Refrigerant container max air pressure.

Richard from SE AZ · Jan 31, 2015

I had been using an empty refrigerant tank as an air tank. I have never known how much air to put into it and was afraid I would rupture it. I want to use it again but this time with a pressure gauge.( never had one before) How much air pressure will those tanks take with the original valve?

Den N Ms · Jan 31, 2015

Richard,The newer 30# freon tanks have a one way valve on the top and it's welded in.It lets pressure out but you can't put pressure in to the tank.The old ones you could put pressure in to the shut off valve and could be trusted holding 120# of pressure.Now a recovery tank is different.They can be aired up and is a lot heavier tank.200# of pressure can be put into one of those.

Steve@Advance · Jan 31, 2015

Are you talking about an empty refrigerant container?

I used to use one of those many years ago... Before I knew how dangerous it was!

Those without a check valve haven't been made for years, so who knows what kind of condition it is in. It is definitely not worth taking the chance!

ObsoElitist · Feb 1, 2015

I used old R-12 jugs with 150 psi for years. The have a blowout for protection, but are thin so rust is a real issue. I only filled mine with air run though a dryer and changed them out once a year or so. Now I buy worn out air compressor tanks at the salvage yard. They are larger, thicker, and have wheels and a handle.

Geo-TH,In · Feb 1, 2015

The container says not to reuse or refill. Look near the top for a round plug a little bigger than a quarter. I think it's a safety plug to prevent tank from blowing up.

I have used them in the past. Now I have a 1.5 hp portable air compressor and no need for a tank.

When I was a kid, my dad would air up tires using R12, it was that cheap. The hoses on refrig guages would do act as a air hose, just had to hold it right.

Paul Janke · Feb 1, 2015

Sorry to change the subject, but I use propane tanks. They are rated for 650 pounds at 250 degrees and 250 pounds at 650 degrees or something close to that.

TimnVa · Feb 1, 2015

As has been said you can't refill the new ones, but I have had the pressure in the old ones well over 200 psi removing refrigerant from overcharged systems. Being an HVAC mechanic I used the old ones for years as air tanks. I still have the fitting with gauge and fitting to air up the tank around here somewhere but haven't used in years.

jeffcat · Feb 1, 2015

I had the chance to pick up a couple of new propane tanks that are about 3 feet high. A little heavier than junk tanks but are WAY safer! You want to buy brand NEW tanks. That way there is no trouble with sulphur stink and gas explosions. The ones I have will fill 2 car tires up pretty good.

Refrigerant container max air pressure.

Richard from SE AZ

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Den N Ms

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Steve@Advance

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ObsoElitist

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Geo-TH,In

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Paul Janke

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TimnVa

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jeffcat

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