Diy air tanks for compressor

[z-edition 006]

I just started a new project. This time i’m working on two air receiver tanks, to increase the air volume to my compressor in my garage.

Here are some pictures:

 

[matt_i]

Oh man...be careful... look at leak-before-break design criteria. Fast fracture has a track record of some spectacularly horrifying failures.

I recommend a proof hydraulic test to 300psi before you use it at 100 psi air....

 

[Farrier]

not a good idea

 

[NoMoreGreen]

I'll tag along on this ride. Maybe he's an SME?

 

[sberry]

Compared to some of the stuff I did when I was a kid this is good. This heavy pipe and dome ends doesn't scare me. The plumbing is huge but that makes it strong too I guess. But,,, Lotta work for small additional tank. What's this add, under 20 gallons? Wait, does the note say 70L? Is that correct?
I would cheapen this by skipping the valves, unions and simply weld pipe between the tanks,, what's all that gonna do for it but add threaded parts.
Only need 1 pressure gage if that's even needed at this point.

 

[Mr.N]

I just started a new project. This time i’m working on two air receiver tanks, to increase the air volume to my compressor in my garage.

Here are some pictures:

is that 10" schedule 40 pipe?

How good of a welder are you?

 

[1Garageman]

I am subscribing to this. Hope this ends safely!

 

[Robby321]

I am subscribing to this. Hope this ends safely!

I'm not even WANTING to see the pic of a Shrapnel in the head.."don't mess compressed"...

 

[danski0224]

I'd use PVC.

 

[joe_padavano]

Just so we're all clear, bigger/more tanks does NOT "increase the air volume" of your compressor. All it does is let you go a little longer before you have to wait for the compressor to pump them back up, and when it does, it takes a lot longer to reach the cutoff pressure. The only thing that increases volume (as in SCFM) is a larger compressor pump. With a big enough pump, you don't need any tank.

I will admit that I was under the similar misconception that more tank volume would solve my problem. It does not. Changing to a 23 SCFM compressor pump, however, made all the difference in the world. My compressor doesn't even breathe hard when I media blast, and I can now use a real pressure pot with a sizeable nozzle so blasting goes a lot faster. I never have to wait for the compressor when I use a die grinder or cutoff tool. Don't waste your time and money on tanks. Put the money towards a pump.

 

[56Mark]

The one thing a second tank gains you is a little more cooling/condensation removal. I agree with others, it seems like a lot of work for a small gain and doesn't help on continual running of the compressor. Here in the US, you can often find a used compressor tank cheap where someone had a pump failure and sells the whole thing. If you are a good welder, I don't see any huge safety concerns especially since you are showing PSV's in the design.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

Just so we're all clear, bigger/more tanks does NOT "increase the air volume" of your compressor.

Joe, I believe you're confusing "air volume" with 'pump output'. Adding additional receivers, does in fact add "air volume". You are correct that it decreases cycling, but increases run time, which does save the motor in the long run.

 

[z-edition 006]

I used to work with pipe welding for offshore and ship industry a wile ago. I'm not consern about this project.

Some more pictures.

 

[z-edition 006]

More pictures.

 

[larry4406]

I used to work with pipe welding for offshore and ship industry a wile ago. I'm not consern about this project.

Some more pictures.

Nice looking welds!

 

[strutaeng]

Dang, this guy is not your typical American Redneck! The proof is in the pudding. LOL

In that States it is easy to find used receivers. I'm picking one 200 gallon tank up this weekend to turn into a grill for $150! However, OP is in Norway...


When in Norway, do what Norwegians do!

 

[MattT]

But,,, Lotta work for small additional tank. What's this add, under 20 gallons? Wait, does the note say 70L? Is that correct?

71.5L which is just shy of 19 US gallons each, 38 total. So it's going to be a decent increase for a homeowner setup. And as someone else mentioned another tank will also help with dropping moisture out.

Regards a lot of work it is by US standards where it'd be easier to just mount another tank next to the shop. The OP is in Norway so he may be short on space and has to do something with a smaller footprint.

 

[AngryBeaver]

wow. So many negative nancys.

Looks good OP. don't mind the critics that can't think outside the box, or weld.

 

[Slackerzinc]

Looking good, great way to add more volume

 

[sberry]

The pipes are bigger than I thought. 38 more gallons gives it some more range, let's the operator "time" some air use, especially sanding. Let's the comp run steadier.

