Debris in air tank

[TheClaw]

I scored a decent 60gal vertical compressor tank (instead of having to buy a new compressor). It's was sitting around in the PO shop for a ling time. As we moved it I could hear some debris shaking around the bottom. I could likely vacuum it out provided I can open one of the plugs. I've treated rusty gas tanks on my motorcycles before but I was wondering if there is a similar treatment for larger air tanks.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[GRN96WS6]

Sounds like rust, they hold a lot more pressure than a gas tank, might not be wise to air it up if so, if it explodes that won't be pretty.

 

[TheClaw]

Agreed but no reason to believe this tank is anything but solid. A little rust is not that uncommon, no? Just wondering if there's some maintenance that's worthwhile before I mount the motor and pump.

 

[DekeT]

I would never put a tank in operation that I did not thoroughly inspect inside and out. I take the opposite POV that there is no reason to believe the tank is solid.

 

[GRN96WS6]

You'd have to inspect it inside to see how bad the rust is.... I think they all rust but if it's too bad and explodes that will be deadly.

 

[Doctor Bill]

They are actually putting a "Discard After" date on portable air tanks for this reason now. Had a relative killed by one that exploded a few minutes after being filled. An old machinist gave me this static test method: You fill it completely with water (all air out) cap it off except for a pressure gauge, release valve, and a grease fitting. Use the grease gun to bring the pressure up to a test point maybe 150% of working pressure. Let it sit for a few hours at that pressure/temperature to prove it is sound. Having a hydrostatic test done , possibly not that expensive, also may be an option...

 

[kbs2244]

I have heard of guys useing a pressure washer for testing tanks.
Plumb it up, put it around the corner, and turn it on.

 

[TheClaw]

Ok, dumb question, when I'm using a grease gun to pressure test the tank I use an empty gun, right? Or does the grease just drain out with the water?

 

[Hornman]

Plumb up a horizontal run of pipe you pump the grease into. It will stay in that horizontal run and not fall into the tank.

 

[Indyducati]

Here's a pretty good video of a tank being 'reconditioned'.

Steve

 

[malbojah]

Any suggestions on how to remove the big inspection plugs (3/4" square female plug) if they don't come off with an electric impact?

 

[RossABQ]

I have heard of guys useing a pressure washer for testing tanks.
Plumb it up, put it around the corner, and turn it on.

Pressure washers operate at huge pressures compared to an air tank!

 

[AndyA]

Pressure washers operate at huge pressures compared to an air tank!

I think the idea is you keep the engine turned off and just rotate it slowly using the pull rope. Stop pulling when you hit the desired test pressure (around 300 psi rather than 3000 psi or more where the pressure washer will top out). If you have an electric pressure washer, you're out of luck!

 

[TheClaw]

Any suggestions on how to remove the big inspection plugs (3/4" square female plug) if they don't come off with an electric impact?

That's the million dollar question! I couldn't get mine undone. The fittings were all wrong too. I was looking at alot of new plumbing.

I've already re-sold it and bought a new tank (at a real bargin price) to retrofit my good motor and pump.

 

[Tronyadorable]

That's the million dollar question! I couldn't get mine undone. The fittings were all wrong too. I was looking at alot of new plumbing.

I've already re-sold it and bought a new tank to retrofit my good motor and pump.

Ona mine is a left hand thread plug.

 

[TheClaw]

Here's a pretty good video of a tank being 'reconditioned'.

Steve

That's a great video. The tank I was working on was also a Buckeye Boiler Company tank. Very solid. Should find a good home.

 

[Indyducati]

Claw, I'm curious how you found a new tank at a bargain price. When I price tanks, they're equal to the price of an entire low-end compressor package !

Steve

 

[sberry]

You need a pressure relief when using a washer. You can use a valve to regulate it.

 

[PT Doc]

If I heard things rattling around in a tank, I too would question the integrity. After all, good tanks don't make noise.

 

[Zeke]

If I heard things rattling around in a tank, I too would question the integrity. After all, good tanks don't make noise.

Totally agree.

 

[TheClaw]

Claw, I'm curious how you found a new tank at a bargain price. When I price tanks, they're equal to the price of an entire low-end compressor package !

Steve

I bought my original compressor from this guy 19 yes ago when we was a small independent tools store. Before HF moved in. We have since moved out of the area but I went back to him to buy a new Puma. I told him that my tank was leaking and he said why about this? He showed me a new 60gal tank ticketed at $399. He said he let me have it for $275 to get it moved. It had the same fittings as my.old talk. The used one I'm cleaning does not. Needs a lot of pluming. Kinda hard to pass up a deal like that. The tank I picked up the other day is already resold

This guy has a great store. Some used a lot new and the new stuff is not the CCC (cheap Chinese ****) at HF. He sells alot of scooters and ATVs now but he's still in the same location on the wrong side of town. If the US made motor I have goes out or the pump goes out. I'll go back to him for spares. Even if its out of my way.

 

[TheClaw]

So, indyducati..what kind of Ducati? Got a 93 900/944SS and 85 F1A.

 

[Indyducati]

Claw, I've got a 1994 Monster. It used to be an exotic bike

$275 for a new tank is awesome !