Corrosion and safety aspects of steel diving cylinders

Aqueous internal corrosion of steel Scuba tanks is critically considered as a cause of explosive accidents during charging, storage and use of air cylinders. More restrictive safety regulations are shown to be needed in relation to the extremely high corrosion rates induced by high oxygen pressures. Accidental sea water entries are particularly dangerous because of tubular type localized attacks occurring in the presence of chlorides. Consideration is given to possible protective measures by phosphate conversion treatments and coatings.