Should I, or it even smart to hook a volume tank to a compressor that
already has one? I have a two horse Husky, brand new. I have the old
volume tank off the deceased Sears oil less screamer.

Is this helpful in any way, or does it just make the compressor run twice as
long filling up two tanks?

Steve

Steve
This is done as needed. Sometimes one uses check valves to prevent
feedback or duplicate routing or whatever. As long as you watch
pressures there is usually no problem.
About a year ago I bought a 6 tank system that had a sophisticated
array of check valves and the like. I kept all the valves etc and sold
the tanks on Ebay.
Bob AZ

You can connect a large series of tanks to one compressor. It provides
a larger volume of air before the pressure drops enough to turn on the
compressor.

The connecting lines between the tanks should be larger than the outlet
pipe.

On Wed, 21 Dec, wrote:
You can connect a large series of tanks to one compressor. It provides
a larger volume of air before the pressure drops enough to turn on the
compressor.

The connecting lines between the tanks should be larger than the outlet
pipe.

Note that this is usually only done in cases where you have air needs that
surpass what your *compressor* can give you. Your volume storage will give
you X amount of time before the compressor kicks on and starts *trying* to
keep up. Add twice the volume and you get to run that same tool two times
X amount of time before the compressor starts running and *trying* to keep
up.

This is assuming, of course, that both tanks are of equal volume and can
handle the same pressure. Adjust math as necessary if not. Obviously, in
some cases it makes more sense to get a higher volume compressor rather
than adding tank to the system, but if you only *occasionally* overwork
your compressor and have a tank sitting around...


--Donnie

--
Donnie Barnes http://www.donniebarnes.com 879. V.

On 20 Dec 2005 20:08:22 -0800, wrote:

You can connect a large series of tanks to one compressor. It provides
a larger volume of air before the pressure drops enough to turn on the
compressor.

The connecting lines between the tanks should be larger than the outlet
pipe.

Why do you say that? I use extra tanks to AVOID
having to run large lines for long distances.
It gives me near-full pressure for high-volume
uses and lets the compressor and long lines
catch up during "rest" periods.

I haven't yet, but I have considered making
a 25# propane tank into a surge tank to
allow me to run a large air wrench at the
end of a long, small hose, with the tank and
a short length of larger hose at the point
of use. Lugging the tank seems like it would
be easier than managing (and buying) such a
long piece of 1/2" hose. (I'm talking several
hundred feet.)
--
--Pete
"Peter W. Meek"
http://www.msen.com/~pwmeek/

On Thu, 22 Dec 2005 07:56:49 -0500, Peter W. Meek wrote:

On 20 Dec 2005 20:08:22 -0800, wrote:

You can connect a large series of tanks to one compressor. It provides
a larger volume of air before the pressure drops enough to turn on the
compressor.

The connecting lines between the tanks should be larger than the outlet
pipe.

Why do you say that? I use extra tanks to AVOID
having to run large lines for long distances.
It gives me near-full pressure for high-volume
uses and lets the compressor and long lines
catch up during "rest" periods.

I haven't yet, but I have considered making
a 25# propane tank into a surge tank to
allow me to run a large air wrench at the
end of a long, small hose, with the tank and
a short length of larger hose at the point
of use. Lugging the tank seems like it would
be easier than managing (and buying) such a
long piece of 1/2" hose. (I'm talking several
hundred feet.)

Isn't there some kind of law against using a propane tank for
compressed air?

Thanks,
Rich

Rich Grise wrote:
On Thu, 22 Dec 2005 07:56:49 -0500, Peter W. Meek wrote:

I haven't yet, but I have considered making
a 25# propane tank into a surge tank to
allow me to run a large air wrench at the
end of a long, small hose, with the tank and
a short length of larger hose at the point
of use. Lugging the tank seems like it would
be easier than managing (and buying) such a
long piece of 1/2" hose. (I'm talking several
hundred feet.)


Isn't there some kind of law against using a propane tank for
compressed air?

Yeah. Some guy named Darwin wrote it.

