Aluminium Scuba Diving Cylinders
Aluminium scuba diving cylinders are a popular choice for recreational and technical divers, offering excellent corrosion resistance and practical options for a wide range of diving configurations.
At Sussex Diving, we offer aluminium diving cylinders suitable for use as primary breathing-gas cylinders, pony cylinders and, where appropriately configured, stage or decompression cylinders.
Aluminium or Steel – What's the Difference?
Both steel and aluminium cylinders are designed to provide a dependable supply of breathing gas, but they behave differently in and out of the water.
Aluminium cylinders are naturally resistant to rust and are widely used in marine environments. They are particularly common in warm-water recreational diving and technical diving configurations.
However, aluminium cylinders are not necessarily lighter than steel cylinders of an equivalent capacity. Aluminium requires thicker cylinder walls, which can increase overall size and weight.
One of the most important differences is buoyancy. Many common aluminium cylinders become more positively buoyant as gas is consumed, whereas comparable steel cylinders generally remain more negatively buoyant.
Understanding these characteristics helps divers select an appropriate cylinder and maintain a suitable weighting configuration.
Choosing the Right Aluminium Cylinder
Aluminium diving cylinders are available in different capacities and configurations to suit a variety of diving activities.
Smaller cylinders are commonly used as pony or bailout cylinders, while larger aluminium cylinders may be used for recreational diving, stage gas or decompression gas, depending on the diver's training and equipment configuration.
Our range includes popular 7-litre and 11.1-litre aluminium cylinder packages. Please check individual product listings for specifications, valve options and availability.
Understanding Cylinder Working Pressure
Aluminium diving cylinders commonly operate at working pressures around 207 bar, although specifications vary between models.
A cylinder's working pressure is the maximum service pressure specified by its manufacturer and marked on the cylinder.
The correct valve, regulator connection and filling equipment must be suitable for the cylinder's rated pressure.
Air Fills, Inspection & Cylinder Testing
As well as supplying diving cylinders, Sussex Diving in Selsey provides breathing-air and Nitrox filling services, cylinder inspection, testing and oxygen cleaning.
Our filling facilities can accommodate suitable cylinders up to 300 bar, subject to their individual working pressure ratings and inspection status.
Regular inspection and appropriate maintenance are important for both steel and aluminium cylinders. Our team can advise on cylinder testing requirements and suitable care between dives.
When choosing an aluminium cylinder, consider more than its capacity. Weight, buoyancy characteristics, working pressure, valve configuration and intended use are all important.
If you're considering an aluminium cylinder for stage, bailout or decompression use, make sure the configuration is appropriate for your training and planned diving. Our experienced team will be happy to help you compare the available options.
As a family-run PADI 5* Dive Centre in Selsey, West Sussex, we believe in helping divers choose equipment that suits their experience, diving environment and future plans.
Looking for a particular aluminium cylinder or valve configuration? Contact Sussex Diving and we'll be happy to discuss your requirements.
