Air compressor tank failure

[Walker]

Maybe not as exciting as it seems in the title, but my 60 gallon air compressor had some problems. I had finally finished repairing the pilot unloader, all the air lines, the throttle control, and the carb. All these had age/fatigue related issues. I replaced the gauge a couple weeks ago, then in the last few days noticed the tank pressure dropping over time. I figured I had a leak at one of the fittings. Nope, it is a crack starting at one of the welds on the leg at the bottom.

Started looking at new tanks. Damn! Somewhere around $500 for a 60 gallon tank with legs and a top plate.

I thought about maybe upgrading to a new compressor, but that is in the neighborhood on $2500 minimum. Used gas compressors on CL here are selling for the same as new. Looks like a new tank it is.

I am going to try to figure out how to rubber mount it this time to do away with some of the vibration.

[bunkclimber]

Are you speaking of rubber mounting the compressor and engine to the reciever (tank) or rubber mounting the whole unit as a whole? I'm guessing when you mention throttle control you have a gas engine driving this

Originally Posted by Walker

I am going to try to figure out how to rubber mount it this time to do away with some of the vibration.

[digger doug]

If the leak is not from corrosion, why not just weld the crack up ?

[Walker]

I was just thinking of trying to rubber mount it to the truck.

[Walker]

Originally Posted by digger doug

If the leak is not from corrosion, why not just weld the crack up ?

Techniclly it would have to be recertified after any welding. The reality is that where there is one crack from fatigue there are others just waiting. Also, after dealing with explosions and hoop stress failures in the natural gas industry I am a little jumpy, I dont want to become part of a statistic, or even worse, a meme.

[Shade Tree Welder]

Originally Posted by digger doug

If the leak is not from corrosion, why not just weld the crack up ?

Weld er up!

[bunkclimber]

vehicular or shop stationary,I think I would abandon the air reciever with a crack in it..even with every skilled welding technique in the book I wouldn't want to stand next to it under pressure.Not worth it.And I try to salvage as much as I can.

[digger doug]

Originally Posted by bunkclimber

vehicular or shop stationary,I think I would abandon the air reciever with a crack in it..even with every skilled welding technique in the book I wouldn't want to stand next to it under pressure.Not worth it.And I try to salvage as much as I can.

Helpful hint:..."Drain the air out first, before welding it"....

[threepiece]

Originally Posted by Walker

I am going to try to figure out how to rubber mount it this time to do away with some of the vibration.

I would do this without doubt.

There are suppliers with product technical data on their site. Simply determine the weight of your equipment and divide by the number of supports. You can then choose an insulator that has a capacity range for that weight. They have product dimensions on the site that will allow you to fabricate the support structure you need while you wait for delivery. There are several types but the one I think you will want is called "universal mount". I have bought these from Tech Products in the past and would buy from them again.

[Walker]

I spoke with a company today that does recert on tanks. It is not really costeffective to repair and recertify. I did find a 200 psi tank with legs and a top plate, brand new, shipped for $400. Unless the local air compressor company gets back to me with a better price that is what Ill do.