Compressor Volume

[Nick DV]

I want to increase the volume of my compressor reserve, and would like to know if linking an extra tank (aka propane gas cylinder) would work. I will be fixed permanently to my compressor so no need for valves and connectors so that I can disconnect/reconnect. I have attached a high resolution drawing to illustrate my idea

 

[cheb]

If you can install the gas tank vertically upside down then you wouldn't need faff about welding a drain valve to it, just a tee into the tank valve boss.

What size of gas tank?

 

[Nick DV]

If you can install the gas tank vertically upside down then you wouldn't need faff about welding a drain valve to it, just a tee into the tank valve boss.

What size of gas tank?

Thanks Cheb, good point on the drain off A 19kg so about an extra 60+ litres

 

[cheb]

Probably about the same overall height as your compressor. If you fitted a cross with a blanked off leg instead if a tee you can easily expand the system if you decide you want more stored air.

 

[Nick DV]

Probably about the same overall height as your compressor. If you fitted a cross with a blanked off leg instead if a tee you can easily expand the system if you decide you want more stored air.

Thanks again, another good point So my suggested set up will work then?

 

[MoreWellie]

You would have a bigger reserve and could use more before the motor has to kick but...

Your motor would be slower to get the combined tanks up to pressure and therefore be running for longer and the same applies when the pressure drops it will take longer to build it back up again

 

[Nick DV]

You would have a bigger reserve and could use more before the motor has to kick but...

Your motor would be slower to get the combined tanks up to pressure and therefore be running for longer and the same applies when the pressure drops it will take longer to build it back up again

I understand that but it will mean that I can use the stored air for longer before it kicks in. This reduces cycling times so lessens stress on the compressor (I know I Google'd it )

 

[James1979]

I think @brightspark has something similar for blasting?

 

[carbon]

I understand that but it will mean that I can use the stored air for longer before it kicks in. This reduces cycling times so lessens stress on the compressor (I know I Google'd it )

Running a compressor longer could possibly exceed the duty cycle for the pump which could cause more wear and will also increase the heat generated and may mean more frequent oil changes.

 

[Nick DV]

Running a compressor longer could possibly exceed the duty cycle for the pump which could cause more wear and will also increase the heat generated and may mean more frequent oil changes.

Agree but the compressor is used on compressors that have the same capacity as mine will with the added tank.

 

[brightspark]

put a shutoff ball valve between the tanks .you dont allways need the amount of air of both so saves energy and time by just filling one

 

[Nick DV]

put a shutoff ball valve between the tanks .you dont allways need the amount of air of both so saves energy and time by just filling one

Cheers mate, that’s a bloody good point

 

[merryman]

Where I work had a 3hp compressor with big air tank it was an old professional model and had a big lazy clomp clomp pump, also ended up with lots of air leaks. Anyway boss got a new compressor, little direct drive machine, also 3hp, more like a Machine Mart cheapo. I thought, that won't last, but it got up to pressure way faster with the small tank, runs much less, probably due to no leaks, and has lasted four years of everyday use, including air wrench, tyre machine, bow gun and die grinder. The small tank is much better for everyday use.

 

[Nick DV]

Where I work had a 3hp compressor with big air tank it was an old professional model and had a big lazy clomp clomp pump, also ended up with lots of air leaks. Anyway boss got a new compressor, little direct drive machine, also 3hp, more like a Machine Mart cheapo. I thought, that won't last, but it got up to pressure way faster with the small tank, runs much less, probably due to no leaks, and has lasted four years of everyday use, including air wrench, tyre machine, bow gun and die grinder. The small tank is much better for everyday use.

What size tank did the large old compressor have? Mine will only be 110 litres with the extra tank.

 

[merryman]

Can't remember, think it is about 250 litre, and new one 50 litre.

 

[cheb]

I'd say just crack on and do it, only you know what you want/need out of your set up. If you want to be even flasher then make the secondary tank portable, ideal for topping up tyres without fuss.

 

[brightspark]

I'd say just crack on and do it, only you know what you want/need out of your set up. If you want to be even flasher then make the secondary tank portable, ideal for topping up tyres without fuss.

i use a secondary tank for that purpose and for cooling at the end of the line

 

[caveman]

I’m looking at joining Another compressor into my large one to gain more cfm can this be done

 

[Burdekin]

I added a propane tank, if you do a search on here you'll find what I did.

 

[merryman]

I’m looking at joining Another compressor into my large one to gain more cfm can this be done

Yes, no problem, just remember the pressures they switch on and off at will be different, so one compressor will do all the work until it can't cope, then the pressure will drop enough for the other to kick in.