Air compressor explosion

[Abeo]

All this talk about water, rust and obssesive compulsive draining. Doesn't oxygen come into play here. Since the walls are wet and exposed to O2 wouldn't they be more prone to rust than the bottom that's holding water and exposed to less oxygen?

Corrosion requires 4 things:

Oxygen
Electrolyte (water in this case, which transports the electrons)
Cathode (part that oxidizes/corrodes, which requires electrons)
Anode (part that supplies the electrons for the corrosion)

We can't change the oxygen levels (obviously). The cathodes and anodes are within the steel, where the local chemistry is different than another area (pits happen because one area is more cathodic than the surrounding area). So with those three not easily controlled, we can control the level of electrolyte by draining off water often. Having standing water in the bottom won't help, as water will absorb oxygen (especially under pressure).

Internal coating, air dryers, etc would help... but there is a cost-benefit scenario to be considered.

 

[Blazin8556]

growing up i remember my dads craftsman air compressor blowing the end of the tank off at the seam. the release valve quit working and the compressor motor kept running. it was stuck in the wall when we went into the shop to see what happened.

 

[e-tek]

Holy smokes.. Sounds like a good reason to get the compressor outside...

No ****. I've been wanting to put mine outside for years, but was afraid the low temps would hurt it. Turns out the motor bearing went anyways - inside.

If you guys keep sharing examples, I am going to be too afraid to use my compressor and switch to all electric tools. Please stop!

Bull, I've mostly switched to electric tools in my shop. They are stronger, more convenient and I HATE the noise of the compressor cycling on while I'm working.

I currently leave it filled and turned on. But tonight when I go out there to feed the cat I will be switching the thing "off," that's for sure!

I haven't left mine on since a hose blew and it cycled on and off all night, burning off the belt.

Wanna see a bunch of examples of exploded compressor tanks? Just Google it!