On Fri, 23 Dec 2005 22:54:58 GMT, Rich Grise
wrote:

On Thu, 22 Dec 2005 07:56:49 -0500, Peter W. Meek wrote:

On 20 Dec 2005 20:08:22 -0800, wrote:

You can connect a large series of tanks to one compressor. It provides
a larger volume of air before the pressure drops enough to turn on the
compressor.

The connecting lines between the tanks should be larger than the outlet
pipe.

Why do you say that? I use extra tanks to AVOID
having to run large lines for long distances.
It gives me near-full pressure for high-volume
uses and lets the compressor and long lines
catch up during "rest" periods.

I haven't yet, but I have considered making
a 25# propane tank into a surge tank to
allow me to run a large air wrench at the
end of a long, small hose, with the tank and
a short length of larger hose at the point
of use. Lugging the tank seems like it would
be easier than managing (and buying) such a
long piece of 1/2" hose. (I'm talking several
hundred feet.)

Isn't there some kind of law against using a propane tank for
compressed air?

If there is such a law, then there are a lot of criminals running
around loose. Much better a welded propane tank than the old, riveted,
galvanized water heater tank I saw in a pawn shop not too long ago. I
didn't examine it too closely - I was afraid to get too close in
case it fell over on me.
Gerry :-)}
London, Canada

"Rich Grise" wrote
Isn't there some kind of law against using a propane tank for
compressed air?

Thanks,
Rich

In some states, there's a law against marrying your cousin, too. Doesn't
stop some people, though. And the correct wedding gift in that situation is
a used propane tank.

Steve

"Steve B" wrote in message
news:gD0rf.7894$_L5.2944@fed1read06...

"Rich Grise" wrote
Isn't there some kind of law against using a propane tank for
compressed air?

Thanks,
Rich

In some states, there's a law against marrying your cousin, too. Doesn't
stop some people, though. And the correct wedding gift in that situation
is
a used propane tank.

Steve


VBG!

Harold

On Fri, 23 Dec 2005 22:54:58 GMT, Rich Grise
wrote:

On Thu, 22 Dec 2005 07:56:49 -0500, Peter W. Meek wrote:

On 20 Dec 2005 20:08:22 -0800, wrote:

You can connect a large series of tanks to one compressor. It provides
a larger volume of air before the pressure drops enough to turn on the
compressor.

The connecting lines between the tanks should be larger than the outlet
pipe.

Why do you say that? I use extra tanks to AVOID
having to run large lines for long distances.
It gives me near-full pressure for high-volume
uses and lets the compressor and long lines
catch up during "rest" periods.

I haven't yet, but I have considered making
a 25# propane tank into a surge tank to
allow me to run a large air wrench at the
end of a long, small hose, with the tank and
a short length of larger hose at the point
of use. Lugging the tank seems like it would
be easier than managing (and buying) such a
long piece of 1/2" hose. (I'm talking several
hundred feet.)

Isn't there some kind of law against using a propane tank for
compressed air?

Thanks,
Rich

If there isn't, there certainly should be in interest of the
preservation of bureaucracy.

Despite the fact that the design working pressure (not proof
pressure) of a propane tank is higher than a single-stage shop
compressor can produce -- and considerably higher than the release
point of the safety valve that every compressor has or should have --
everyone knows that propane is explosive and there'll always be a few
atoms of it left in a propane tank. The sparking of the brushes
in an air tool would surely blow up many constituents. I mean,
lookit the sparks inside an electric drill, right? Think what they
must be like inside a powerful air tool that can tighten lugbolts
much tighter than an electric drill can! Just because you don't see
any sparks doesn't mean they aren't there, right?

There oughtta be a law...

"Don Foreman" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 23 Dec 2005 22:54:58 GMT, Rich Grise
wrote:

On Thu, 22 Dec 2005 07:56:49 -0500, Peter W. Meek wrote:

On 20 Dec 2005 20:08:22 -0800, wrote:

You can connect a large series of tanks to one compressor. It provides
a larger volume of air before the pressure drops enough to turn on the
compressor.

The connecting lines between the tanks should be larger than the outlet
pipe.

Why do you say that? I use extra tanks to AVOID
having to run large lines for long distances.
It gives me near-full pressure for high-volume
uses and lets the compressor and long lines
catch up during "rest" periods.

