Large air tanks

[bdog]

Who here has a large air tank set up?

My compressor has an 80 gallon tank and I have a 3 phase 120 gallon compressor that I can't use because I don't have the power here for it so I plumbed the tanks together and now have 200 gallons. It definitely cut down on the cycling and doesn't take too horibly long to recover.

 

[padroo]

I don't but what are you using such a large capacity for?

Sandblasting comes to mind.

 

[Nexussian]

I'm also curious about your use for such a large capacity, are you using the capacity, or are you using separate tanks to remove more moisture (a "wet" and a "dry" tank as it were)?

 

[cvairwerks]

Little compressor is on a 10 gallon tank. Big compressor is on a 120. I've got a 650 gallon propane tank modified to cut online with the big compressor when I get the new shop built. I have a couple of 30 gallon tanks that can be added to the little compressor while it is in use at the little house.

 

[BillK]

I would also like to know what you are doing that requires that type of capacity ? I have a 80 gallon 7 1/2 HP compressor here at my business and i have never seen the need for anything more. We use the bead blast cabinet several hours a day along with the normal air tools.

No matter how large a tank you have, if you are still going to use the same amount of air, the compressor is going to have to run the same amount of time to supply that air.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... I too, have ole propane tanks I plumb in, when I need big volumes of compressed air,....
Last time I did alittle sand blastin', I hooked 2 small compressors to a 100lb propane tank for decent air flow,....

 

[bdog]

I have a 210 CFM diesel compressor I use when blasting. My shop air compressor is a 7.5hp two stage around 20 CFM I think. I don't necessarily need that much storage I just have heard that the starting and stopping is hard on the compressor. Mine now runs for the same length of time as before but starts up less than half as many times.

 

[sberry]

I have extra plumbed on. With some timing I can do auto body with a 3 hp and run the pump continuous. I am really done with most jobs before I run down on air and like the long cycle time, if I break a few minutes and resume sanding before the pump shuts off the tanks are full and don't have to wait till kick on to get the pump running.
I don't even have the breaker on to my spare/demand unit. I havnt turned it on in couple years at least, I can simply flip the switch if I want to blast a lot if needed.

 

[nes999]

I don't see any harm in having this much capacity. When my work switched compressors the install company asked if we wanted the old tank plumbed in for extra storage at no additional cost. We have 5hp compressor and 160 gallons of storage. It is nice because it isn't starting all day with minor use like our old setup.

 

[CNGsaves]

For large volume users like blasting, it's helpful and easier on the compressor.

However, if only light user of air, it's harmful to the pump as it never gets up to operating temperature and oil retains moisture and gets milky.

So when your compressor is running a lot, go for it and let it fill all the tanks you have. That air can even be used later as long as you don't have leaks.

 

[stonesfan68]

I've spent 24-years in the compressed air industry and can say that there are few problems with compressors that can't be solved with more storage. Go ahead and plumb the tanks together. You just need to connect them at one nozzle (no need for a separate in and out if it isn't convenient)- the air will go to the lowest pressure point. I wouldn't worry at all about running the compressor a little bit more to fill up the extra volume.


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[sberry]

As I mention I have a 3 and a 5. I use the 3. I am on rural electric and the small motor is way easier starting.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

My Quincy QR 325 sits on a 120 gal vertical receiver with a 240 gal. vertical receiver mounted next to it for a total of 360 gallons. I would much rather have longer cycle times than constant cycling. Much easier on the motor.

 

[Bondo]

Go ahead and plumb the tanks together. You just need to connect them at one nozzle (no need for a separate in and out if it isn't convenient)- the air will go to the lowest pressure point.

Ayuh,.... "T"ed in, 'n out,...

 

[mechanic217]

A few years ago, when researching compressed air systems for my employer, I kept getting the same answer from different salesman and engineers that you want as much capacity as you can afford or justify coast wise, none of them was trying to sell receivers , they wanted the system that would work for us.

 

[Brock Wood]

Before HVLP paint guns came along, I was having to let the 80 gallon compressor at work rest, or charge back up more than I cared to rest myself. Now I have a measured 120 gallon tank from an old 138KV Circuit Breaker with a 2 stage Worthington as a project for my future shop.