Tank explodes in Madrid

[Beemer]

All composite tanks are built using a metal tank,

All except the Stako. The only metal is where the reg screws in, the rest is some sort of Composite, resin, plastic whatever wrap. No metal tank inside.

[Lohman446]

All except the Stako. The only metal is where the reg screws in, the rest is some sort of Composite, resin, plastic whatever wrap. No metal tank inside.

That was my understanding as well.

[SlartyBartFast]

All except the Stako. The only metal is where the reg screws in, the rest is some sort of Composite, resin, plastic whatever wrap. No metal tank inside.

Nothing on the wessite indicates that they've come up with a revolutionary resin and wrap that can hold 4500psi.

http://www.stako.pl/object.php/act/shp/oid/6a786059125724336622a550aaf24ba2/lng/en

"Composite" just means "many components". Every wrapped tank in use today is a composite tank.

Unless someone has another link detailing the construction of those tanks....

[Beemer]

Ya I couldnt find anything either. Dont know how they do it but there aint no metal tank inside that is why it is so lite

[thefool]

aluminum is light too...

[SlartyBartFast]

Ya I couldnt find anything either. Dont know how they do it but there aint no metal tank inside that is why it is so lite

Until someone can provide proof that that's the case, I highly doubt the assertion that an all plastic tank is possible for 4350psi (30Mpa Working Pressure).

Solid aluminum tanks can do 4350psi and look at how thick they are.

But, as the standard EN 12245 does talk of metallic or non-metallic liners, it may be a possibility. But one I won't beleive until I see better proof than internet hear-say.

http://www.sfs.fi/luettelo/sfs.php?standard=SFS-EN%2012245%3Aen

But, that begs the question: If it is all plastic, why the ignorant fear of them based on that? The standard in question is the same for all manner of composite tank. They'll have to go through the same testing and qualification...

That, and Rael's rant against 'plastic' is completely inappropriate and ill-informed as the accident in question the reg blew up for cipes sake!

[Beemer]

Well you can still call it hear-say but that is what I was told by a Major USA Reg manufacturer who has three in his possession for testing. The term plastic was used loosely. The only metal is where the reg screws in and that piece is some how integrated into the whole composite wrap.

Also the life span is five years, no hydro.

[hitech]

The tank listed on there web site is a 67.13 ci tank (1.1 l). They claim it weighs 1.65 lbs (.75 kg). The same size Carlton tanks (68 ci) weight 2.2 lbs for the 3000 psi version (part number 6310) and 2.4 lbs for the 4500 psi version (part number 6304). I don't know what it is made from, but it is significantly (70%) lighter than comparable Carlton tank.

...adding fuel to the fire...

[Beemer]

Thanks for the help Hitech.

[Lohman446]

But, that begs the question: If it is all plastic, why the ignorant fear of them based on that? The standard in question is the same for all manner of composite tank. They'll have to go through the same testing and qualification...

My concern with plastic is the definition of failure, I think we had this conversation in regards to carbon fiber and aluminum. Aluminum is defined to fail when it deforms a certain degree. Carbon fibre when it unravels (though this is often a rather dramatic failure when its in structural pieces). It would seem that when a plastic tank fails it must... well catastrophically fail.

I have been told by a salesperson that it is a plastic tank and that accounts for the weight difference

[jsdatjsd]

I hope the guy filling the tank said "tank you, come again!"

[mkmckinley]

Where can I get a one of those stako tanks. Looked around and cant find them anywhere

[Ken Majors]

Stako Industries

Not sure if the DOT will approve them for import.
Although I am sure there are people in the US using them.
I would like to Hydro test one once, just to see what happens in the tank at 7500psi.
Not sure I would test a tank that had no inner liner (aluminum).
But if it doesn't have a DOT stamp....pretty sure it would never make it to the hydro tank.

Buy one Here

Not sure what the exchange rate is in Poland.

[mkmckinley]

Hey thanks for the link. Looks like 699 polish zloty's is $219.40. Kinda steep even if you could get one here. I guess I'm kind of a newb but is there any difference in the DOT approved tanks here? Is there someone making like a super light tank compared to my old carleton?

[HOMELANDEFENDER]

I've been reading this thread and I recommend everyone buy one of these: http://safetyglasses.com/store/store.pl?cid=14#3 . I've been using them a lot more lately simply because our sport and hobby isn't as safe as the general lack of accidents may allow you to believe. A 4500 psi tank is nothing to take lightly. Not to say that you should now be afraid of using HPA. But treat it just as if you'd handle a loaded firearm -- with respect.

Also knowing the rules when airing up, lubing your marker, ect.... Many times common sense usually points the way, but in this instance - educating yourself in the proper handling of potentially dangerous HPA applications is only smart logic.

As for wearing safety glasses -- they can save your eye's from HPA issues AND issues with morons waking around without barrel condems in the safe zones. Being safe is a mind set that we all should adopt and practice.

Stay safe, and enjoy our sport.

HLD...