I have a 35 gal. propane tank that my dad was going to use for his home built air compressor. He has since passed away and I would like to assemble the unit to use in my shop. The tank hasn't seen propane in 20 years and is in good shape. It is already inverted and mounted on a truck rim for a stand. There is still an odor of propane but the gas should be long gone. Are there any issues to using the tank? I will use an old compressor that came out of a tire repair shop along with a relief valve and pressure switch.
Air Compressor Tank Question
- Thread starter 48jeep
- Start date
RECox286
Well-known member
The obvious problem is that there is no way to drain water out of the tank. Knowing
this, plus the residual fumes from a flamable substance makes the vessal unsuitable
as an air compressor reservoir. Do yourself a big favor and look in another direction,
like maybe a real air compressor rated tank. They can be had brand new as a replace-
ment part from most any compressor parts supplier.
Good hunting
Uncle Bob
this, plus the residual fumes from a flamable substance makes the vessal unsuitable
as an air compressor reservoir. Do yourself a big favor and look in another direction,
like maybe a real air compressor rated tank. They can be had brand new as a replace-
ment part from most any compressor parts supplier.
Good hunting
Uncle Bob
If you can still smell it, you don't want to use that tank. If you could get it open and clean it with acetone, then maybe, but even then it's not a good idea. compression + volatility = danger.
You could look into a used compressor where maybe the head is broken but the tank is still good, but you don't really have a way to know how good it is inside. Maybe an inspection camera? You could also look into a tank used for water well pumps. This is only an assumption on my part, but between the two types of tanks I would trust the water tank more than a propane tank new.
You could look into a used compressor where maybe the head is broken but the tank is still good, but you don't really have a way to know how good it is inside. Maybe an inspection camera? You could also look into a tank used for water well pumps. This is only an assumption on my part, but between the two types of tanks I would trust the water tank more than a propane tank new.
RCStocker
Well-known member
Your replys have been righ on.
You need a way to drain the moistue out of the tank for one and the fumes are a second problem. Good used aircompressors are so cheap that it is not worth messing with and then there is the danger and drain problem.
I know you are attached to the project but it is really not worth having a bad memory over.
A replacement tak is very expensive and can cost more than buying a new compressor.
You need a way to drain the moistue out of the tank for one and the fumes are a second problem. Good used aircompressors are so cheap that it is not worth messing with and then there is the danger and drain problem.
I know you are attached to the project but it is really not worth having a bad memory over.
A replacement tak is very expensive and can cost more than buying a new compressor.
chris142
Well-known member
any propane is long gone as it evaporates a -44f I believe. the smell is the addative added. how much psi is the tank rated for? propane does not normally exceed ambient temp/ pressure
Residential water tanks deal with low pressures. (usually <60 PSI)
The OP should get a tank designed for compressed air. Any jury rigged tank could turn into a time bomb.
I screwed around patching a rusted compressor tank a few years ago. It held but recently started leaking. Someone recently posted this link http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?p=455570#post455570and although the circumstances were different, it caused me to be a lot more cautious when dealing with compressed air.
I would pass on that project and buy a rated tank or compressor set up.
I would pass on that project and buy a rated tank or compressor set up.
Thanks for your help. The tank has been inverted with the valve port down and the valve removed for a number of years. I think that an internal inspection is a good idea. I was under the assumption that propane tanks has a much higher p.s.i. rating the run of the mill compressor tank.
littletoes
Well-known member
The Oderant is mercaptin. It's patented for the use with such a gas, ONLY. The tanks are ASME pressure vessels with working pressures of 150 psi, the SAME as a Domestic water tank, hence the relief valve rating (one of the reasons why they are NOT considered a boiler).
Sure, you can still smell the gas, long after it is not flammable. Pull the bung, its most likely 3/4" iron pipe, or maybe 1".
If you know an ASME pressure vessel certified welder, have him put a bung on it where you want a drain....fill it with water first!
hehehe
lets not make this bigger than it is.....
PS-each ASME pressure vessel will have stamping on it some where, telling you its working and bursting pressure, and at what temp. Some compressors have a much higher bursting pressure, just depends what they were designed for.
Sure, you can still smell the gas, long after it is not flammable. Pull the bung, its most likely 3/4" iron pipe, or maybe 1".
If you know an ASME pressure vessel certified welder, have him put a bung on it where you want a drain....fill it with water first!
hehehe lets not make this bigger than it is.....
PS-each ASME pressure vessel will have stamping on it some where, telling you its working and bursting pressure, and at what temp. Some compressors have a much higher bursting pressure, just depends what they were designed for.
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