adding 2nd tank to air compressor add cfm?
- Thread starter cammok5
- Start date
e-tek
Well-known member
We used to discuss this all the time (like PVC airlines!) but not for a while! You get longer use times but also longer fill times.
thebeekeeper1
Well-known member
A bit of a variation I've been wondering about--can you run two so-so compressors (the usual $400 "60 gal./7 HP" in tandem, linked together with a valve to isolate one as desired, and gain enough to be worthwhile. That would be MUCH cheaper than buying one good compressor. Is that like dividing by zero?
Provincial
Well-known member
If you use a compressor very much, or need the higher volume very much, it is better to have one compressor with higher output.
The extra compressor will take up room and require extra wiring (and circuit capacity at your panel) in addition to the plumbing. If you don't do your own wiring, you need to consider the cost of the electrical changes. If you now have a 30-amp circuit, you can handle most 5 hp compressors.
Upgrading to a two-stage compressor of the same horsepower will give you in improvement in output. Stepping up to a 5 hp two-stage compressor will improve performance significantly.
The extra compressor will take up room and require extra wiring (and circuit capacity at your panel) in addition to the plumbing. If you don't do your own wiring, you need to consider the cost of the electrical changes. If you now have a 30-amp circuit, you can handle most 5 hp compressors.
Upgrading to a two-stage compressor of the same horsepower will give you in improvement in output. Stepping up to a 5 hp two-stage compressor will improve performance significantly.
Air delivery is determined by the motor HP and the pump size. If you have to stop and wait for the compressor to catch up now then the extra tank will not fix it. Like Provincial said we have had this discussion a few times and I used to post Why. If you search on my name and pump or compressor you will find a few threads around this subject.
lg
no neat sig line
Outlawmws
Well-known member
The problem with two compressors is managing the on/off times. You need to have one control, and then maybe have that turn the power on the two compressors via separate relays. Otherwise one will come on before the other, up goes the pressure, and the second will never come on...
Then there is the power constraints already mentioned.
Then there is the power constraints already mentioned.
dadsEH
Well-known member
Much the same argument as putting a bigger gas tank in my car ... will it go faster?
Chadwilliam1
Well-known member
He is only asking about adddig a second tank not a second compressor.
To me this is the ideal situation. If one compressor will handle the load, no need to run the second. With each having their own pressure switch have one, for single stage systems, with a 100psi cut in and the second in the low 90's then the second will only cut-in if your nearing load critical minimum pressure say 90psi.
lg
no neat sig line
TwoInch
Well-known member
thats excactly what i was thinking. if only using normal amount of air, the second would never cut on. only when using high volume would the second kick on. sounds like a potential "winner" if ya ask me.
OccupantRJ
Well-known member
This is the way I have done and used my compressors for years. Works very well.
I have 2 identical compressors sitting next to each other and just hooked together with a T fitting.
Fire them both up, let em fill. If I am just wacking a lug nut, etc.. then the 1 pump will kick on. If I am using more air, then the other one will kick on soon afterward. Works great.
Fire them both up, let em fill. If I am just wacking a lug nut, etc.. then the 1 pump will kick on. If I am using more air, then the other one will kick on soon afterward. Works great.
finn
Well-known member
Larger storage capacity will help, but not as much as a bigger compressor.
Multiple compressors are better than single compressors (doing more work) but messier to deal with than a single, larger compressor.
Multiple compressors are better than single compressors (doing more work) but messier to deal with than a single, larger compressor.
I like this idea a lot and I understand the cut-in and cutoff principle. Some hardware is needed to prevent the 90 psi tank from getting air from the first while still being able to measure air pressure in the main line to start and its own tank for cutoff. What does that look like? Anyone with a general parts list for plumbing the controls?
QwikKotaTx
Well-known member
Lol, I knew the other forum you peruse by the last sentence even before I saw your username.
When my Crapsman dies I want to use the 25 gal tank as a receiver for one of those little Makita oiled compressors but don't want the damn thing to run all day.
You do not need the " hardware is needed to prevent the 90 psi tank". Both tanks are on line, like your original post, all the time. The first compressor to kick on will fill both tanks or if the load is to much the system air (both tanks) pressure will drop until the second compressor switch reaches cut-in. You can put a ball valve at the exit of each compressor tank if you want so that you only have one compressor online if your just doing lite work.
lg
no neat sig line
TwoInch
Well-known member
not needed. you essentially are making one large tank out of the two tanks. if you think of it that way, one tank with two pumps feeding it, one set to cut in at 100psi, and the other set to cut in at 90psi, it should make more sense. you want them both measuring the same tank pressure. isolating them would defeat the whole idea.
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thebeekeeper1
Well-known member
cagullett1
Well-known member
I keep reading other places about using a check valve on the compressors before the T, is this really necessary?
Not according to me and a few of the others who have posted above. If you want to believe the ones who propose using a check valve then go ahead. CAn you provide a link to the other places who are proposing a check valve? Maybe I can read their whole post and understand their thinking behind the proposal. There is a check valve between the receiver and the pump head, but I would not have one anywhere down stream of that.
lg
no neat sig line