air compressor repair

[sjames]

You would have to prove to me that any failed compressor tank exploded with just air pressure of 160lbs and not from a explosion..Compressed air gets very hot when it is delivered to the storage tank. which makes me believe that the explosion factor is the cause.

I just need more proof..To me it would be just as rare of a occurrence for either to happen.

well, any tank that is in sound condition with a working relief valve would not rupture just from operating pressure, thats where the oil/air mist explosion comes in.

but an ageing tank with problems could very easily rupture below max operating pressure. not sure why thats so hard to believe.

 

[JDdude]

well, any tank that is in sound condition with a working relief valve would not rupture just from operating pressure, thats where the oil/air mist explosion comes in.

but an ageing tank with problems could very easily rupture below max operating pressure. not sure why thats so hard to believe.

Just is for me..sorry..

 

[crazyal]

does'nt matter where they're made......in our shop , a 1000# plus , 120 Gallon T30 "Ingersoll-Rand" did the same xact thing......through a wall & roof to the parking lot.....this work safe link states :

It is not just a air problem.


How can an air receiver tank explode?
During operation, deposits of lubricating oil tend to build up in the line supplying compressed air from the compressor cylinder to the air receiver. As the diameter of the supply line decreases, the already high temperature of the compressed air rises further to a point where it is possible for the contaminant to ignite.

Sparks are then carried into the air receiver where oil from the compressor, which is often present as a mixture with air in the air receiver, burns explosively. As the pressure relief valve is not designed for such an event, rupture of the air receiver vessel is likely to occur. In other air compressor accidents, static electricity sparks have also been identified as a source of fires and explosions.

Alerts

That thing looks like the bottom rusted out to me. The sides have tears like the metal was ripped open while the bottom is jagged and looks paper thin.

 

[JDdude]

It will always go for the weakest point..I have no disagreement the bottom rusted area is that on any unit..I just wonder what the cause of the rupture is.

 

[Shield Arc]

I just wonder what the cause of the rupture is.

looks paper thin.

Paper thin sums it up to me.

 

[pat32rf]

I used to work on and repair pressure vessels in my past life.
Now I also "make do". My compressor is an old refridgeration 4 cylinder unit that is set at 100psi. My storage tanks are old 100lb propane tanks with added fittings for drainage, etc.
I have about 50' of coiled 3/8" copper between the pump and the first tank (in my basement workshop). This dissipates most of the heat so a water trap catches most of the condensation before the tank. I also have a line that goes out the wall to the garage where there is another tank. Sure, I have a lot of storage, but not much pressure or recovery so it balances out.

After I "converted" both of my propane tanks I hydrostated them to 300lb with no problems. My main relief valves (thats right, 2 of them, one at each tank) are 150psi 3/4" pressure-temp valves from commercial water heaters. If there is a fire, they will open.
There is also a regular 125psi relief valve in the line by the pump.

 

[JDdude]

I used old propane tanks also for storage..I mount them upsidedown and elevated so they cannot hold any moisture and I to use alot of copper tubing between the pumps and tanks..