 

[1953mercury]

Welds look good to me. It's not really rocket science, you just need to prep for full penetration, multi pass weld. Looks like are friend from the north country, has it well in hand. Mike

 

[z-edition 006]

Nice looking welds!

Thanks.

Dang, this guy is not your typical American Redneck! The proof is in the pudding. LOL

In that States it is easy to find used receivers. I'm picking one 200 gallon tank up this weekend to turn into a grill for $150! However, OP is in Norway...

When in Norway, do what Norwegians do!

It’s easy to find used receivers here in Norway also. But diy is funn, and i don’t like thin chinese gauge steel or old rusty tanks made in the 70s or 80s.

71.5L which is just shy of 19 US gallons each, 38 total. So it's going to be a decent increase for a homeowner setup. And as someone else mentioned another tank will also help with dropping moisture out.

Yes i think so.

Regards a lot of work it is by US standards where it'd be easier to just mount another tank next to the shop. The OP is in Norway so he may be short on space and has to do something with a smaller footprint.

My work space is only 49m2, so i need to have a small footprint.

wow. So many negative nancys.

Yes i know. But making a pressure vessel is not for anybody. You have to know what your doing.

Looks good OP. don't mind the critics that can't think outside the box, or weld.

Lol thanks

Looking good, great way to add more volume

Yes i think so.

Here are some more pictures.

 

[z-edition 006]

The pipes are bigger than I thought. 38 more gallons gives it some more range, let's the operator "time" some air use, especially sanding. Let's the comp run steadier.

I think that will be much better what i have today.

Welds look good to me. It's not really rocket science, you just need to prep for full penetration, multi pass weld. Looks like are friend from the north country, has it well in hand. Mike

Thanks. I weld 3 passes and i have fully penetration of the welds. I used to weld piping handling multiple 100 bars for offshore industry back in the days.

 

[rsanter]

If I was adding tanks to my system I would only add them as dry tanks.
Use a dryer/water trap before the add on tanks and then pull off of those tanks.

Is that what your plan is?
If not a recommend making a minor change in that plan

Bob

 

[jhn9840]

Very nice fabrication and welding work.

jhn9840
John

 

[FSrepair&fabrication]

Looks very good. Alot of memebers here are afraid of compressed air. Dont let them discourage you. Most are likely not qualified to critique the process, let alone pass a 6G. Lesser welds pass inspection day in and day out at much higher pressures than a shop conpressor can achieve.

Its the bozos with the hobby mig welder and rusty old tanks they should be afraid of.

 

[sqznby]

I get a kick outta some of the comments. I agree 100% with FS.

Nice work, it looks great and is a great idea. Nicely done.

 

[mohead1]

My portable just shite the bed with a pin hole in the tank. Ordered a new tank, larger, and of course fittings in wrong place. Plugged and welded factory holes, got flanged bungs, hole sawed where i needed, tig welded the bungs in place, swapped comp and motor over....waa laa....all good. Pressure set at 120. Tank rated to 150.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[dkmc]

Very nice, and good to see substantial wall thickness. You'll never have a problem with rust-thru on those!

 

[MattT]

My work space is only 49m2, so i need to have a small footprint.

So roughly 1 car garage size? Or is my metric to standard math way off?

Edit: I see you've changed m3 to m2 so not that small. More like a 2 car.

 

[z-edition 006]

If I was adding tanks to my system I would only add them as dry tanks.
Use a dryer/water trap before the add on tanks and then pull off of those tanks.

Is that what your plan is?
If not a recommend making a minor change in that plan

Bob

Yes that's my plan. I aleady have a water trap on my compressor.

Very nice fabrication and welding work.

jhn9840
John

Thanks

Looks very good. Alot of memebers here are afraid of compressed air. Dont let them discourage you. Most are likely not qualified to critique the process, let alone pass a 6G. Lesser welds pass inspection day in and day out at much higher pressures than a shop conpressor can achieve.

Its the bozos with the hobby mig welder and rusty old tanks they should be afraid of.

Thanks, yes i know lol. I feel safe to build this system for my self and only my self. If anyone copy anything on this thred, it's their own risk.

I get a kick outta some of the comments. I agree 100% with FS.

Nice work, it looks great and is a great idea. Nicely done.

