seem to remember a thread on converting propane tanks to air.
did a search and didn’t find anything.
so went to get the 20 lb propane tank filled for the grill.
guess it’s been awhile
it is the kind without the float to shut it off, no can fill.
the tank is in good shape, so thought could usr it for air.
any one remember that thread or know how to do the conversion?
TIA
Replies
19598.4
Scroll down to the bottom of the left hand column to the "Search Messages" window; enter "propane tanks for air"; search; give it a minute and this thread will appear about 7 or so down.
I think I'll go read it.
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
Edit: The comments in this thread run from very positive to very negative, sounds about normal for Breaktime; draw your own conclusions.
Edited 6/6/2005 8:16 pm ET by JTC1
Edited 6/6/2005 8:18 pm ET by JTC1
Can fill - Surf http://www.opdvalve.com.
Somebody said Blowes ( Blue Rhino ) even trades the old tanks, too.
Edited 6/6/2005 8:33 pm ET by FarmerDave
In my area I take the old tank to Home Depot and they exchange it for a new full tank for about $15.00.
I think I read somewhere that it is illegal to use these tanks for other gases. I have made air tanks from freon drums and seems like it would be easy enough to make one from the LP tank.
You get pictures with my link.
; )
New use for old propane tank
A person with no sense of humor about themselves, has no sense at all.
I've about 6 old propane tanks in use for air. One of the more recent threads had a good synopsis, can't find it, but the gist is:
1. if you have a vacuum pump for hvac, pull a < 1 torr vacuum for an hour or so and you are all set.
2. No vac pump - Open valve and set upside down for a week or so, then fill with water, empty, then remove valve, let set in the sun or hot place upside down for another week (heat drives any absorbed propane out of the steel, heavier than air so flow out when upside down) . Fill with water again and drain, now all set to use as air tank after you paint it green or black.
3. Prop tanks tested for over 300 psi (dont recall exact number) so 125 psi just fine if no external rust pits.
4. When in use, mount upside down so you can drain condensate, drier/water separator essential in this setup for use with air tools.
Edit PS:
Jeff posted while I was writting (good pictorials!), you can do his thing after the upside down for a week and water fill with little risk. The above is zero risk. Slight risk of propane air mix being within ignition level for just pressurizing once and venting. I took the propane valve off mine and used 3/4" pipe and reducers rather than the propane fixture - really a pain to break loose the propane valve, needed 36" pipe wrench on some.
Edited 6/7/2005 12:28 am ET by JUNKHOUND
BTW:
Take your tank out in the boonies to a farm supply shop.
Tell them that the tank is for farm use. Torch, heater, etc. They can still fill it.
You can also just stencil, "for torch use only" on the tank, and they will fill it.
Not that I know anyone who has done that.
; )
A person with no sense of humor about themselves, has no sense at all.
The reason I've used multiple propane tanks for air is that over the last 2 years have not had to buy propane, simply 'offer' to take nearly full 'old valve' tanks off peoples hands at garage sales, etc. Did pay $1 once for a full tank<G>
Had a couple extra and put on the street last weekend with 'free' signs, somebody took them.
ROFLOLThey'd have dissappeared faster if you'd put a sign on them... $20.00; )
A person with no sense of humor about themselves, has no sense at all.
thanks
everyone
bobl Volo, non valeo
Baloney detecter