What’s the best way to make sure that a compressor tank is in good condition? Do you knock on it & listen for anything?
I don’t want to die from the tank on a used compressor exploding 🙂 – or do you never buy used compressors?
Performance improvements for the prized homes of an influential developer who wanted us all to be able to own one.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
look at the water coming out is a start, if rusty, that is normal. If chunky rusty, be aware.
If oily , chunky, rusty..pass on it.
If it won't even drain, run like hell.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
There is no cure for stupid. R. White.
We expect a tank to maintain pressure. A compressor tank does not contain enough pressure to explode. A small hole in the tank will cause a rapid decrease in pressure and the remaining air expells with a hissing noise much like a car tire.
May neighbors respect You, and troubles neglect You.
Gord
"A compressor tank does not contain enough pressure to explode."
?
then what the hell happened to that one I heard go boom a coupla years ago?
I was on the other side of the house ... maybe someone shot it!
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
I was gonna post on that comment..
But you got it right on.
They CAN/WILL explode.
Never had it happen, but I saw one after it did.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
There is no cure for stupid. R. White.
I think it was my buddy Joe's ...
as he's a fan of never actually draining his compressors.
I do remember I was on the other side of the house when I heard a shotgun like noise ... took a quick walk around .... everyone there was quite alert! Woke up everyone.
no one was standing close ... luckily it blew up during framing and not interior trim!
no real physical damage ... as it was out there by it's lonesome .... but it was loud ... and there was a good bit of curled metal on the end of the bottom hotdog ... right where the end caps are welded on .. had a gash a coupla inches long ...
think it was an emglo ... due in no fault to them what so ever ... damn thing was never drained ... well over 10 or 15 yrs old ... and got rained/snowed on in the back of Joe's pick up all year long.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
You got me there JB.
I was thinking about a faulty tank and clued out on the prospect of solid tank and a pump that continues to run beyond 140psi.
I stand corrected...
...and Buck Slapped.
Gord
we talked about his coulda 'sploded ...
stuck needle vavle? You'da thot it would have just blown a release ...
his pressure was rusted in at around 100 ...
but it did let go. No release ... and right at a welded seam. Nothing but air blew off ... but I bet it would hurt to be standing near by ...
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Water pressure testing is the approved method, but I've never known anybody to do it.
Last used compressor I bought had a 500 psi rated tank. Haven't needed it yet, the other used one is still cranking, but I won't be running anywhere near 500. BTW, testing the head: start with an empty tank and time it to cutoff. Mfg. will tell you what's acceptable and when it's time to rebuild.
I'm fond of older industrial compressors, hard to kill, inexpensive. The newer ones that don't weigh much of anything I wouldn't buy used. For a portable, which I don't use, new looks good.
PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
If there are any certified welders in the area they might hace a thickness guageing tool. It uses sound waves I believe to check wall thinckness without cutting open stuff. I've seen it used on elbows that were wearing thin due to abrasive material in a solution wearing them out.
Headstong, I'll take on anyone!