air compressor repair

[retiredmgn]

Well OK. I must admit you guys bring up valid points. I shall forego attempts to save this relic. I'm such a stuborn SOB I hate to give up on something I can repair and keep going. 100 psi could be a bit of a nasty surprise if something broke in an unexpected fashion.
****, I'm still running my grandfather's drillpress. He burnt out the motor probably before I was born, He bolted a washing machine motor on to keep it going. Works. Works fine. Looks like ****.
What are ya gonna do?

 

[wirenut]

It's not a question of it blowing up while you're welding or brazing. It's a matter of whether it will spring other leaks in the future and the possibility (not a certainty) that it might blow pieces some distance with considerable force. In some cases, when a compressed air container (tire for example) blows, the force of the air coming out on one side, propels the container the opposite direction. In other words, if that compressor has a blowout on the side next to the wall, the whole thing may fly across the room, and you would not want to be in the line of fire.

This statement is completely wrong; it is about blowing it up. Any oil bath compressor has traces of oil in the tank. Ever hear of the fire triangle? You have air, oil then you add heat=explosion. The only reason it did not explode, is good luck. Working on compressed air lines and tanks are one of the most dangerous things in a plant. If you must weld on it wash it out or fill it up with water.

 

[Bird]

This statement is completely wrong; it is about blowing it up. Any oil bath compressor has traces of oil in the tank. Ever hear of the fire triangle? You have air, oil then you add heat=explosion. The only reason it did not explode, is good luck. Working on compressed air lines and tanks are one of the most dangerous things in a plant. If you must weld on it wash it out or fill it up with water.

Oops, must have been one of those senior moments. Of course you're right. I obviously wasn't thinking too well. Glad you caught my error.

 

[whistlepig]

The certification of a pressure vessel welder is a pretty long, expensive, and rigorous process. Not all welders can certify for pressure vessel welding. It is set up this way to prevent explosions that can hurt people. And this is for welding new steel only. The risk isn't worth it to repair the tank.

 

[Scooby074]

..I just put a screw in it and no problem since..

What, out of JB Weld?:thumbsup:


Seriously though, welding on pressure vessels is serious business. Many dont understand the risks of just how bad it can be if it lets go. The tank's compromised. The rest of the tank is questionable. Replacement tanks are cheap and if the head is ok its worth a replacement.

 

[grsthegreat]

I have 2 commercial air compressor in the shop and one of them developed a leak about a year ago..I just put a screw in it and no problem since..I have another tank to mount the pump on, just have not done it.

yeiks..if that screw ever lets go, it would be like a bullet.

 

[CrashandBurn]

I agree with everyone who says replace the tank.....
There's a reason all new portable tanks now have a "take out of service" date.

 

[JDdude]

yeiks..if that screw ever lets go, it would be like a bullet.

I guess it might..I have had hoses blow and they do not do much. I have had pop off valves go off and they do not do much..with the compressors where they are located..I am not to worried about it..I run 160 PSI on both units..I just do not see it to be as much of a danger as some think,,It is really low pressure at 160lbs compared to a oxygen tank for the torch..

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Some it seems have never had to "make do".

 

[JDdude]

At the Firehouse we refill our own oxygen bottles with our own tanks..It is a 3 tank system..One tank is 500lbs, next is 1000lbs then the third is 1500lbs..My air compressor is just 160lbs..I think people confuse the different kind of air tanks.