screw in and had crossed thread already??? Another thing fishy is, if its new why are they inspecting and hydro testing it? I never heard of a fill shop doing this unless its passed the 5 year due date. Since its new, it would still be in the 5 year period. So they would just fill it. How about putting this hydro/fill place on blast so we know who they are and avoid them. I took my new and used tank to get fill and they just fill it with no question ask cause its still in the 5 year period. It seem odd they would even inspect and hdyro test a new tank. First time I'm hearing this.

Bought a new tank and it was delivered with all valves in place. Took it to a dive shop and they said they would not fill without inspecting it first. Forgot to add that same shop said if the tank failed inspection they couldn't release it back to me. YMMV. It's gonna depend on the shop and their policies.

Sorry OP I meant to quote this one not your post. They should have returned that that is insane

They did return it. There was nothing wrong with it. But prior to filling at the shop they make you aware of the shop fill policies and sign a form. Part of that policy is that if the inspection turns up an issue they will not release the tank back to you. It’s at that point wether the customer wants to proceed or not. Not gonna lie though. I was sweating it while they had it in for the inspection luckily it checked out and I’m good to go at that shop for a year for refills before needing another inspection. 

Also. I’ve talked in private with the OP and shared my experiences with the same vendor. The vendor himself called me regarding my specific issue very similar to the one the OP is having after I left the vendor voicemail. He is making an effort to correct the issue so I’m not going to out him because at least in my case he is making an effort to correct the issue. Also in the context of this thread, I don’t think it’s my place to name who that vendor is. He openly admitted that I wasn’t the only person to contact the company with complaints regarding recently shipped items and offered an explanation as to why.