With all the 20# propane tanks coming out of service because of the OPV requirement, it'd be nice to find new uses for these tanks. Does anyone know what the working pressure rating is? I'd like to convert a couple for portable compressed air use if this use would be within the design limits of these tanks. It's be easier taking one of these tanks out to the tractor than the whole compressor and I don't have 1000ft of hose <grin>.
Airtank from propane cyl?
- Thread starter MartyH
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DavesTractor
Elite Member
Marty, I use a retired tank from a forklift. They are rated up above 500lbs. I forget the number, but it is much higher than the 175psi I put in mine. Add a valve and gauge and hose and you have a nice tank.
vongiese
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Great Idea!!
What kinda valve - and threads? What thread is common in propane tanks?
What kinda valve - and threads? What thread is common in propane tanks?
DavesTractor
Elite Member
Here is a picture of how we built the tank. Pipe thread, very simple. I see I took a lousy picture. Beyond the ball valve, hidden by the gauge is a quick connect to put the air hose on. Coonect the hose, open the valve and fill the tank...close the valve and remove the hose.
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Anonymous Poster
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Since the arrival of the wonderful OPD tanks, there are a lot of 20# tanks available for use. They make wonderful air tanks as they are built to handle 800psi working pressure of Propane.
Simple conversion to an air tank involves stopping at a conveniently located gas grill waiting beside the road for trash pickup and removing the regulator. The regulator stem is a 1/4" pipe thread, so you can remove it and then connect it to a pipe T. From the T, you can install a hose and fill fitting.
Other uses are tanks for 90 weight gear oil that you can pressurize and fill transmissions a lot easier than pouring thru a funnel.
The thread where the valve enters the tank is standard 3/4" pipe, but the valves are hard to remove bceause of the difficulty holding the tank and getting a wrench into position.
Whatever you do with a propane tank, BE CAREFUL!! If you don't know how to work on pressure cylinders leave them alone!
Simple conversion to an air tank involves stopping at a conveniently located gas grill waiting beside the road for trash pickup and removing the regulator. The regulator stem is a 1/4" pipe thread, so you can remove it and then connect it to a pipe T. From the T, you can install a hose and fill fitting.
Other uses are tanks for 90 weight gear oil that you can pressurize and fill transmissions a lot easier than pouring thru a funnel.
The thread where the valve enters the tank is standard 3/4" pipe, but the valves are hard to remove bceause of the difficulty holding the tank and getting a wrench into position.
Whatever you do with a propane tank, BE CAREFUL!! If you don't know how to work on pressure cylinders leave them alone!
rdbrumfield
Veteran Member
I used a 71/2 gallon for an air resivoir in my truck. Works great. I used an air conditioner unit from a 74 toyota celica. It has a two piston unit with it's own crancase so oiling is not a problem. It also has the electric clutch to automaticly shut off when up to pressure. I put a popoff valve on the tank input presure line and used an electric switch to top out at 125lbs. I have a master switch in the cab so if I'm not using it I just shut the whole system down.
