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Tool Talk Discussion Forum

2nd tank for air compressor?

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John A (TX)

08-23-2004 07:56:51




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I've come across some galvanized air tanks used with water wells. One is around 50 gal and the other is around 40 gal.

Would it be a good thing to hook up one of these to my shop compressor (around 50-60 gal) as a way of storing extra compressed air? Seems like it would reduce the number of start/stop cycles the compressor goes through in a given period of time.

If it IS a good idea, which of the tanks should I use (assuming it wouldn't be good to use both)?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts ..
~ja

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Mark - IN.

08-23-2004 21:24:19




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 Re: 2nd tank for air compressor? in reply to John A (TX), 08-23-2004 07:56:51  
Water tanks store nominal amounts of pressure. The range that you're refering to is well within that range, but don't get carried away and forget that when running the pressure up for tools and other stuff. What kind of shape is that tank in (inside)? Do you know? May be playing with a grenade looking for a place to happen. As for storing air, I'm no fan of that, unless you have a good dryer, otherwise condensation will set in the tank and rot/rust it out from the inside, and it becomes unsafe. Unless you use it daily, like many service garages or the sort, and have a good dryer, I'd blow (drain) the tank daily from the base to remove condensation, make it last longer, and be safer. Just my thoughts, since you asked.

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Thanks Everybody ..

08-23-2004 14:03:48




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 Re: 2nd tank for air compressor? in reply to John A (TX), 08-23-2004 07:56:51  
Thanks to all of you for helping me avoid what could sure be some serious heartburn. I just got this bright idea of "Hey, let's put one of these tanks to good use!" and didn't even think about issues like max psi ratings, etc. Sure glad you set me straight.

I really like the idea, too, of using some high-rated tubing around the shop to increase the volume available plus have connections handy in different places.

Thx again to all who took the time to reply.
~ja

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MAC,IL

08-23-2004 13:30:28




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 Re: 2nd tank for air compressor? in reply to John A (TX), 08-23-2004 07:56:51  
I wouldnt use those water tanks. A safety issue involved here.



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VADAVE

08-23-2004 11:40:24




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 Re: 2nd tank for air compressor? in reply to John A (TX), 08-23-2004 07:56:51  
Suggestion:
If you really think you need the additional capacity why not just pipe the air around your shop. Use 3/4 or 1" copper pipe rated to 200-400 lb. The volume of the pip will provide the capacity your looking for plus the air will be right handy.



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Coloken

08-23-2004 10:20:30




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 Re: 2nd tank for air compressor? in reply to John A (TX), 08-23-2004 07:56:51  
Like the others, I think a water tank real risky. Lots of old 100lb (the tall ones) propane bottles around. They were made for high pressure. I am even afraid of old air tanks that are rusted. Just leave your setup like it is and tie the extra tank in with as big a pipe or hyd. hose as is handy. I use to carry one in my pickup befor I got a air bubble.



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big jt

08-23-2004 09:49:46




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 Re: 2nd tank for air compressor? in reply to John A (TX), 08-23-2004 07:56:51  
NO NO NO NO and again NOOOO!!!!

Water tanks aren't built for the pressures in a air system. Local JD dealership had one in a service truck. I think it was like a 200 gal. Would air it up and take to the field.

Worked ok for them for about two years UNTIL it blew up. Wrecked the box, back of the cab and if I remember correctly the frame. They were real lucky no one was near when it happened.

Don't even think about doing this unless you want a new door in your shop!!

JT

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Mark - IN.

08-23-2004 21:36:13




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 Re: 2nd tank for air compressor? in reply to big jt, 08-23-2004 09:49:46  
Reminds me of a short true story. A few years ago, some youngsters at a keg party came up with a great idea that ended in disaster. They decided to pressurize a beer keg so wouldn't have to pump the tapper. Great idea, no regulator. Turns out beer kegs are rated at very low pressure, and apparently operate best or max of about 12 PSI. these guys hooked to a compressor, and when went off like a bomb, killed a few of the party goers. Great idea, not engineered very well.

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Gregg

08-23-2004 09:03:33




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 Re: 2nd tank for air compressor? in reply to John A (TX), 08-23-2004 07:56:51  
Also water tanks have the diaphram in them that seperates the water from the air.



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Mark - IN.

08-23-2004 21:30:15




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 Re: 2nd tank for air compressor? in reply to Gregg, 08-23-2004 09:03:33  
Some have bladders, mostly the newer ones, but older ones don't. I have a 100 gal tank from the 70's (still in good shape) that doesn't have a bladder. Have to pressurize it about 4 times per year because air mixes with the water during release over time, and pressure drops. It's manageable though, and bought a little Campbell Hausfeld that sits next to the pump/tank because got tired of draggin an airhose from the garage through the house to get to the basement.

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JA

08-24-2004 09:32:37




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 Re: 2nd tank for air compressor? in reply to Mark - IN., 08-23-2004 21:30:15  
Hi, Mark. The tanks you're describing are exactly what I have. When I was using them on wells, the lost pressure due to air/water mixing that you described happened - as you said - a few times a year. My solution was simply to drain the tank completely and then refill it. Wish I'd thought of the compressor then. We don't have basements here (Cent. TX) so pressure tanks are in the pumphouse. Would have been easy to roll the compressor out to it. Why didn't you tell me this five yrs ago? :-}

~ja

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TheRealRon

08-23-2004 08:09:11




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 Re: 2nd tank for air compressor? in reply to John A (TX), 08-23-2004 07:56:51  
More tanks is better. BUT, those water tanks are used in applications where 60 psi is max. Could you get away with it? I don't know. But I do know that having a tank grenade in my shop would be way down my list of my favorite things to do. So I'd be looking for a real air tank, something that is designed to handle 175 psi or whatever you use.



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VaTom

08-23-2004 09:25:57




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 Re: 2nd tank for air compressor? in reply to TheRealRon, 08-23-2004 08:09:11  
60 psi max? Haven't seen a tank with a rating that low. Good thing, as my water system is set up at 80/100 psi. Lowest rated well tank I've seen was 100 psi, and I left it in the store.



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TheRealRon

08-23-2004 09:37:37




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 Re: 2nd tank for air compressor? in reply to VaTom, 08-23-2004 09:25:57  
Must be a regional thing. I have never seen a domestic water system set up beyond 40/60. That's all most household appliances will allow. All new installations here use 30/50 as you get a little more drawdown from bladder tanks at the lower setting.



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VaTom

08-23-2004 19:08:42




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 Re: 2nd tank for air compressor? in reply to TheRealRon, 08-23-2004 09:37:37  
Not regional. Our house, higher than the control/tank, runs at 30/50. It's an unusual system (50psi drop), but the control/tank works fine at 80/100. Effective size of the tank is proportionately reduced by the higher pressure.



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