Tanks and safety

[KTurner]

I'm going through the tools in the garage that were left to us when my father-in-law passed away about 21 months ago. There's a 220v 2cylinder 22 gallon tank Sears air compressor. When I opened the drain on the bottom, water streamed out for about two minutes. I was glad I rolled it outside the garage *first*. I have no idea when it was last drained - though I'm fairly sure it has not been drained in 21 months. Amount of water should be proportional to usage, so I'm assuming longer than 21 months. Sitting a few feet away from this is an oxy-acetylene setup. No idea when this was last used, but I've not heard of him using it since I met him 12 years ago.

What's the consensus on air compressor tanks and holding water? The air compressor still works, but I'm not sure how strong the tank is.

Any good resources for making sure the oxy-acetylene setup stays safe?

Does the proximity of the air compressor tank and oxy-acetylene tanks "up the ante"?

Thanks
Keith

 

[towmotor]

It's always a good idea to drain an air compressor tank on a regular basis, but if it fails?:
It'll spring a leak, and other than the dust it will raise, there's not much more danger than when you've got a live hose in the shop, probably less danger.
I always turn mine off when I'm not using it. Saves money, noise and any potential danger resulting from having it unattended.

The oxy-acetylene setup?: Just be sure that you keep the tanks in a place where they are protected from mechanical damage, where they can't fall over, and preferably in a spot that has good ventilation. Don't store them in your basement.
If you're not going to use them for a while, remove the regulators and put the safety caps on the cylinders.
Those cylinders have a lead plug in them that melts at a certain temp, as a fire safety measure.
If you have any more questions, you should visit the local gas/welding supplier to see if they have further suggestions. You may want to discuss their re-filling and demurrage fees while you're there.
Compressors and oxy-acetylene torches are often used together, so I don't see any particular danger in their close proximity, as long as you have good ventilation. If you don't have good ventilation where you intend to store the compressor, then store the cylinders elsewhere.

 

[Cat_Driver]

On week ends I open the drain valve on my compressor and leave it open to actually dry out the tank. Draining it and closing the drain valve leaves the inside of the tank wet/damp and it will rust from the inside.

Don't worry if you forget as I always do because the air rushing out of the drain valve when you start it up will remind you.