I haven't yet, but I have considered making
a 25# propane tank into a surge tank to
allow me to run a large air wrench at the
end of a long, small hose, with the tank and
a short length of larger hose at the point
of use. Lugging the tank seems like it would
be easier than managing (and buying) such a
long piece of 1/2" hose. (I'm talking several
hundred feet.)

Isn't there some kind of law against using a propane tank for
compressed air?

Thanks,
Rich

If there isn't, there certainly should be in interest of the
preservation of bureaucracy.

Despite the fact that the design working pressure (not proof
pressure) of a propane tank is higher than a single-stage shop
compressor can produce -- and considerably higher than the release
point of the safety valve that every compressor has or should have --
everyone knows that propane is explosive and there'll always be a few
atoms of it left in a propane tank. The sparking of the brushes
in an air tool would surely blow up many constituents. I mean,
lookit the sparks inside an electric drill, right? Think what they
must be like inside a powerful air tool that can tighten lugbolts
much tighter than an electric drill can! Just because you don't see
any sparks doesn't mean they aren't there, right?

There oughtta be a law...



GRIN!

H

In article , Rich Grise says...

Isn't there some kind of law against using a propane tank for
compressed air?

As long as a *new*, unused tank is employed this can be done.

I've done that myself in my shop - I found a *new* tank at the
local store that was never used, but being sold inexpensively.

Jim


--
==================================================
please reply to:
JRR(zero) at pkmfgvm4 (dot) vnet (dot) ibm (dot) com
==================================================

On 24 Dec 2005 07:23:20 -0800, jim rozen
wrote:
In article , Rich Grise says...

Isn't there some kind of law against using a propane tank for
compressed air?

As long as a *new*, unused tank is employed this can be done.

I've done that myself in my shop - I found a *new* tank at the
local store that was never used, but being sold inexpensively.

I don't see why you can't reuse an old Propane tank if it is in a
non critical application - I have several 20-Lb. propane tanks with
the old valves that I can't find anywhere to get them filled. The
30-Lb tank with the "Visible Jr." gauge is the only one they'll fill.

It's cheaper to buy a whole new OPD propane tank than to replace the
old POL valve with the new OPD version, but I hate to throw out
basically useful stuff. And they've got to be a whole lot safer than
the kit for reusing a very thin-wall _disposable_ refrigerant cylinder
as an air tank.

The big problem is purging the methyl mercaptan stink out of them,
short of roasting the open tank in a bonfire which would make them
unusable for anything pressurized. Any ideas from you chemists out
there?

-- Bruce --

--
Bruce L. Bergman, Woodland Hills (Los Angeles) CA - Desktop
Electrician for Westend Electric - CA726700
5737 Kanan Rd. #359, Agoura CA 91301 (818) 889-9545
Spamtrapped address: Remove the python and the invalid, and use a net.

Hmmm, I know some good old boys that don't think you need to use a
new, never used propane tank for filling tires. In fact they believe
that a perfectly good tank for filling tires is one that has propane in
it. I personally have never used propane to presurize a tire.

W.W. Grainger sells a device to replace the valve in a propane tank so
you can use the tank for compressed air. It has a pressure relief
valve, schrader valve, 1/4 inch port for a pressure gauge, and a
quarter turn valve to cut off the pressure to the port where you
connect a hose. The smell of the methyl mercaptan really isn't a
problem if you are using the tank for filling tires.


Dan

I put my old 50 gallon tank in the boat shed and ran a line to my new 60
gallon compressor in the shop. I was concerned about wearing out the new
compressor but the engineer at the local commercial compressor sales company
told me that while it does lengthen the run time it reduces the cycle time
so you come out about the same. There is a small drop in efficiency with
big tanks because with longer run times the cylinder heats up more and the
actual volume of ambient temperature air goes down. The advantage for me is
that I don't have the big pressure drop from the long run to the shop..

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

"Steve B" wrote in message
news:vI3qf.5001$_L5.2801@fed1read06...
Should I, or it even smart to hook a volume tank to a compressor that
already has one? I have a two horse Husky, brand new. I have the old
volume tank off the deceased Sears oil less screamer.

