one way valves

[prime mover]

Hey guys I just mounted an auxiliary tank above my compressor with another gauge and more outlets, a friend of mine told me to install a one way valve inline between the tanks that it eases the back pressure on the head unit. is this true? it made some sense to me so I looked for one, couldn't find one at lowe's or on the net, where are they available?

 

[trovato]

I don't see the difference between one tank putting 120 lb of pressure on the head unit, or two tanks putting 120 lb of pressure on the head unit. If anything, you'd want the valve between the head and the first tank, wouldn't you?

 

[Steve in Mi]

Hey guys I just mounted an auxiliary tank above my compressor with another gauge and more outlets, a friend of mine told me to install a one way valve inline between the tanks that it eases the back pressure on the head unit. is this true? it made some sense to me so I looked for one, couldn't find one at lowe's or on the net, where are they available?

I think you are perhaps speaking of a check valve that allows flow in only one direction. If you use a check valve or not, I think it would be a good idea to add a safety pressure relief valve to the auxiliary tank also. It may even be required by code.

Locally some of the automotive stores carry compressor check valves. As for it relieving head pressure for unloaded starts - it will if it is piped directly into the compressor pump outlet, however, if the auxiliary tank is piped off of the primary tank then the supplied check valve will suffice.

 

[bmwpower]

...and if you do in fact need a check valve at all, get one of these - threads into the tank. I had a cheapie one from Home Depot and it pinged like crazy. This one is silent. Also has a tap for adding a pressure relief valve (which I did add).

 

[Franz©]

NO
The check valve between the compressor and receiver already performs this function, and your friend is misinforming you.

 

[prime mover]

yeah I think you guys are right, my secondary tank was an industrial auxiliary tank high off the ground and has a blow off and drain, I think I'll just put a ball valve in there just to save air for later and be done with it, thanks for all the quick responses.