air compressor tank inspection ????

[cvcman]

Ok due to comments made on my post re the pressure switch on my compressor my OCD is kicking in...I bought this horizontal Campbell Hausfeld 2 cly cast iron 30 gallon 5hp compressor a few years back,,,probably 10 yrs ??

It looks to be in mint condition, I drain it when I think about it,,,just did tonight...few tablespoons of water NOT rusty looking...it says "Max 135 psi",,,thats close to where it shuts off if the gage is accurate...so questions:

1) should I be worried about the tank blowing up ? I know the pressure relief works because it went off the other day because the pressure switch had frozen moisture ??? in it and it stuck on,,,,
2) when they test the tanks new do they test to like 100 psi OVER the rated psi ??
3) when running air tools impacts, ratchets ive always had full tank pressure ive never turned the regulator down, good or bad ??

I don't see this model sold anywhere now, its all black with air filled tires...

 

[American Locomotive]

Why would you think the tank would blow up?

 

[Infinia]

Didn't you just "test it" , pressurized until the safety valve kicked in?
Don't worry, be happy, you have better chances to be struck by lightning than crippled by a freakish steel vessel rupture.

 

[Mr_B]

I wouldn't run air tools at full compressor pressure but on a 135psi max system it not a big deal as dynamic at the tool it be lot lower, 100 to 110 psi is a better balance still keep tools working at good power levels and reduces wear to tools and the compressor .
i've had my compressor tank for over 20years, maybe I drain it once a month, small amount of water that does drain is pretty clean, I don't worry about it the tanks indeed will handle way over the rated psi, a carb cleaner can can take over 135psi lol . important things are the safety valve and fact compressor shuts off at correct pressures, if tank was rusty mess or been subjected to some sort of damage then yes get it inspected/replaced .

 

[cvcman]

yea this pressue switch is adjustable so have it shutting off at 132....and the relief DOES work...just hear stories about tanks blowing, youtube videos etc...this thing seem VERY heavy,,,there is a huge cast iron bung on the bottom of the tank that the drain screws into..
They say they rust INSIDE not outside so you don't know

 

[EOC_Jason]

If yours has a big bung (like 1-1/2"??) on the top or bottom that reduces down for the other connectors, you can usually take it off with a big pipe wrench and look inside.

Honestly, probably just better / easier to tap along the bottom with a hammer.

When they pressure test they do them to a higher PSI than what the tank is "rated" for (just like every pressure vessel). I don't know what that pressure is, but I'm sure some research online you can find it.

As long as you keep your tank drained (and not like some people that do it maybe once a year and a couple gallons of rusty water comes out), you should be good for decades to come.

 

[cvcman]

I called CH they said if it's 15 yrss old toss it....really??? Wth....

 

[Mr_B]

If your tank corroding badly you soon know by **** that drains out of it.
My dad has a tank over 50 uears old and it fine, obviously modern china monkey metal needs bit closer eye kept on it as it rots far faster than older stuff . Is easy poke a modern cheap usb
bore scope in them ...

 

[EOC_Jason]

I called CH they said if it's 15 yrss old toss it....really??? Wth....

Cuz if you don't, they can't sell you a new one!

 

[CNGsaves]

^ ^ ^ Yeah, and mattress companies are advertising that 8 years is life of a mattress. Thus, "throw away" after 8 years and buy a new one !!! . .

Keep your tank drained DAILY when in use. Vertical tanks with drain at bottom have excellent durability . . . . IF you drain regularly.

The horizontal 20 gal tanks were the ones more prone to rust and problems.

 

[sberry]

The likelihood of it blowing up is less than getting hit by lightening. Your odds of hurt are 1000's times higher in a car.

 

[pcmeiners]

Your odds of getting hurt are 1000's times higher using household stairs .

 

[sberry]

I wonder how many hurt themselves getting fittings out for inspections?

 

[Bondo]

I wonder how many hurt themselves getting fittings out for inspections?

Ayuh,.... 'n removin' the tank plugs tells ya absolutely Nothin',....

Pressure tanks are tested by fillin' 'em with water, then pressurized to test pressure, 'n measured for deflection,....
Filled with water 1st, it ain't a Bomb,...

When I did my pressurized outdoor wood boiler, I tested at 90psi, 3 times the pressure of the relief valves,...

 

[cvcman]

Ayuh,.... 'n removin' the tank plugs tells ya absolutely Nothin',....

Pressure tanks are tested by fillin' 'em with water, then pressurized to test pressure, 'n measured for deflection,....
Filled with water 1st, it ain't a Bomb,...

When I did my pressurized outdoor wood boiler, I tested at 90psi, 3 times the pressure of the relief valves,...

Yea..i thhink thhis tank is fine...it probably is over 10yrs old but the water I drain is clear and not rusty looking...the guy an Condor said " don't get rid of it,thats a cast iron USA made pump.they don't sell those anymore...at least not Campbell Hausfeld

 

[LX-Markham]

Explosion is going to occur from a good tank with no pressure release.
A rusty tank will develop a leak and hiss.

You've already confirmed your pressure release valve is functional.

 

[skruft]

I have never heard of any air compressor tank (or line or tool) exploding. I think it would leak and hiss. I have one compressor that has been operating since, I think, 1977 and is fine. It is drained regularly (just until no more more water comes out) and has the oil and filter changed rarely. No part has failed yet.

 

[pstemari]

There was a YouTube video posted a few weeks back that showed a compressor tank explosion. Not fun stuff.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

[EOC_Jason]

Yes, check youtube, there are CCTV videos from tanks exploding. Though rare, just depends on the condition of the tank.

Had an old standborn 20 gallon horizontal that developed a pinhole leak on the bottom. Replaced the tank, not worth trying to patch / test... They are called a pressure vessel for a reason...