Welding Air Compressor Tanks
Man of many SIGs
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From: Florida, USA
Fabio, Wow. I think that is the exception that proves the rule. That is a catastrophic failure and although your injuries were serious, I think you agree you were fortunate. Glad it wasn't worse.
I'm not pointing fingers at manufacturer or anybody, but did a pressure shut-off-sensor malfunction? I'm thinking that tank had to be way beyond its design pressure?
I'm not pointing fingers at manufacturer or anybody, but did a pressure shut-off-sensor malfunction? I'm thinking that tank had to be way beyond its design pressure?
No Steve, it wasn't me. I was posting what was found in that link posted earlier. Most people usually won't click the link and might miss it. The tank blew out at the bottom where the water will accumulate. I don't know how rusty it was at the bottom but you can see in the picture that it was rusted. As for a malfunction, I'm not sure. He does mention that the tank blew when the pressure reached 150 psi. Most tanks are rated at 175 psi and theres some saftey factor on top of that. How much, I'm not sure. Most shop compressors have a pressure switch that shuts them off at 120psi and a pressure relief that "blows off" somewhere above that.
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Three Wheelin'
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From: SF Bay Area
Jerry that is a hell of an idea weld up the tank - or even braze it to stop the leak and then use is as a vacuum tank. For safety sake I could paint on it for vacuum only and put in a very low pressure relief valve. I was thinking of making a mold and vacuum table for the thin plastic that covers the HVAC area.
I will send you a PM on the compressor
I will send you a PM on the compressor
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From: 2706 Skyline Drive, Grand Junction CO 81506
Now, I wonder if a compressor pump can be turned into a vacuum pump? If so, I have a new idea. Why don't you make your current compressor into the vacuum pump/sump tank as we are now discussing and then I will simply sell you my other 33 gallon 6.5HP compressor like to one in the picture, but complete and also essentially new for $250 and then figure out some way to get it to you without paying the freight that will probably be very much.
Maybe we can find someone on this forum who is or knows someone going your way(SF?) and past here (GJT) on I-70 who cold haul it for us.
Jerry Feather
Maybe we can find someone on this forum who is or knows someone going your way(SF?) and past here (GJT) on I-70 who cold haul it for us.
Jerry Feather
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From: No Turbo, No SC
Originally Posted by Dan the Pod Guy
although I do have a certified welder helping me with the cars.
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Dan the Pod Guy
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Dan the Pod Guy
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Three Wheelin'
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From: SF Bay Area
Jerry,
I like to have redundant systems for the shop - especially for something as important as an air compressor. I have several 13 mm and 10 mm sockets as well. Having both compressors working is a bit of security. I already a vacuum pump. It might take a little while to purge a 30 gallon tank but it should work. I am waiting for someone to tell me how dangerous the tank with be with full vacuum as it could implode instead of explode.
I like to have redundant systems for the shop - especially for something as important as an air compressor. I have several 13 mm and 10 mm sockets as well. Having both compressors working is a bit of security. I already a vacuum pump. It might take a little while to purge a 30 gallon tank but it should work. I am waiting for someone to tell me how dangerous the tank with be with full vacuum as it could implode instead of explode.
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From: Sydney AUS
While getting full vacuum (or nearly there as full is pretty impossible) seems like lots of $ and effort involved - think high end AC vacuum pumps running for hours - that appears if it should lead to something catastrophic when it goes wrong.
No - at the end of the day with a perfect vacuum in your rusty welded up old compressor tank you can only have 15psi (one atmosphere) acting on the outside of it and 0psi on the inside. Not much stored energy in there, (well outside actually) by my estimation certainly not enough to cause catastrophic failure or anything like it.
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From: Cleveland, MN
Now, I wonder if a compressor pump can be turned into a vacuum pump? If so, I have a new idea. Why don't you make your current compressor into the vacuum pump/sump tank as we are now discussing and then I will simply sell you my other 33 gallon 6.5HP compressor like to one in the picture, but complete and also essentially new for $250 and then figure out some way to get it to you without paying the freight that will probably be very much.
Maybe we can find someone on this forum who is or knows someone going your way(SF?) and past here (GJT) on I-70 who cold haul it for us.
Jerry Feather
Maybe we can find someone on this forum who is or knows someone going your way(SF?) and past here (GJT) on I-70 who cold haul it for us.
Jerry Feather
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: No Turbo, No SC
Dan, what are you wanting a tank for? Compressed air or Vacuum forming?
For vacuum forming small to medium size parts I have used a 5hp shop vacuum (Lexan RC bodies). For a big part I hooked up two shop vacuums in parallel.
An air tank for vacuum forming would be a waste of time and money IMHO.
For vacuum forming small to medium size parts I have used a 5hp shop vacuum (Lexan RC bodies). For a big part I hooked up two shop vacuums in parallel.
An air tank for vacuum forming would be a waste of time and money IMHO.
Rest in Peace
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From: Bird lover in Sharpsburg
Go big and never have a problem for the next 20 years with one of these cast iron pumps, get at least a 80 gallon tank.
These will run 24 hours a day, for years.
http://www.schulzamerica.com/index.php
These will run 24 hours a day, for years.
http://www.schulzamerica.com/index.php
