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switching to a bigger tank for air compressor

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scott37300

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I have this compressor http://www.mytoolstore.com/rolair/k2-3.html, the first one on the list. 3 HP, 30 gallon, single phase, two stage pump. I bought this used a couple years ago for a good deal and it is a great compressor. But the 30 gallon tank is a little small sometimes. This same motor pump combo comes with the option of a 60 or 80 gallon tank also. Was wondering if I could either upgrade my tank to a 60 gallon or add another 20-30 gallon tank in line with my current 30 gallon? I think adding another similar size tank would be the most cost effective, probably could find one used for a good deal. Is there any downside to putting two tanks in line with each other? Or is there a place to get a 60 gallon tank for a decent price? Just trying to get some options for upgrading the air tanks on a budget since I don't have the money to buy a new compressor.
 
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LEVE

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I would think so also, just didnt know if there was any issues with putting two tanks together
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The only issue I could think of is the duty cycle for the motor when it's compressing air for both tanks.
 
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930dreamer

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I was given an IR compressor with a locked up motor. I ran my main air hose into this 60 gal tank with quick disconnects. I have a gauge/water filter on the outlet side.
 

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scott37300

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930dreamer said:
I was given an IR compressor with a locked up motor. I ran my main air hose into this 60 gal tank with quick disconnects. I have a gauge/water filter on the outlet side.
Click to expand...

Is that your compressor in your avatar? If so I would say you would be set for air storage!
 
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larry_g

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scott37300 said:
I have this compressor http://www.mytoolstore.com/rolair/k2-3.html, the first one on the list. 3 HP, 30 gallon, single phase, two stage pump. But the 30 gallon tank is a little small sometimes. .
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I'm curious as to how you have determined " But the 30 gallon tank is a little small sometimes." ? Air delivery is determined by the pump/motor. On your link note that the specs are all the same delivery reguardless of the tank size. What do you hope to gain with a larger tank?

lg
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scott37300

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larry_g said:
I'm curious as to how you have determined " But the 30 gallon tank is a little small sometimes." ? Air delivery is determined by the pump/motor. On your link note that the specs are all the same delivery reguardless of the tank size. What do you hope to gain with a larger tank?

lg
no neat sig line
Click to expand...

Well the way I understand it is the air delivery(CFM) is determined by the motor/pump, but the bigger the tank the longer the run time. And yes you are correct, the link I posted shows all those compressors have the same motor/pump combo like I mentioned in my first post. But they offer different tank sizes. The smaller tank(my 30 gal) will supply **.xCFM for a certain amount of time, the larger 60-80 gallon tank will supply the same **.xCFM for double that time.
 
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larry_g

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scott37300 said:
Well the way I understand it is the air delivery(CFM) is determined by the motor/pump, but the bigger the tank the longer the run time. And yes you are correct, the link I posted shows all those compressors have the same motor/pump combo like I mentioned in my first post. But they offer different tank sizes.
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This is correct but rather than longer run time it is longer time to draw down the tank until the pump kicks on.


The smaller tank(my 30 gal) will supply **.xCFM for a certain amount of time, the larger 60-80 gallon tank will supply the same **.xCFM for double that time
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Mostly correct however once the pump kicks in tank size is out of the picture. With the pump you have, if the ratings are correct, there are very few air tools that are going to outrun that pump in the home shop. If you are outrunning the pump then you are deciding wether to run 5 minutes and wait 5 minutes or run 10/wait 10 with a bigger tank.

So are you using tools that out run the pump? By out run I mean that the tank pressure continues to drop even if the pump is running and you get to a point that the tool your running will cease to function properly. OR are you wanting more tank capacity so that you can draw down longer before the pump kicks on? If your out running the pump then you may need a setup like pictured in post 3 of this thread; http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=76533. If you just want more drawdown time then a second tank will do it but at a lot of cost for little gain (my opinion.)

lg
no neat sig line
Click to expand...
 
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scott37300

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The compressor keeps up with most of my needs, the reason for wanting the extra tank capacity is for a sandblaster(http://www.costplustools.com/ALC-40002-Sandy-Jet-Model-F100DM-Pressure-Blaster_p_2453.html) and also did some HVLP painting of my kitchen cabinets last summer. For the spraying my big compressor was in storage so I had to use my little portable dewalt/emglo 4.5 gallon compressor, http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...eId=10051&catalogId=10053&productId=100497925. And it ran this compressor almost constantly but got the job done! I think the compressors ratings are pretty acurate, it's a two stage and made in WI. Just think that if I can get a used 30 gallon tank for a decent price it would work better for sandblasting and painting if I do anymore.

Think I'm going to place a wanted add on craigslist for used air tanks and see what comes about. Maybe I will set it up with a bypass so for everyday garage use I will just fill up the 30 gallon tank and then for sandblasting or painting I can run both tanks. I really appreciate the help guys.
 
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