Is this helpful in any way, or does it just make the compressor run twice
as long filling up two tanks?

Steve

On Wed, 21 Dec 2005 00:00:22 -0500, "Glenn Ashmore"
wrote:

I put my old 50 gallon tank in the boat shed and ran a line to my new 60
gallon compressor in the shop. I was concerned about wearing out the new
compressor but the engineer at the local commercial compressor sales company
told me that while it does lengthen the run time it reduces the cycle time
so you come out about the same. There is a small drop in efficiency with
big tanks because with longer run times the cylinder heats up more and the
actual volume of ambient temperature air goes down. The advantage for me is
that I don't have the big pressure drop from the long run to the shop..

I put a 60 G tank on my basement air network in
anticipation of installing a main compressor out
in the garage when it's finished. Currently I
fill the system from a little portable electric
compressor. Once it brings the system up to full
pressure, it runs for no more time than if the
"surge tank" was not there, but it does allow for
intermittent very high consumption with minimal
pressure drop, and it will provide a cushion when
the air is (eventually) coming through 200' of
1/2" black iron pipe. (The little compressor has
been running during work hours for six years now
with nothing but normal maintenance.)
--
--Pete
"Peter W. Meek"
http://www.msen.com/~pwmeek/

Greetings:

If you have a long compressed gas pipe run, you can use the second tank
at the remote end as an "accumulator", or buffer to supply intermittent
high volume demand that the pipeworks otherwise couldn't supply. In
between the demand, the system catches up as the remote tank refills at
whatever flow rate the pipes allow.

Regards, Jim Brown

I'd say it's a particularly good idea if you intend to use lots of air
in short bursts, then have some time for the tanks to refill. The only
downside that I see is that you will have more connections to keep from
leaking.

Pete Stanaitis
--------------------

Steve B wrote:
Should I, or it even smart to hook a volume tank to a compressor that
already has one? I have a two horse Husky, brand new. I have the old
volume tank off the deceased Sears oil less screamer.

Is this helpful in any way, or does it just make the compressor run twice as
long filling up two tanks?

Steve

The two hardest things on a motor are starting up and overheating

Most compressor motors are meant to run without overheating (there is a
term specifically for the heavy duty that the application that a
compressor motor mafes. And its called "compressor duty"

Running Longer and starting less should be easier on the motor than the
frequent starts

Steve B wrote:
Should I, or it even smart to hook a volume tank to a compressor that
already has one? I have a two horse Husky, brand new. I have the old
volume tank off the deceased Sears oil less screamer.

Is this helpful in any way, or does it just make the compressor run twice as
long filling up two tanks?

Steve

"Steve B" wrote in message
news:vI3qf.5001$_L5.2801@fed1read06...
Should I, or it even smart to hook a volume tank to a compressor that
already has one? I have a two horse Husky, brand new. I have the old
volume tank off the deceased Sears oil less screamer.

Is this helpful in any way, or does it just make the compressor run twice
as
long filling up two tanks?

Steve


Good idea, increasing storage capacity and allowing the compressor to cycle
less.

Make sure that the tank is rated for the pressure involved. Some of the
larger compressors cycle on @ 150 PSI and off @ 175 PSI, which is often
beyond the pressure of smaller compressors. Could be the tank is marginal
for the application, if not under rated. It's not uncommon for single stage
compressors to cycle off @ 125 PSI.

Harold

I have two older (pre-screamer) traditional Craftsman compressors. I have
them connected in tandem so I will have higher volume when I use the
sandblaster or other tools that need higher volume at high pressure.

I don't use any check valves at all. The compressors each have their own,
between the tank and the compressor outlet port.

My shop is over 100 feet long, between my machine shop and an automotive
work area on the other end. I put a compressor at each end and my air line
(pvc pipe) runs the length of the shop with a tees and two QC outlets every
10 ft. There is also a dirt and water trap at each outlet station.

I have one compressor set at the max pressure cut off and the second set a
few lbs lower so the second seldom starts and if it does, it is not at the
same time (both compressors are on the same circuit breaker so I can turn
them both off when I leave the shop.)