Thanks

My portable just shite the bed with a pin hole in the tank. Ordered a new tank, larger, and of course fittings in wrong place. Plugged and welded factory holes, got flanged bungs, hole sawed where i needed, tig welded the bungs in place, swapped comp and motor over....waa laa....all good. Pressure set at 120. Tank rated to 150.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Very god idea, but you should pressure test it before use, to be at the safe side.

Very nice, and good to see substantial wall thickness. You'll never have a problem with rust-thru on those!

Yes that's why i build a system my self.

So roughly 1 car garage size? Or is my metric to standard math way off?ååå

Edit: I see you've changed m3 to m2 so not that small. More like a 2 car.

Yes that's right. I may build my garage bigger in the future to 70m2.

I will test the system for safety purpose. I just use the test procedure for Slac, National Accelerator Labratory: Test pressure for new pressure vessel.

Test 1 Pneumatic:
Air 0,2 – 0,3 bar on the system, and use soapy water on all welds and fittings. If no leakes, go to test 2.

Test 2 Hydrostatic:
1,43 x MAWP (Maximum allowable working pressure)
Since my PSV’s is lifting at 10 bar, i set my MAWP at 9,8 bar.
1,43 x 9,8 bar = 14 bar (203 PSI) I will fill the system with water, and use a hydrostatic pressure test pump to gain 14 bar. If no water leaks and nothing blows out , i have a good and a safe system to work with.

Note!! This is for my system only, and my own risk... If anyone other copy this it's they're risk and theyr're risk only...

 

[dkmc]

Did you stick weld them?

 

[dr_clyde]

Did you stick weld them?

Those appear to be TIG welds.

 

[z-edition 006]

Those appear to be TIG welds.

Yes it is welded by TIG.

 

[joe_padavano]

Joe, I believe you're confusing "air volume" with 'pump output'. Adding additional receivers, does in fact add "air volume". You are correct that it decreases cycling, but increases run time, which does save the motor in the long run.

The added tank volume will allow for a longer run time but will also require a longer recovery time. The total motor run time will be the same for a given tool (ie, a blast cabinet) because the area under the curve is the same. The only difference is that the motor doesn't have to start as often. Is that an advantage? I don't know, but I suspect it is a second order effect. Personally, I'd rather have a compressor that can keep up with my needs, period. Beautiful workmanship on the tanks, but I question the value. I'd put that time and money into a larger compressor pump.

 

[sberry]

2 things,,, here we wouldn't bother testing it as its so beyond what a common air vessel is that its pretty much moot and as for volume it helps.
I speak of timing, a clock would help measuring recharge time but a guy can get used to it with experience, a gage would be even better so any wait time was during run and resuming work started just before kick out.
A bigger tank helps a lot with this, allows work to start while pump is still running vs when it gets to kick on which means its near out of air.

 

[MattT]

The added tank volume will allow for a longer run time but will also require a longer recovery time. The total motor run time will be the same for a given tool (ie, a blast cabinet) because the area under the curve is the same. The only difference is that the motor doesn't have to start as often. Is that an advantage? I don't know, but I suspect it is a second order effect. Personally, I'd rather have a compressor that can keep up with my needs, period. Beautiful workmanship on the tanks, but I question the value. I'd put that time and money into a larger compressor pump.

For something with a long runtime, like blasting, adding enough storage to compensate for an undersized pump isn't practical. For general mechanic work where CFM requirements are higher, but intermittent, storage makes more sense. People don't buy 10HP compressors to run a 1/2" impact. They get smaller compressors with enough tank to give the gun 30CFM when it needs it.

 

[Farmall450]

Looks good. Heavier than what you buy at HF...

 

[ClappedOutBport]

Kind of a lot of sissies regarding DIY on here. Just because someone else built it doesn't automatically mean it's safe, and just because a home-gamer built it, doesn't mean it isn't. I haven't ran the stress calculations, but I would happily take a nap curled up next to one of those at 300 psi. No worries from me. No I probably would have used a retired compressed gas cylinder for lazyness sake, but these are damned nice.

 

[Farmall450]

Kind of a lot of sissies regarding DIY on here. Just because someone else built it doesn't automatically mean it's safe, and just because a home-gamer built it, doesn't mean it isn't. I haven't ran the stress calculations, but I would happily take a nap curled up next to one of those at 300 psi. No worries from me. No I probably would have used a retired compressed gas cylinder for lazyness sake, but these are damned nice.

^

Which is ironic, since we all know what to do if you want something done right.