Propane tank converted to air bladder... any comments?

[Jstpssng]

This could fit here, or in the Safety forum. Years ago I changed an old 30lb propane tank so that I could use it for an air tank, filling it to about 100 lbs pressure. I later added a pressure release valve that pops at about 110 lbs.
Last weekend my neighbor saw it and was rather leery (as I was, just after I built it) yet the steel is much heavier than a commercial air tank.

Back when i built it you could buy a conversion kit... anyone have any experience or knowledge if this tank shloud be safe?

thanks

RHW

 

[Bird]

Many years ago, there were kits to convert R-12 freon tanks to portable air tanks and I've done a few with no problem. I haven't seen anyone use an LPG tank, but if it is in decent condition I don't see why it wouldn't work. The LPG was much higher pressure than any homeowner, or even garage, air compressor that I know of.

 

[wil3404]

I still use R-134A tanks today At out business I go through about 2 tanks a month so I have to do something with them. you can only set out so many at 300 yards and see if you can hit it with a rifle, Eventually that gets boring. Without streching it I'd say I have 15 to 20 tanks still in the shed waiting for something.

 

[bucmeister]

wil3404,

Have you ever filled them with water before the shot? 35-40 years ago I watched some guys try something with an old metal 5 gal gas can and a 1 qt oil can. Filled the 5 gal can and after cutting the lid off of the oil can placed it over the small opening. Object of the game was to shoot the 5 gal can with a highpowered rifle, blasting the oil can into the air then he was to grab his shot gun and hit the oil can while in the air. Obviously, they were a lot closer than 300 yds and now days we hopefully have enough good sense to be more than 40 yds away for the first shot.

Anyway, with it full of water one of those tanks ought to really put out a blast.

 

[DrainPondDesign]

A number of SCCA racers used those converted Freon tanks in the 70s, saw one let go when being filled. No injury except possibly to his shorts.

The water vapor condensing in the tank eventually rusted them out from the inside. I notice that some of the portable air tanks for sale these days are made of aluminum.

 

[wil3404]

honestly NO, I have not tried filling them with water. Good idea. I'll have to try it. Ocassionally there is still a little freon left but it doesn't do anything except a spray(unless tank is trashed by large caliber)

 

[Jay4200]

This could fit here, or in the Safety forum. Years ago I changed an old 30lb propane tank so that I could use it for an air tank, filling it to about 100 lbs pressure. I later added a pressure release valve that pops at about 110 lbs.
Last weekend my neighbor saw it and was rather leery (as I was, just after I built it) yet the steel is much heavier than a commercial air tank.

Tell your neighbor that he's a girl.

Propane vapor pressure is as much as twice what you are using during normal operating conditions, even more when it's really hot. I would guess that the tanks are designed for ~250PSI maximum pressures. Since anything as potentially hazardous and easily available as propane tanks are engineered with huge safety margins, a tank (in good condition) can take far more than the the maximum design pressure w/o failure.

General Propane Data and Safety Information

JayC

 

[john_bud]

Tell your neighbor that he's a girl.

JayC

Jay, You sure do have a way with words.....


chuckle~

jb

 

[patrick_g]

One man's "CAUTIOUS CITIZEN" is another's "GIRLIE MAN."

Pat

 

[wil3404]

I have to say, you guys are alright! Next time your neighbor is around ask him to hold the air line to fill the tank as you turn on the compressor then as he is looking down all sissified at the tank holler "boom" as loud as you can and watch him #$%^ himself. Well on second thought maybe you shouldn't do this unless you don't want you neighbor to come around anymore.