Welding Air Compressor Tanks
#1
Three Wheelin'
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Welding Air Compressor Tanks
My 5hp 30 gallon compressor tank just sprung a leak at one end. The rest of the tank seems sound and the leak is where water has accumulated.
I have got conflicting advice on repairing the tank. The max pressure is 120 lbs.
Any input is appreciated including the best place to buy a replacement tank. I just rebuilt the compressor.
Thanks
I have got conflicting advice on repairing the tank. The max pressure is 120 lbs.
Any input is appreciated including the best place to buy a replacement tank. I just rebuilt the compressor.
Thanks
#2
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Most residential/light commercial compressed air receiver tanks are not repairable at anything approaching a reasonable cost. The metal is quite thin to begin with. The leak is usually due to internal corrosion from accumulated condensation so the area that is leaking is now thinner still. By the time you pay someone to replace the bad area of the tank you could have bought a new compressor. I personally wouldn't have anyone but an ASME certified pressure vessel repair welder make the repair. My safety and the safety of my garage are not worth going cheap on something like this. Finding a replacement tank is no easier. Maybe post on Craigslist or some such.
Mike
Mike
#3
Captain Obvious
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Go to Harbour Freight and buy a new compressor tank. As said above, they rust from the inside out, unless you have a way of looking in and measuring the wall thickness, you can't see how bad it actually is. Also remember, this is a pressure vessle, not a good idea to patch.
#4
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I had the same thing happen to mine...water settled in the middle of the tank and eventually produced a pinhole leak. I had someone that welds cut out the damaged area (about 4" around the hole, to solid metal), weld in a patch and have been using it fine for over 2 years without issue.
Note: My compressor sits in the garage attic where if it did blow, I nor anything dear to me would be in jeopardy. If it was closer to my work area, I think I would have bought a new tank.
Note: My compressor sits in the garage attic where if it did blow, I nor anything dear to me would be in jeopardy. If it was closer to my work area, I think I would have bought a new tank.
#5
Archive Gatekeeper
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Sounds like a Darwin award in the making. If the tank has rusted through in one spot, it's not far behind in others.
#7
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New tank only - do not repair it, as 30gal @ 120psi holds a lot of energy
google found a good example
http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=166972
google found a good example
http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=166972
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#10
Team Owner
New tank is in order,
otherwise you might be called Darwin
otherwise you might be called Darwin
#11
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New tank only - do not repair it, as 30gal @ 120psi holds a lot of energy
google found a good example
http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=166972
google found a good example
http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=166972
Anyone got a clue what a recommended obsolescence age is ?
#12
The Parts Whisperer
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I bought it used 20 years ago and I've changed the belt once and the oil 2 or 3 times. I doubt a new one will ever do that
#13
Rest in Peace
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It needs a compressor rebuild at this point, but I sure can not bitch about the service I have gotten out of it.
Had to rewind the motor once, and replace one of the three belts, a few oil changes and that is it.