Maximizing Usable Air from Decompressing a Scuba Tank

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the usable air from a standard 80 cubic foot scuba tank when decompressing from 3000 psi to 100 psi. The air is drawn at a rate of 1.5 cubic feet per minute at 100 psi and 20 degrees Celsius. Participants suggest using Boyle's Law to determine the remaining air volume at 100 psi, while acknowledging that the van der Waals equation may be necessary due to non-ideal gas behavior. The conclusion indicates that the total usable air volume will be approximately 80 cubic feet when adjusted to room temperature.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Boyle's Law for gas compression and expansion.
  • Familiarity with the van der Waals equation for real gas behavior.
  • Knowledge of pressure units, specifically psi and atmospheric pressure.
  • Basic thermodynamics, particularly the effects of temperature on gas volume.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the application of Boyle's Law in practical scenarios involving gas compression.
  • Study the van der Waals equation and its implications for real gas behavior.
  • Learn about the thermodynamic properties of gases at varying temperatures and pressures.
  • Explore methods for calculating gas volumes under different conditions, including temperature adjustments.
USEFUL FOR

Scuba divers, engineers, and anyone involved in gas management or compression systems will benefit from this discussion, particularly those looking to optimize air usage in scuba tanks.

qwerty1785
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Homework Statement


I need to find the amount of usable air from decompressing a scuba tank from 3000psi to 100 psi. The tank is a standart 80cu ft scuba tank and the air is being drawn from the tank at a rate of 1.5 cubic feet per minute and 100 psi at 20 celsius.I know that air is not an ideal gas but am not sure if I can assume it will behave similar here so ideal gas law might not work. would van der waals equation be what I need? I know the air decompressing that much will get very cold and not be as much volume as ideal, but how much is it exactly?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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You're going to end up with 80 cubic feet of air when it reaches room temp.
 
The actual volume of the tank is is .39 cu ft.

If the total volume of room air is 80cu ft, one can figure out the volume of air remaining in the tank at 100 psi. Hint: use Boyles law and the fact one atmosphere=14.7psi

Then subtract this from the entire capacity of 80.
 

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