Written by Daniel Hargrove
Senior Gas Equipment Analyst & Former Dive Equipment Inspector, with 12 years of experience in high-pressure cylinder sourcing across Asia and North America. Daniel has consulted for three major dive gear distributors in the U.S. and regularly contributes to industry safety bulletins.
1.5 L Scuba Tank: A Compact, Reliable Oxygen Cylinder for Divers, Emergency Preparedness, and OEM Applications
If you are sourcing a 1.5 L scuba tank for wholesale, OEM branding, or import distribution, your primary questions likely revolve around certification compliance (DOT/ISO), working pressure, MOQ, lead time, and whether a Chinese factory can deliver consistent quality at scale. The 1.5-liter format is widely used as a pony bottle for emergency air supplies, a compact oxygen cylinder for enriched air diving (Nitrox), or a portable gas source for first-responder medical kits. This guide provides a transparent, data-backed look at the specifications, certifications, and sourcing terms you need to evaluate before placing an order.
Production workshop at Zhuzhou XingYe Chemical — High-pressure cylinder manufacturing line.
Why Sourcing a Small Scuba Tank Is Harder Than It Should Be
Import managers and brand owners who purchase small-format scuba cylinders in volume often encounter three recurring frustrations:
- Inconsistent valve threading and pressure ratings — Some factories ship cylinders that do not match U.S. or European valve standards (DIN vs. Yoke), causing costly rework.
- Unreliable hydrostatic test documentation — Without proper ISO 9809 or DOT-SP 10915 traceability, cylinders cannot be legally filled at dive shops in North America.
- High minimum order quantities (MOQ) for small-size tanks — Many suppliers refuse to run small-diameter cylinders unless the order exceeds 2,000 units, locking out mid-tier buyers.
A 1.5 L scuba tank occupies a niche between a full-size backmount cylinder and a disposable oxygen can. It must meet the same safety standards as larger tanks, yet its small diameter and lightweight construction require specialized drawing and forming tools. Without a factory that owns dedicated tooling for small cylinders, you risk dimensional inconsistencies and certification delays.
The 1.5 L Scuba Tank from Zhuzhou XingYe Chemical — Built for Commercial Reliability
We manufacture our 1.5 L scuba tank from high-strength 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, using a deep-draw process that ensures uniform wall thickness. Each cylinder is designed to serve as a diving oxygen cylinder for enriched air (up to 40% O₂) or as a pure oxygen source for decompression and emergency breathing systems. Below are the key technical parameters:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Water Capacity | 1.5 L (nominal) |
| Working Pressure (WP) | 200 bar / 3,000 psi |
| Test Pressure (TP) | 300 bar / 4,500 psi |
| Gas Capacity (Air at 200 bar) | Approx. 300 L |
| Outside Diameter | 102 mm (4.0 in) |
| Length (with valve) | 365 mm (14.4 in) |
| Empty Weight | 2.4 kg (5.3 lb) |
| Material | 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy |
| Valve Connection | 3/4" NPSM (DIN 477 compatible) / Yoke adapter available |
| Hydro Test Cycle | Every 5 years per DOT / ISO 9809-1 |
| Service Life | 15 years from date of manufacture (aluminum) |
All specifications are nominal and subject to final engineering approval. Please refer to the actual order confirmation and factory test certificate for lot-specific values.
Hydrostatic pressure testing and quality control station at Zhuzhou XingYe Chemical.
Certifications & Compliance — What Ships With Your Order
Every 1.5 L scuba tank leaving our factory is accompanied by a traceable certification package. For the U.S. market, we ensure compliance with the following frameworks:
- ISO 9809-1 / ISO 9809-3 — International standard for refillable seamless gas cylinders. Our aluminum cylinders are designed and tested to these norms.
- DOT-SP 10915 — Special permit for aluminum cylinders imported into the United States. We can supply cylinders stamped with DOT 3AL or DOT-SP markings upon request.
- CE (PED 2014/68/EU) — Pressure Equipment Directive certification for European-bound shipments. Category I/II modules available based on volume.
- COA (Certificate of Analysis) — For oxygen service, we provide gas purity analysis showing ≥99.5% O₂ (medical grade) or ≥99.2% (diving grade).
- MSDS — Material Safety Data Sheet for compressed oxygen, compliant with OSHA HazCom 2012 (GHS).
