Refurbishing and rustproofing old air compressor tanks?

[Lelandwelds]

I have redone a few but I guess I have been luckier than most. My tanks have not been very rusty inside. I have just dropped a light inside to check and buttoned it all back up. I stick the compressor outside to cut down on noise and in case the tank ruptures.

I am wondering about rustproofing my next one. Any one try a rust converter, phenolic resin, epoxy paint, or cold galvanizing? How about some magnesium strip or zinc bar dropped inside? A massive squirt of Corrosion X HD would stay put and last for years.

Any forecasts of doom or any real world experience out there?

 

[Lelandwelds]

I have considered changing horizontal into a vertical so the water sits in a new spot. I have thought of changing the pump mounted tank into a dry tank down stream of the filters. I have some 8 x 8 x 3/8 sq tubing that would make a good primary. I won't do it but I know a place which does duplex nickel and another that could take my owner tumbled powder paint and fuse it for me. There is a hot galvanized place in San Antonio. Roto coating with epoxy paint (Rust Bullet!) would be easy.

My tubing is almost 12 ft long. It could hit the top of my garage easily.

 

[mcbane]

If your refurbishing involves fixing leaks you should proof test the tank. Fill with water then pressurize with 300psi compressor. If the tank isn’t safe it will split harmlessly (and spill some water).


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[Lelandwelds]

If your refurbishing involves fixing leaks you should proof test the tank. Fill with water then pressurize with 300psi compressor. If the tank isn’t safe it will split harmlessly (and spill some water).


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If it has tank pinholes, I pass on it. Unless the price comes way, way down and then the tank becomes somebody's BBQ pit.

I like old industrial compressors and want mine to last another 40 years. When I find it that is.

 

[pajibson]

There was a guy who put put gas tank liner in one. But he started with a new tank.

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[Lelandwelds]

There was a guy who put put gas tank liner in one. But he started with a new tank.

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Those liquids are one part black phenolic? Was he on GJ? My searches here come up empty even for stuff I know is on here.

 

[Flatheadpopup]

Those liquids are one part black phenolic? Was he on GJ? My searches here come up empty even for stuff I know is on here.

I have found that the best way to search this site and many other forums is the "google advanced search". It seems that most forums don't have very robust search mechanisms of their own.

 

[seber]

I've sealed rusted gas tanks with POR. It might get expensive for a large tank though.

 

[Lelandwelds]

I have found that the best way to search this site and many other forums is the "google advanced search". It seems that most forums don't have very robust search mechanisms of their own.

You are right and it is weird because some sites use and credit Google right next to the search box. I found the Google canned "advanced search" page where you enter search terms in the appropriate box. It was very useful. Five hours later I am still reading very closely related search results. (Damn GJ is big.) Thanks for the timely assist.

POR-15 is interesting. It is a moisture cured cyanoacralate urethane ( say that three times fast!) resistant to almost everything except UV.

 

[pajibson]

Those liquids are one part black phenolic? Was he on GJ? My searches here come up empty even for stuff I know is on here.

Now it was a guy on heavy equipment forums. I'll see if i can find it again and post the link

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[pajibson]

Those liquids are one part black phenolic? Was he on GJ? My searches here come up empty even for stuff I know is on here.

Found it. It starts about halfway down the page.

http://www.heavyequipmentforums.com/threads/another-day-at-the-hamster-wheel.29389/page-6

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[Lelandwelds]

Found it. It starts about halfway down the page.

http://www.heavyequipmentforums.com/threads/another-day-at-the-hamster-wheel.29389/page-6

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"ERROR. Must be logged in to do that"

Can you sum up or cut and paste?

 

[pajibson]

Mis remembered he coated the inside with epoxy paint. Tee'd into the trucks air system with a relay valve & air switch & pressure regulator. Hooked to garden hose real behind the cab of his truck so he could hose his muddy boots off before he climbed into the cab. Tank had dual side outlets too. 1 high and one low. Ran a sight tube for level between them.

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[pajibson]

"ERROR. Must be logged in to do that"

Can you sum up or cut and paste?

Here's a couple of the pics he attached

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