Reading the post below on the compressor tank that gave out makes me wonder about the one I have. It's an old Westinghouse compressor with an 80 gallon vertical tank. According to the tag it was built in 1955. It is an ASME tank and according to the tag is rated at 250 psi, but the age has me wondering. I drain it on occasion and do get the water out, but the inside rusting in places I can't see is concerning. It is a heavy tank. Looks to be 1/4" wall. It has two 3" plugs in the side that I have taken out a couple of times and looked inside and can't see much using a light with a flexible head sort of like a bore scope.
Here is my question. Will the thicker tanks just spring a leak and not split like the thin wall tanks? Or is it just a bigger bang and I need to retire this thing. I don't run it like I used to. It gets a good workout maybe twice a year and other than that it is airing up tires and running air tools for repairs. It is shut off when not in use, but does hold pressure for months on end when not being used. I can't believe this old girl doesn't leak down, but she will hold as long as I don't leave the valve on feeding the garage.
Pressure is set to start up at 120 psi and shut down at 150 psi. I replaced the safety valve about 10 years ago and it lets go at 165 psi. Scares the animals, small children, and the wife when I pull the ring.
What do ya think? Safe to use or kick it to the curb and get a newer one?
Greg
Here is my question. Will the thicker tanks just spring a leak and not split like the thin wall tanks? Or is it just a bigger bang and I need to retire this thing. I don't run it like I used to. It gets a good workout maybe twice a year and other than that it is airing up tires and running air tools for repairs. It is shut off when not in use, but does hold pressure for months on end when not being used. I can't believe this old girl doesn't leak down, but she will hold as long as I don't leave the valve on feeding the garage.
Pressure is set to start up at 120 psi and shut down at 150 psi. I replaced the safety valve about 10 years ago and it lets go at 165 psi. Scares the animals, small children, and the wife when I pull the ring.
What do ya think? Safe to use or kick it to the curb and get a newer one?
Greg