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Free compressor
- Thread starter jerseywild
- Start date
OP
jerseywild
Well-known member
Yes I turned it on, took cover and stood by the power in case the pressure switch didn't work. Mostly just surface rust, I did replace the regulator. I can't seem to post more than one pic at a time but I will post more.
FluxCore
Well-known member
OP, here's what you really need to do......Dig up the phone number for your local state boiler inspector's office...Tell them you got a ASME Section 8 pressure vessel you can tote to them for casual/courtesy remaining thickness inspection.
They can quickly use their hand held utrasonic thickness gauge on the shell and tell you if it is safe.....Make certain the inspector tests the full bottom-most part of the tank....The bottom....If data plate don't describe original tank thickness, then he can read the top center of tank and compare it to bottom of tank. the top center of tank will almost NEVER lose thickness due to corrosion compared to bottom of tank.
That rust you see on the outside means nothing....Destructive rust occurs on inside, and always along the bottom and often near welded lower nozzel fittings like condensate drain.
If the inspector tells you it is unsafe for designed pressure, he can calculate at what reduced pressure it would be safe.
Hell, if nothing else,, you can make a great smoker out of it and still salvage the pump and motor.
Buddy, I ain't foolin here..I've investigated many small compressor tank ruptures and it ain't pretty when it happens....Some were almost new....they usually rupture at bottom due to years of internal rust and blow straight up, so folks don't usually get hurt bad or killed. but you never know.
Here is an example of what a ruptured compressor tank looks like after the fact:
http://www.doli.state.mn.us/Images/air_tank_3.jpg
Just use Google key words 'ruptured air tank' or 'air compressor explosion/exploded' for plenty of other images. It is MUCH more common then you hear about in the news.
Electric/gas fired water heaters are subject to same, but when they explode they release pressurized water above boiling temps and it expands 1608 times water volume at same rate of expansion as TNT....water heaters usually blow thru the roof from basement levels or lower floors.....It happens MANY times/yr but you don't hear about it like you would think you should.
They can quickly use their hand held utrasonic thickness gauge on the shell and tell you if it is safe.....Make certain the inspector tests the full bottom-most part of the tank....The bottom....If data plate don't describe original tank thickness, then he can read the top center of tank and compare it to bottom of tank. the top center of tank will almost NEVER lose thickness due to corrosion compared to bottom of tank.
That rust you see on the outside means nothing....Destructive rust occurs on inside, and always along the bottom and often near welded lower nozzel fittings like condensate drain.
If the inspector tells you it is unsafe for designed pressure, he can calculate at what reduced pressure it would be safe.
Hell, if nothing else,, you can make a great smoker out of it and still salvage the pump and motor.
Buddy, I ain't foolin here..I've investigated many small compressor tank ruptures and it ain't pretty when it happens....Some were almost new....they usually rupture at bottom due to years of internal rust and blow straight up, so folks don't usually get hurt bad or killed. but you never know.
Here is an example of what a ruptured compressor tank looks like after the fact:
http://www.doli.state.mn.us/Images/air_tank_3.jpg
Just use Google key words 'ruptured air tank' or 'air compressor explosion/exploded' for plenty of other images. It is MUCH more common then you hear about in the news.
Electric/gas fired water heaters are subject to same, but when they explode they release pressurized water above boiling temps and it expands 1608 times water volume at same rate of expansion as TNT....water heaters usually blow thru the roof from basement levels or lower floors.....It happens MANY times/yr but you don't hear about it like you would think you should.
Last edited:
I Love Grits
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 13, 2005
- Messages
- 71
Here's a way you can file down to approved inspectors based on your city.
http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/portal/site/PHMSA/menuitem.ebdc7a8a7e39f2e55cf2031050248a0c/?vgnextoid=18dee6285188e110VgnVCM1000001ecb7898RCRD&vgnextchannel=90892f5484d87110VgnVCM1000009ed07898RCRD&vgnextfmt=print
http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/portal/site/PHMSA/menuitem.ebdc7a8a7e39f2e55cf2031050248a0c/?vgnextoid=18dee6285188e110VgnVCM1000001ecb7898RCRD&vgnextchannel=90892f5484d87110VgnVCM1000009ed07898RCRD&vgnextfmt=print
FluxCore
Well-known member
Thanks, but we are not talking DOT here EVEN if he mounts that compressor on his truck....DOT is federal and only covers certain pressure vessels used in interstate transport.Here's a way you can file down to approved inspectors based on your city.
http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/portal/site/PHMSA/menuitem.ebdc7a8a7e39f2e55cf2031050248a0c/?vgnextoid=18dee6285188e110VgnVCM1000001ecb7898RCRD&vgnextchannel=90892f5484d87110VgnVCM1000009ed07898RCRD&vgnextfmt=print
His pressure vessel is governed by ASME section 8 code when constructed, but afterwards only enforced if used in a business or public venue....And only then if it meets certain capacity limits.....The odds are he is well beyond/below jurisdictional Law if it is a small compressor and intended for home/shop use....However, even then it is JUST as susepctable to failure as any pressure vessel anywhere, therefore usually the jurisdictional inspectors will often offer free 'courtsey' inspections and NOT ticket the private owner of small tanks if found unsafe. They will instead simply advise them of the hazard and release the tank....so it is good practice to embrace the local jurisdictional code inspection even when it isn't legally required.
