used air compressor tank

Types of used air compressor tanks

A used air compressor tank is designed to store the compressed air created by the air compressor. The tank acts as a buffer to stock the compressed air, which is later drawn upon when needed. It reduces the frequency at which the air compressor must run. Air compressor tanks are manufactured in different styles and sizes to suit various industrial applications.

• Horizontal tanks

  A horizontal tank is the most common air compressor tank shape. It consists of a cylindrical tank mounted on two legs or brackets to support it firmly on the floor. Horizontal tanks take up a lot of floor space, but they provide good stability and help balance air compressors.

• Vertical tanks

  Vertical tanks have cylindrical tanks standing upright on the floor or a platform. Vertical tanks occupy less floor space and are more suitable for settings with space constraints. However, vertical tanks are not as stable as horizontal tanks, so the vertical tank is always mounted on a flat platform to provide stability.

• Portable tanks

  A portable tank is a small-sized cylindrical tank mounted on a wheeled trolley. This design allows users to move the entire air compressor system easily and conveniently from one location to another.

• Receiver tanks

  A receiver tank is a large compressor storage tank used to supply a continuous air compressor supply. They are connected to a stand-alone air compressor or a central compressor system that supplies air to an entire facility. Receiver tanks can be horizontal or vertical, just like a regular air compressor tank.

Specifications and maintenance of used air compressor tank

• Capacity:

  Air compressor tanks come in different capacities, ranging from small 6 liter tanks to larger 500-liter or more tanks. Small tanks are great for simple tasks, while big tanks support powerful tools or help with industrial uses.

• Pressure:

  The pressure of an air compressor tank is measured in liters and goes up to 125 pounds per square inch (PSI) or more. Higher PSI means the tank holds air pressure more. This extra pressure lets the tank supply more air to tools and keeps working longer.

• Material:

  Air compressor tanks are made of sturdy materials. The most common material is steel, known for being strong, lasting a long time, and reliable. In some cases, the tank is made of aluminum, which is lighter and still very strong. Aluminum tanks are found mostly in portable compressors. Both materials offer good durability to withstand the constant pressure.

• Compressor Type:

  The air compressor tank design varies based on the type of air compressor it is meant for. Common types are vertical tanks that stand tall, horizontal tanks that lie flat, and skid-mounted tanks designed to sit on a platform. These shapes accommodate different compression needs and spaces.

Maintenance

Follow these maintenance tips to keep the used air compressor tank working safely and properly:

• Drain the water daily to prevent rust and corrosion.
• Inspect for leaks or damage once a week and repair as needed.
• Lubricate the drain valve thread weekly to allow for smooth operation.
• Ensure the area around the tank is clean and always ventilate well.
• Clean the outside of the tank monthly to remove dirt and debris.
• Conduct a detailed inspection every three months, looking for leaks, weak spots or corrosion.
• Have the tank and air compressor checked by a professional every year.

Scenarios of used air compressor tanks

Used air compressor tanks are applicable in industries that may need to use compressed air but want to save on costs by buying second-hand equipment. Smaller manufacturing facilities may not have the budget for a large new compressor and would benefit from a used compressor tank.

Some manufacturing facilities may have a tank that is in perfect condition and only need an air compressor to feed it. A used air compressor can work just fine with a good tank. Any facility that is trying to remain energy efficient and reduce its carbon footprint will look for a way to store energy and may benefit from a used air compressor tank.

Industry-specific scenarios where a used air compressor tank may be beneficial are as follows:

• Textile manufacturing: A small textile manufacturer could use a used air compressor and tank to power sewing machines that require staple sewing equipment. It could also be used in the non-stitched parts of the garment where precision cutting may need compressed air.
• Maritime industry: A used air compressor tank could be handy in a boat repair facility where divers on the maritime side of the business use underwater breathing apparatus. It can also be used to clean and dry ship parts or operate tools for repairing ships' parts.
• Small repair workshops: In the automotive or carpentry industry, small repair facilities can use a second-hand air compressor to assist with staple tasks like inflating vehicle tires or running pneumatic hand tools like drills, nail guns, or sanders.
• Food and beverage industry: The food and beverage industry sometimes requires air compressors to bottle products. This task is usually carried out at high-speed production lines, and not every part of the production line requires a compressor. A used air compressor tank would be ideal to store the compressor's energy until it is needed for bottling.
• Construction industry: A small construction company could use a stand-alone air compressor tank to compress air to cure concrete or run small pneumatic tools like nail guns, paint sprayers, or air wrenches.

How to choose used air compressor tanks

As mentioned, used air compressor tanks are discontinued steel cylinders that store pressurized air. People often buy them to use as air storage for a new air compressor. However, there are lots more considerations when it comes to choosing a second-hand air compressor tank.

• Condition

  Tapered or spherical tanks are designed to withstand high pressure. It's always good to check if there are any visible dents, rust patches, or corrosion. If getting a vertical used air compressor tank, check that the legs are still fully intact and not wobbly.

• Capacity

  Used air compressor tanks come in many volumes, starting from 50 liters. The bigger the air compressor tank, the longer the interval between refills. However, the size of the tank has to match the compressor too.

  Consider how much air storage is needed for the tools or equipment that will be used. For air tools that consume five to ten cubic feet per minute (CFM), a 120-gallon vertical tank is good. For tools that use 10 to 15 CFM, a 200-gallon or larger tank is ideal.

• Fittings

  Check what size of quick-release couplings are on the used air compressor tank. Is there a throttle valve? How many drain valves are there at the bottom? Is there a pressure gauge and thermostat? These fittings are usually easy to add, but some might come with a discount bundle, so it's good to check.

• Price

  Used air compressor tanks are still in demand because brand-new ones are usually expensive, so it's good to do some research.

  Help set a budget by determining whether the used air compressor tank will be used for new equipment or as a stand-alone air storage facility.

FQAs

Q1: What is an air compressor tank used for?

A1: An air compressor tank is used for storing pressurized air. It serves as a buffer to even out the supply and demand of compressed air. It helps keep the air tool functioning smoothly and provides temporary storage for the compressed air.

Q2: How do air compressor tanks work?

A2: The air compressor motor works to pump air into the tank while a pressure switch monitors the tank's air pressure. When the air tools are being used and the demand for compressed air increases, the air compressor tank releases stored air to meet the demand. Once the demand decreases and the pressure in the tank drops, the pressure switch activates the motor to start filling the tank again.

Q3: Do air compressors need tank?/p q4: A3 Some air compressors are designed to work without a tank. These are called "oil-free air compressors," which are smaller and more portable. However, air compressors with tanks are better for air tools that require a constant supply of compressed air.

Q4: Does used air compressor tanks have tanks?

A4: Yes, air compressors have tanks. The tank stores the compressed air and is made of steel to withstand high-pressure levels.