Hobby_Man22
Well-known member
What would you guys consider time to retire a tank? I thought there was an expiration date on pressurized tanks. I'd say 30 years is all you can expect.
Rebuilding air compressor- tank question
- Thread starter Josh the IH guy
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Josh the IH guy
Well-known member
My tank is from 1997. It still looks pretty good. With how much I use it, the thing will last another 20 years. I'd imagine that if a person was disciplined enought to regularly drain the tank, they could last 50 years or more...
walta
Well-known member
The truth is you cant tell how much of the steel has rusted away on the insides of the tank by looking at the outside of the tank. It is possible every one of the tanks pervious owners drained the tank weekly and your tank is almost as good as new but my gut says it is more likely they never drained the tank and put a self-drilling sheet metal screws in the first two pin holes and sold you the tank.
I for one think a hydro test the tank at 150% would be the smart move.
There is a very large amount of energy stored in a air tank if it gets release suddenly thing can get ugly.
I for one think a hydro test the tank at 150% would be the smart move.
There is a very large amount of energy stored in a air tank if it gets release suddenly thing can get ugly.
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I'd worry more about condition then age. I have a compressor I bought used and after a few years use one day this year after using it I noticed some water on one of the tanks. Wiped it off and saw it getting wet at that spot again. That was enough for me to stop using it and find a replacement.
marinusdees
Well-known member
You pays your money and you takes your chances.
Given the elasticity of carbon steel, tanks can last a very long time. Checking the bottom with a hammer should give a pretty good indication of how solid it is.
It's worth noting that one advantage of vertical tanks is that they (generally) drain much more completely than do horizontal tanks.
It's worth noting that one advantage of vertical tanks is that they (generally) drain much more completely than do horizontal tanks.
isb cornbinder
Well-known member
The tank cannot be solid, as you suggest. The bunch of rust was part of the tank at one time. It is your risk and your life. A replacement tank is not that expensive.. HF, this forum's favorite store must have tanks.
Walkers
Well-known member
The non rated tanks (no welded on rating plate) tanks that are made out of 10 gauge or thinner material have a 10 year life span. There is generally (though it wasn’t always there)a sticker or in the user manual it give the life span.
About 2 years ago I had to replace the tank on my truck mounted 30 gallon compressor since it was getting fatigue cracks. It was made in 1976. Very little rust in the tank.
velocipede
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Would it be possible to do a visual inspection inside the tank using one of those little endoscopes?
Sure, but why? All it will tell you is that the 30 year old tank has corrosion, pretty much a given, plus there is no way to tell the extent with an endoscope.
If someone really needed to know just give it a backyard hydro test.
Hobby_Man22
Well-known member
I don't believe in those. All that means is it didn't fail THAT time.
Walkers
Well-known member
Sent an email to Ospho, they said no because the water will get to it and cause a problem.
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In any event, I sent them what you told me, and this is the response I got.
You might want to reconsider. You don't hydro test to the working pressure, you go over like 1-1/2 times and hold it for a while. It it doesn't pop then it should be good for some time.
How do you get it up to pressure?
Pressure washer pump with the unloader turned down.
^^^or a porta power pump
whatever method you choose, always with the tank filled with water and all air bled from it. never with air present
whatever method you choose, always with the tank filled with water and all air bled from it. never with air present
Walkers
Well-known member
Hard to paint over it inside an air tank. At least my email is legit.YouThey didn't say it wouldn't work,youthey said it might not work unless you paint over it.
In any event, I sent them what you told me, and this is the response I got.
Why? Pour the paint in, slosh it around, drain and let dry, or better, cure.
That's hilarious
Walkers
Well-known member
The paint will be off in a matter weeks, that’s why.
Whats hilarious? The email? If you think I am making a fake, then send your own inquiry to Ospho. They answered in a matter of days. I have attached the contact information, which is the same as in my email.
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JCU
Member
This was my stepdads that he bought new in the early 60’s. It was drained with every use. It’s been sitting empty for 8 years so I decided because of its age I better hydro test it. I took it up to over 300psi for 10 minutes. When I drained it rust came out. I’m going to let it dry out a day or so and run it. Pre-war; It’s only 82 years
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pcmeiners
Well-known member
I would not coat it with anything, the coating will not last.
On my tank, I attached a tee fitting to the drain output, one end of the tee is the drain, on the other end I have a 1/2" NPT boat magnesium anode similar to this zinc anode (either Magnesium or zinc will work). You would need a ****** and coupling to extend the Tee to accommodate the long zinc or magnesium anode. The anode should last many years of protecting your tank,
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On my tank, I attached a tee fitting to the drain output, one end of the tee is the drain, on the other end I have a 1/2" NPT boat magnesium anode similar to this zinc anode (either Magnesium or zinc will work). You would need a ****** and coupling to extend the Tee to accommodate the long zinc or magnesium anode. The anode should last many years of protecting your tank,
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41plym
Well-known member
What’s your life worth? Get a new tank. Save money somewhere else.
couch67
Well-known member
Thread is >7 months old. @Josh the IH guy what did you end up doing?