Pressure vessel safety laws evolved from the early 1900's when as many as 50K folks/year in this country died from boiler/pressure vessel explosions....Yeah, 50K/YR...more deaths than the entirety of Vietnam...so states tend to take inspection seriously where ALL pressure vessel manufacturers are rigidly controlled/licensed/inspected/audited constantly....even the movement of new/used pressure vessels or certain sizes across state lines is monitored and tightly controlled.
A tank test is a very good idea after that much time.
But getting it up to about 50 PSI and then opening the drain plug all the way should give you some idea of how much inside rust you have.
If you are getting corn flake sized flakes scrap it.
(Or use it at 50 PSI max.)
Tanks that size are not all that expensive.
And remember, if you don’t need the roll around ability, there is no law that the tank and pump have to be close together.
My tank is buried under my work bench (with a remote controlled drain valve and plumbing) but my pump is on the top shelf of my back wall.
But getting it up to about 50 PSI and then opening the drain plug all the way should give you some idea of how much inside rust you have.
If you are getting corn flake sized flakes scrap it.
(Or use it at 50 PSI max.)
Tanks that size are not all that expensive.
And remember, if you don’t need the roll around ability, there is no law that the tank and pump have to be close together.
My tank is buried under my work bench (with a remote controlled drain valve and plumbing) but my pump is on the top shelf of my back wall.
OP
jerseywild
Well-known member
A tank test is a very good idea after that much time.
But getting it up to about 50 PSI and then opening the drain plug all the way should give you some idea of how much inside rust you have.
If you are getting corn flake sized flakes scrap it.
(Or use it at 50 PSI max.)
Tanks that size are not all that expensive.
And remember, if you don’t need the roll around ability, there is no law that the tank and pump have to be close together.
My tank is buried under my work bench (with a remote controlled drain valve and plumbing) but my pump is on the top shelf of my back wall.
That sounds interesting can you post some pics of that. All good stuff and I am glad that I have been given some direction. I drained the tank after the test run with just a little water. I looked online at the testing sites close by but most are listed as a visual inspection facility. I think I will check on tank prices also.
Thanks again.
hicketts
Well-known member
odly enough I think I have the same Craftsman compressor, has perfect paint, belt guards and all, but it sure makes great air. It runs fairly quiet and can run two framing nailers no problem. I also got mine for free, lady just wanted her storage unit cleared out after her husband died.
I Love Grits
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 13, 2005
- Messages
- 71
Thanks, but we are not talking DOT here EVEN if he mounts that compressor on his truck....DOT is federal and only covers certain pressure vessels used in interstate transport.
His pressure vessel is governed by ASME section 8 code when constructed, but afterwards only enforced if used in a business or public venue....And only then if it meets certain capacity limits.....The odds are he is well beyond/below jurisdictional Law if it is a small compressor and intended for home/shop use....However, even then it is JUST as susepctable to failure as any pressure vessel anywhere, therefore usually the jurisdictional inspectors will often offer free 'courtsey' inspections and NOT ticket the private owner of small tanks if found unsafe. They will instead simply advise them of the hazard and release the tank....so it is good practice to embrace the local jurisdictional code inspection even when it isn't legally required.
I'm confused. If DOT has more stringent criteria and lists those vendors as certified inspectors, why couldn't/shouldn't he take it there? I understand it will not be on a truck - but why does that mean it can't be tested to the highest standards?
Genuine curiosity as I will be having to do this soon.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
AFAIK DOT standards will also take into account the risk of tank ruptures in a crash, so the higher standards mean the homeowner tank would probably fail their test even if new...
I Love Grits
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 13, 2005
- Messages
- 71
AFAIK DOT standards will also take into account the risk of tank ruptures in a crash, so the higher standards mean the homeowner tank would probably fail their test even if new...
Valid point.
I don't think I'm saying it right. All I'm getting at is that if you are looking for a place to do inspections of the worthiness of a tank, going to a place that is DOT certified should mean they have their stuff together. I'm sure you could explain what your intentions are in the test and not necessarily have to run a DOT compliance inspection.
Jim Johnstone
Well-known member
Not that I'm adding much useful info here, but having worked as a pressure vessel designer, please get that thing tested before use.
An interested side note, when it comes to high pressure cylinders, the ASME cylinders are built to WAY higher standards, and don't need recertification like the DOT cylinders need. That is primarily because the DOT cylinders are meant for transport, and therefore built lighter.
An interested side note, when it comes to high pressure cylinders, the ASME cylinders are built to WAY higher standards, and don't need recertification like the DOT cylinders need. That is primarily because the DOT cylinders are meant for transport, and therefore built lighter.