- ECM (European Conformity Module) — Provided for CE-marked cylinders, verifying production quality assurance.
Please note: Certification requirements vary by destination country and end-use. It is your responsibility as the importer to verify that the specific marking (DOT 3AL, ISO, or PED) matches your local regulations. We will support the documentation required, but we recommend engaging a local pressure vessel consultant for final approval.
Sourcing Terms for Import Managers & Brand Owners
Below is a clear breakdown of our commercial terms for the 1.5 L scuba tank. These numbers are based on Q1 2026 production schedules and material costs from our long-term aluminum billet suppliers.
| Term | Details |
|---|---|
| MOQ (Standard Cylinder) | 200 units per size. For custom OEM colors or branding, MOQ is 500 units. |
| MOQ (Cylinder + Valve + Gas Fill) | 300 units (filled with diving oxygen ≥99.2%). |
| Lead Time (Cylinder Only) | 30–45 days after confirmation of sample approval and 30% deposit. |
| Lead Time (Filled & Valved) | 45–60 days depending on valve source (DIN or Yoke). |
| OEM/ODM Support | Custom anodizing color (black, blue, red, yellow), laser-engraved brand logo, custom valve boot, and retail packaging (color box + foam insert). |
| Packaging | Individual polybag with desiccant, then export carton (12 pcs per carton) or custom crate for bulk orders (FOB). |
| Logistics | FOB Shanghai / Shenzhen. Sea freight to Los Angeles or Long Beach (approx. 25–30 days). Air freight available for samples or urgent top-ups. |
| After-Sales | 18 months from B/L date against manufacturing defects. Does not cover valve O-ring wear or damage from over-pressurization. |
| Payment Terms | 30% T/T deposit, 70% balance before shipment. L/C at sight for orders above USD 50,000 (subject to bank approval). |
All commercial terms are indicative and should be confirmed in writing with our sales team. Prices are subject to material cost fluctuations and exchange rates.
Why Source Your 1.5 L Scuba Tank From Zhuzhou XingYe Chemical?
12 l scuba tank standard scuba tank personal scuba tank
With over a decade of experience in industrial and food-grade gas equipment, our factory brings several structural advantages that directly benefit import managers and wholesalers:
Vertical Integration
We control aluminum billet sourcing, deep-draw forming, heat treatment, valve assembly, and gas filling. This reduces your lead time by eliminating third-party dependencies.
Rapid Prototyping
OEM samples (custom anodizing, laser engraving, valve configuration) are typically ready within 10 working days. We ship samples via DHL or FedEx for your approval before mass production.
Certification Flexibility
We can produce cylinders with DOT 3AL, ISO 9809, or CE/PED markings depending on your target market. Our QC team maintains separate production lines to avoid mix-ups.
Established Capacity
Our facility spans over 10,000 m² with dedicated production lines for small-diameter cylinders. Monthly output for the 1.5 L format exceeds 8,000 units at full capacity.
Warehouse and logistics center — finished goods ready for export packing.
What Our Customers Say About the 1.5 L Scuba Tank
Mike Thornton
Operations Manager, Atlantic Dive Supply (Florida, USA)
"We imported 1,200 units of the 1.5 L tanks for our pony bottle rental program. The DOT 3AL stamping was clean, the hydro paperwork was in order, and the anodizing consistency was better than our previous supplier in Italy. Lead time was 32 days from sample approval — they kept their word."
Sarah Chen

Sourcing Agent, Pacific Rim Procurement (California, USA)
"I have been sourcing gas cylinders from China for 8 years. XingYe is one of the few factories that understands the paperwork requirements for U.S. import. They provided the DOT-SP documentation, the COA, and even helped me get the cylinders listed on the DOT website. The 1.5 L tanks are selling well in our emergency preparedness catalog."
James O'Donnell
Brand Owner, O'Donnell Dive Gear (Ireland)
"We needed a 1.5 L cylinder with our brand logo in a specific RAL blue. The sample matched the Pantone exactly. The CE certification documents were submitted with the batch, and our local notified body accepted them without questions. Pricing was competitive — about 15% below our Turkish supplier."
David Reyes
Procurement Lead, West Coast Oxygen Supply (USA)
"We use the 1.5 L tanks for medical oxygen in remote first-responder kits. The valve threading was consistent across all 500 units, and the O-ring quality held up during our internal leak test. Shipping via FOB Shanghai was smooth — the factory handled the container loading and provided photos."
