Inspecting inside of compressor tank

[signcrafter]

I have a 30 gallon horizontal tank. It has a threaded bung on each end that is 1.5" hole. I took both bungs out, not a fun job but got them out. One is a 1.5" to 1/2" adapter where the output is and the other is just a solid plug and I wanted the output hookup on the other side. That's why I took them out. But anyway, while the plugs are out I was planning on taking a look in there. I wasn't always the best at draining the tank. Besides obvious rust chunks is there anything else I should be looking for? I don't think I want to put anything in there like fluid film since it will get in the lines and affect painting and stuff. But just seeing if there anything I should do while the plugs are out and before I move the compressor into place. Should I wash the tank out with anything?

 

[Zewnten]

If there is excessive rust I'd probably take a closer look for pitting. I shook out all I could in mine and then vacuumed out as much as I could.

 

[Kaizen]

Interesting. No idea but if there is no scale or you get it out maybe that stuff I’ve seen put in old gas tanks? Haven’t seen it in a long while. Might have been a rust converter and then an epoxy.

Example. Por has one too.
https://www.eastwood.com/gas-tank-s...yGxtPgfdUlVjXudBBKvocb-8-C4rZsQEaAnt0EALw_wcB


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[signcrafter]

I looked inside and you can see some rust but it doesn't look too bad. Not sure if its scale or what it is exactly.

 

[Marctrees]

If by inspecting you mean detecting rust that could affect holding air pressure..

You will learn more tapping all over the tank w a small steel hammer than you will visually.

In simple terms you want to hear that sharp bell like ping when you strike... any sound that is not sharp and lower frequecncy would probably mean a rust reduced area.

Someone else can maybe explain this better.

Marc

 

[Marctrees]

Also makes sense to rinse it out before the hammering, and then after.

Dump onto a rag on lawn to then be able to filter and inspect what came out.

Obviously subjective, but the more, and maybe thicker larger pieces of scale you broke loose can maybe help eval condition.

IMO, just seems logical to me.

Marc

 

[Neoumlaut]

I would throw a few ball bearings in, give it a couple shakes, and see if anything comes out. A little rust on the inside is ok but if large chunks are flaking off you're starting to lose significant amounts of the wall thickness.