Podguy

My 5hp 30 gallon compressor tank just sprung a leak at one end. The rest of the tank seems sound and the leak is where water has accumulated.

I have got conflicting advice on repairing the tank. The max pressure is 120 lbs.

Any input is appreciated including the best place to buy a replacement tank. I just rebuilt the compressor.

Thanks

ammonman

Most residential/light commercial compressed air receiver tanks are not repairable at anything approaching a reasonable cost. The metal is quite thin to begin with. The leak is usually due to internal corrosion from accumulated condensation so the area that is leaking is now thinner still. By the time you pay someone to replace the bad area of the tank you could have bought a new compressor. I personally wouldn't have anyone but an ASME certified pressure vessel repair welder make the repair. My safety and the safety of my garage are not worth going cheap on something like this. Finding a replacement tank is no easier. Maybe post on Craigslist or some such.

Mike

Imo000

Go to Harbour Freight and buy a new compressor tank. As said above, they rust from the inside out, unless you have a way of looking in and measuring the wall thickness, you can't see how bad it actually is. Also remember, this is a pressure vessle, not a good idea to patch.

teamcrossworks

I had the same thing happen to mine...water settled in the middle of the tank and eventually produced a pinhole leak. I had someone that welds cut out the damaged area (about 4" around the hole, to solid metal), weld in a patch and have been using it fine for over 2 years without issue.

Note: My compressor sits in the garage attic where if it did blow, I nor anything dear to me would be in jeopardy. If it was closer to my work area, I think I would have bought a new tank.

Rob Edwards

Sounds like a Darwin award in the making. If the tank has rusted through in one spot, it's not far behind in others.

GlenL

A tank should be cheap. Lots of pumps fail and the tank is left over.

Post on CL asking for one!

svpmx83

New tank only - do not repair it, as 30gal @ 120psi holds a lot of energy

google found a good example
http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=166972

blown 87

Get a new tank, no way would I trust one that had rusted through.

terry gt

new tank !

Mrmerlin

New tank is in order,
otherwise you might be called Darwin

jon928se

Looking at those pics makes me think I should just buy a new tank for my compressor - 10 yrs old, can't inspect the inside , and it's spent most of it's life in humid places.

Anyone got a clue what a recommended obsolescence age is ?

Mark Anderson

The tank at my office is date stamped 1958 and no leaks that I'm aware of .
I bought it used 20 years ago and I've changed the belt once and the oil 2 or 3 times. I doubt a new one will ever do that

blown 87

I have a big Shulzt with a 120 gallon tank that has ran all day for right at 20 years, it was sold as used, but was still in the shipping container.
It needs a compressor rebuild at this point, but I sure can not bitch about the service I have gotten out of it.
Had to rewind the motor once, and replace one of the three belts, a few oil changes and that is it.

Ralph Newman

Absolutely, new tank. If 30 gallons of 120psi lets loose all at once it is a bomb.

Imo000

The one in the link went kaboon at 150psi.