I have been warned by others, that PVC is not a good idea, but since my shop
is so long, I needed a cheap method and so far I have not experienced an
problems. We will
see if there is when the weather gets well below freezing. The only problem
area I can see is in the water traps at each QD tee.

--
My experience and opinion, FWIW

(the other) Steve

In article ,
"Steve" wrote:
I have been warned by others, that PVC is not a good idea, but since my shop
is so long, I needed a cheap method and so far I have not experienced an
problems.

Typical PVC pipe air installation problem sequence: No Problem, No
Problem, No Problem, No Problem, No Problem, No Problem, No Problem, No
Problem, No Problem, BANG, shrapnel, problem. If the shrapnel happens to
hit you or some other person, a very expensive problem (or it all
becomes someone else's problem, as it's no longer a problem for you).

--
Cats, coffee, chocolate...vices to live by

Steve B wrote:
Should I, or it even smart to hook a volume tank to a compressor that
already has one? I have a two horse Husky, brand new. I have the old
volume tank off the deceased Sears oil less screamer.

Is this helpful in any way, or does it just make the compressor run twice as
long filling up two tanks?

Steve


I have done exactly this, and it does beat up the compressor if you are
using a lot of air. If you use large volumes sporadically, I don't see a
problem. If you leave it on all the time and have sloppy air fittings,
it will be dead in a year.

"yourname" wrote

If you leave it on all the time and have sloppy air fittings,
it will be dead in a year.

next question:

I buy those cheap quick connects at Home Depot. They leak a lot, or some do
and some don't. What's a good source of quality quick connects without
paying an arm and a leg?

Steve

You local auto parts store. Milton is the name-brand. If you are more
than a casual hobby user, there are industrial-grade variants that last
longer and flow more air. But for most people, the M-type (M for Milton)
is probably what you are already using.

- -
Rex Burkheimer
WM Automotive
Fort Worth TX

Steve B wrote:
"yourname" wrote

If you leave it on all the time and have sloppy air fittings,

it will be dead in a year.


next question:

I buy those cheap quick connects at Home Depot. They leak a lot, or some do
and some don't. What's a good source of quality quick connects without
paying an arm and a leg?

Steve

Steve B wrote:
"yourname" wrote

If you leave it on all the time and have sloppy air fittings,

it will be dead in a year.


next question:

I buy those cheap quick connects at Home Depot. They leak a lot, or some do
and some don't. What's a good source of quality quick connects without
paying an arm and a leg?

Steve


I buy from msc or mcmaster and have no problems, but understand they
have a lifespan. a few years in a busy setting, a few weeks in a wet one.

yourname wrote:
Steve B wrote:
I buy those cheap quick connects at Home Depot. They leak a lot, or
some do and some don't. What's a good source of quality quick
connects without paying an arm and a leg?

Steve

I buy from msc or mcmaster and have no problems, but understand they
have a lifespan. a few years in a busy setting, a few weeks in a wet one.

Milton and most other name-brand couplers have replaceable parts. Heavy
use will wear the steel balls into the brass body, make the holes
oblong. Then you toss 'em.
Lincoln makes a steel-body M-style coupler. If you can find those
they last a lot longer. Buy a few sets of replacement seals when you
buy them.

On Tue, 20 Dec 2005 19:11:07 -0800, Steve B wrote:

Should I, or it even smart to hook a volume tank to a compressor that
already has one? I have a two horse Husky, brand new. I have the old
volume tank off the deceased Sears oil less screamer.

Is this helpful in any way, or does it just make the compressor run twice as
long filling up two tanks?

Steve

As long as the tank is serviceable, it will only take longer to fill up
both of them the first time. What will probably happen is that you'll get
a longer on-time and longer off-time. (IOW, you'll have more air use
before the compressor kicks in again, and when it does it will take longer
to get to the turn-off setpoint.)

There's a possibility that the motor is so close to the hairy edge that it
could overheat during the run cycle, but if it doesn't, the benefit is
longer off-times.

PV = TK, you know. :-)

Cheers!
Rich