Air Compressor Receiver Tank ???

[Bib Overalls]

I just replaced my old 60 gallon vertical tank Campbell-Hausfield compressor with a similar model made by Ingersoll-Rand. My old tank is still serviceable and I am considering keeping it as a receiver tank.

One option is to run it in line which will double storage capacity and give the air time to "linger" and hopefully cool and drop out moisture.

The other option is to plumb it as a drop on the main trunk with a shut off valve. This gives the benefits of larger capacity when needed but does not offer the air cooling that comes with the in line option.

I turn my compressor off when I am not in the shop. Do you think that the benefits of increased "linger time" justify the additional run time needed to bring two tanks up to pressure at start up?

For most of my jobs a single tank is adequate. But there are times when the additional capacity will really help.

Any other pros and cons?

 

[Motofixxer]

I think if I had the need I would just plumb it in the middle somewhere as extra reserve capacity with a shutoff valve. That way it's there when you want it and shutoff and isolated when you don't need it.

 

[79firebird]

i Second putting a valve on it and plumbing it into the system. im wishing i did that when i added my 2ed tank some times when all i need to do is air up a tire. you can never have to much air depending on what your doing. if im sanding or sand blasting i hook up my 3ed reserve tank. main tank 26gal 2ed tank 120gal. and 3ed wich is a work in progress gas compressor 60gal tank.

 

[z28snksknr]

I have a rather small compressor (30 gal.) and just purchased an "add-on" tank that's another 12 gallons. It makes a great difference in my system to have more capacity.

 

[Sokoloff]

Where'd you guys buy additional tanks?

 

[z28snksknr]

There's a cheapo CH compressor they sell at Lowes that has 12 gallon "take away" tanks that add capacity to their system. They have handles and a gauge, so you can charge them and take them elsewhere for use. Around $70 I believe.

 

[machinistchest]

Where'd you guys buy additional tanks?

I use old hot water heaters. Don`t know what PSI these tanks are rated for however they do have a 150# relief valve in them.

The hot water heater usually has a 1/16" drilled hole so deep in the lower weld seam where the tank would rust and leak first, it`s called a fail safe. I take off the insulation, silver solder the hole, leave the valve in and fill`em up.

I`v had one for twenty years now and it hasen`t blowen up yet.However I`m not advising HERE

Just have to rember that the older and rustier the tank is the more chance it will fail.

What do y`all think about this...MC

 

[BillK]

For most of my jobs a single tank is adequate. But there are times when the additional capacity will really help.

?

Other than initial time till the compressor kicks on, the additional tank does not give you any additional capacity. The capacity for doing "long" jobs such as bead blasting, is determined by the cfm capability of your compressor pump. The compressor has to replace the air that you use. Does not matter if you have ten tanks .... if you use 200 cu ft of air, the compressor has to pump 200 cu ft back in.

 

[tcianci]

What Bill said! Nothing is for nothing, A million tanks aint gonna give you more capacity.

 

[DannyG]

I agree it can be from 60-120 gallon tanks, its really all about CFM. If you need more air, you need a bigger pump.

 

[krooser]

What they said...

 

[honestcharlie1]

The real benefit of multiple tanks is increased storage capacity and reducing the number of times the compressor has to start. Starting is the hardest thing the motor and pump has to do, so that prolongs unit life. When painting, I can paint longer between cycles and waiting for the compressor to catch up. I use a couple of old 100 pound propane tanks; they are worth about 50 gallons each and rated 200 psi WP.

 

[LWW]

I have a 60gallon main tank with a 7.5hp IR pump and have my "portable" 33 gal oil-less Craftsman upright T'd into the line with a shut-off valve and a quick disconnect to make it easy to close off and take to the track for "local" air. Since the Craftsman is a 110v, it's especially useful as a mobile compressor even though it's cfm *****. I also have two 20gal additional tanks plumbed inline mounted up in the rafters with them tucked away in the "useless" space in each corner of the garage where the pitch of the roof meets the walls. In my new garage, I'm considering just getting a much bigger compressor. As I mentioned in the "Lift vs. Compressor" thread, I'm looking at used commercial 3-phase 2 to 3 stage compressors with HUGE tanks to put in a little shed with my generator behind the garage. I may upgrade the generator too...

Anyway, T the old tank inline with a shut-off valve that way, when you're done working for the day, throw the shut-off valve and turn off your compressor.

Do you actually drain the entire air system every time you shut down for the night?

Having to wait for a 60 or 80 gallon tank to "refill" every day would drive me nuts. If you're doing this to keep moisture out of the system, I would recommend an auto-drain system and a dryer or after-cooler to take the moisture out of the system. Ever since I installed my auto drain valve, I haven't emptied my air system but maybe once or twice in several years.

Cheers,
LWW

 

[dreamingmuscle]

Other than initial time till the compressor kicks on, the additional tank does not give you any additional capacity. The capacity for doing "long" jobs such as bead blasting, is determined by the cfm capability of your compressor pump. The compressor has to replace the air that you use. Does not matter if you have ten tanks .... if you use 200 cu ft of air, the compressor has to pump 200 cu ft back in.

Then why does a compressor need a tank in the first place? I have a small 2 gallon compressor if that size tanks works the same as a 80 gallon tank. Why do I need a 80 gallon tank for a bigger compressor?

I agree with the poster above. The compressor is going to run a lot longer while filling both tanks. But once full I'm going to be able to run air tools a twice as long before I have to wait for two equal tanks to refill. And while I won't really be saving any time because it is going to take twice as much time to fill two equal tanks again. I will have enough time between fills that I can fill free to walk away and do some other little project. Instead of waiting around shuffling my feet because it's not worth walking away for that short of time.

Glen
________
Honda Manufacturing of Alabama specifications

 

[krooser]

Glen,

The real answer to your dilemma is to buy a larger capacity compressor. I did what you suggest... but really it's just a band-aid for having a small compressor.

Last night I was using my DA and my blast cab... I can keep working while my compressor just keeps humming along supplying as much air as I need. Having to stop while waiting for it to fill those tanks is a PITA... but I've been there.

Having an aux tank is simply not the best solution... a better compressor is... I finally bit the bullet and bought a bigger unit... now I wish I bought an even bigger one...

 

[TexasT]

While a larger compressor might be a better solution, you already have the tank. For the cost of some tubing, and fittings you get a larger temporary volume. I have a 33 and 20 gallon tanks I use with my speed air hot dog compressor for bigger air needs.

Not everyone can afford a compressor that meets their needs.

 

[akdiesel]

I have your option 1 in service right now. I did not put it in for additional air storage but for a water knock out tank. Since the install I have not had any water issues in my system.
The only thing I will install in the future is the auto valves mentioned earlier.
This will keep the main tank (carbon steel) from rusting, the knock out tank is a 5 gallon stainless tank, but will also need to be drained as well.
Less maintance and parts to replace than the air dryer systems.

 

[Bib Overalls]

I think I am going to try the tank-in-line option first. Depending on how it works out I will keep the set up, convert to a when-needed configuration, or delete the second tank all together. Appreciate the input.