USED SCBA TANKS.

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Someone may come on here talking about 30 year life spans. That is something that IS happening in Europe, but it's not widespread in the USA (yet). The USA is getting closer to it but, only certain bottles are eligible to be considered for a 30 year lifespan and they have to have a special test performed which comes at a high cost. In other words, it's not worth it for private owners. 

If you decide to get a compressor and start filling your own CF bottle, it's your choice whether to use your bottle beyond the 15yr lifespan. I would still recommend getting the hydro test performed at year 5, 10, and 14. This should cover you until the 19th year. Although businesses still should not be filling the bottles beyond the 15th year. Some people do and some people don't. I'm one of the ones that doesn't. 

If your budget won't allow for a new bottle, a used bottle is definitely a good option that can save you money in the short term. Dalmation fire sells used SCBA's to fire depts across the nation. Since they're selling to FD's, you could imagine that they might bump the price up a little. But, they might be a good reference to gauge how good/bad a deal is since they sell bottles with almost all levels of life left on them. Years ago, I found a good deal on a 30 minute bottle and filling setup at RLairguns. 

Tom
 
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Tom is CORRECT. 15 year life span from date of mfg & hydrotesting every 5 years. That being said, out of the 4 tanks I own 3 are "out of date". I've been in the fire protection field for 30 years & licensed to do hydrotesting. I feel perfectly safe filling my own tanks & the condition they're in. As long as a tank has not been subjected to extreme heat or other abuse & the carbon fiber wrap is not dented or frayed they will hold up for our purposes. I did an internal visual inspection on mine too before pressurizing them the 1st time. I feel safe because of my experience with CF tanks & high pressure air equipment but am ALWAYS aware that hp air has some serious damage potential & treat it accordingly. I've given away or sold 3 tanks that were past their prime but I hear they're still going strong. Bottom line is if the fear factor is too great for any individual they shouldn't do it but I, personally, am comfortable with it.
 
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Here's some info from an undated article I just found on the AirTanksPlus.com website...

"All scba tanks have a born on or manufactured date on the label. Currently SCBA tanks have a service life of 15 years from date of manufacture. After the 15 years has passed you will not be able to get your tank filled, unless you choose to fill it yourself, or send it in to have the rank tested and re certified for an additional 15 year life extension ( this currently cost $300 per tank) scba tanks also require a hydro test every 5 years"

What they don't tell you is that $300 test costs you $300 whether your tank passes or fails. Same as Hydro testing. You pay $30 and if your tank fails, you still pay $30 and you lose your tank. It sucks but, it's much better than having it fail on you! 

Tom
 
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I’ve got 5 tanks, varying from expired to 3 years left on hydro. I don’t lose any sleep filling my tanks.

Do your research like was posted above and you will find that euro tanks are the same and considered usable for 30 years. The fact that we do 15 years is just to sell more tanks and force bureaucracy to spend more money. 

You can find cheap tanks for sale on eBay that are in current hydro if you look hard enough.
 
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I had a Carbon Fiber Scott tank that was given to me it still had about a year left on the hydro stamp date, I filled it to 4500 psi and it leaked down to 3000 psi in a couple of weeks , I filled it up again and check the gauges for leaks, I could not see any, Replaced the gauges filled it up went down to 3000, Left in the garage a month or more and it stayed at 3000 psi, Aired it back up to 4500 psi stuck in the bath tub had leaks all over the place,,,

Dam

Mike
 
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I’ve got 5 tanks, varying from expired to 3 years left on hydro. I don’t lose any sleep filling my tanks.

Do your research like was posted above and you will find that euro tanks are the same and considered usable for 30 years. The fact that we do 15 years is just to sell more tanks and force bureaucracy to spend more money. 

You can find cheap tanks for sale on eBay that are in current hydro if you look hard enough.
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Most definitely NOT the same tanks. Just look at the DOT 15yr tanks vs the DOT 30rs tanks. YES they have 30yr DOT tanks and they are actually a good deal if you are planning to keep them that long. A less then 50% increase in price for a 100% increase in lifespan (on the site I checked)

Here is the DOT permit -

https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/approvals-and-permits/hazmat/file-serve/offer/SP13583.pdf/offerserver/SP13583

Here is one of the 30yr tanks at - $942 (vs $742 for the 15yr 45min)

https://firesafetyplus.com/Worthington30YearLifeSCBACylinder.aspx

As to the difference? Look at the below link showing the 15yr 45min tank weighing 9.3lb (or 9.75 depending on model)

http://www.firesafetyplus.com/pdf/sci/Standard%20Cylinder%20(1).pdf

vs the 30yr tank weighing 11lbs - over 10% increase in weight.

http://www.firesafetyplus.com/pdf/sci/30yrCylinder.pdf
 
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I want to thank everyone that has given info of this subject. What I have gotten out of this so far is that the used SCBA tanks are kind of a at your own risk thing. $600 + for a new tank are not in my budget right now, so I will live with charging off the compressor for now. Again thanks to all for your input. If any one else has some to say please do so.
 
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@nivlag, what I'm saying is that you won't be blowing up an SCBA, expired or new with a 4500 psi compressor. I don't fill my SCBAs to 4500 psi mainly because I want my compressor to last me as long as possible. I fill them both to 4200-4300 psi and call it good. You will have to draw your own conclusions. And you are on the right track, asking questions. I paid $65 for the first and $150 for the second one. I only purchased the expired SCBA because I already owned a compressor and wanted a spare.
 
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