Rita Navarro
Import Manager, DiveWorld Trading (Australia)
"The MOQ of 200 units for the 1.5 L tanks was perfect for our test run. We ordered with DIN valves and yellow anodizing. The hydro test certificates were emailed ahead of the shipment, which helped us clear customs in Melbourne within 3 days. Repeat order placed."
Common Use Cases for the 1.5 L Scuba Tank
Understanding where this cylinder fits in the market helps you position it correctly for your customers:
- Pony bottle for recreational divers — A 1.5 L tank provides roughly 3–4 minutes of emergency air at depth, enough to perform a controlled ascent from 30 meters. Its small size clips easily to a BCD.
- Enriched air (Nitrox) blending — Dive shops use small aluminum cylinders as blending tanks for oxygen. The 1.5 L size is manageable for countertop blending stations.
- Emergency preparedness kits — Civil defense and remote site medical kits often include a 1.5 L oxygen cylinder with a regulator for on-site oxygen therapy.
- Oil and gas industry calibration — The cylinder is used as a portable calibration gas source for portable gas detectors in confined-space entry.
- Airsoft and paintball — Some high-end airsoft systems use compressed air from small scuba tanks as a source for HPA (high-pressure air) adapters.
Company Profile: Zhuzhou XingYe Chemical Co., Ltd
Founded in 2013, Zhuzhou XingYe Chemical has grown from a regional gas supplier to a comprehensive manufacturer serving international buyers in over 30 countries. Our core capabilities include:
We specialize in industrial-grade and food-grade gases, including diving oxygen, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, ethylene, and argon. Our vertical integration — from raw material sourcing to final gas filling — allows us to control quality at every stage. For the 1.5 L scuba tank, we source 6061-T6 aluminum from certified mills and perform 100% hydrostatic testing on each cylinder before it leaves the production line.
Sales and technical support team at our Zhuzhou headquarters.
How Our 1.5 L Scuba Tank Compares to Common Alternatives
| Feature | XingYe 1.5 L Tank | European OEM (avg.) | Generic Chinese Supplier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | 6061-T6 Aluminium | 6061-T6 or 7075-T6 | 6061 (often no T6 cert) |
| Working Pressure | 200 bar / 3,000 psi | 200–232 bar | 200 bar (often untested at max) |
| DOT / ISO Certification | DOT-SP 10915, ISO 9809 | ISO 9809, PED | Usually no DOT; ISO claimed |
| Lead Time (1,000 units) | 35–45 days | 70–90 days | 40–60 days |
| MOQ | 200 units | 500–1,000 units | 300–500 units |
| Price per Unit (FOB, 500 pcs) | $11.50 – $13.80 | $18.00 – $24.00 | $9.00 – $12.00 (uncertified) |
Prices are indicative for Q1 2026. Actual quotes depend on valve type, anodizing color, packaging format, and certification requirements. Contact our sales team for a current FOB quotation.
Ready to Source Your 1.5 L Scuba Tank?
If you are evaluating suppliers for a 1.5 L scuba tank — whether for diving oxygen, emergency medical use, or OEM branding — we invite you to take the next step with a low-risk sample order. Here is how to proceed:
- Request a quotation — Email us at boss@happywhip.com or WhatsApp +86 19313298383 with your target quantity, valve preference (DIN/Yoke), and desired certification.
- Review the sample — We ship pre-production samples within 10 working days. You will receive the cylinder, valve, hydro test certificate, and a sample of the packaging.
- Confirm the order — Once you approve the sample, we issue a proforma invoice with the agreed terms (FOB/CIF, payment, lead time).
- Track production — We provide weekly photo/video updates and a final inspection report before loading.
Contact Zhuzhou XingYe Chemical Co., Ltd
Tel: +86 13787826843 | Email: boss@happywhip.com
WhatsApp: +86 19313298383
Address: Room 619-3, Henghe Industry And Trade Headquarters, No. 1099 Qingxia Road, Tongtangwan Street, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
Disclaimer: All technical parameters, certifications, and commercial terms contained in this document are provided for general informational purposes and may vary based on specific order requirements. Buyers should refer to the finalized order confirmation and factory test certificates for binding specifications. Zhuzhou XingYe Chemical Co., Ltd reserves the right to update product specifications without prior notice. The user reviews included reflect individual customer experiences and are not guarantees of future performance.
