can an old gas bottle used as air reservoir?

Submitted: Sunday, Jan 02, 2005 at 10:49
ThreadID: 19000 Views:3377 Replies:10 FollowUps:4
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i'm looking at buying an arb air compessor and permantly mounting it under the bonnet. i know they are not a real fast at there air flow rate 24Lpm but the price is in my range $255 and down the track will fit front air locker my question is what to use as an reservoir tank have seen people use fire extinguisher bottles but i have a d/cab luxi and have two pockets either side of the rear wheels under the tray that i could fit two 4.5kg gas bottles, can old gas bottles be used as air reservoirs? thanks!
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Reply By: Member - Ed. C.- Sunday, Jan 02, 2005 at 11:58

Sunday, Jan 02, 2005 at 11:58
G'day time waster,
The gas cyls are rated pressure vessels, tested to 3.3 MPa (approx. 450 psi), so I can see no reason why they can't be used as air reservoirs (holding what, around 100 psi ??)...
In fact, I have done just that, mounted on the A-frame of my C/T, & used mainly for re-inflating tyres...
You'll need to make provision for a water drain outlet, which will mean drilling a hole & welding (or brazing) a suitable fitting, which in turn will mean that the test rating will be null & void (unless you have it re-tested)...
Just make sure there is no rust inside, & if you're gunna be applying any heat, then make sure there ain't no residual gases in there!!!
When I "modified" mine, it had been empty for like, many years, so there was no drama...

Regards, Ed. C.
Confucius say.....
"He who lie underneath automobile with tool in hand,
....Not necessarily mechanic!!"

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Follow Up By: Banjo (SA) - Sunday, Jan 02, 2005 at 16:11

Sunday, Jan 02, 2005 at 16:11
Ed - if mounted upside down, could the fill on the cylinder double as a water drain ?
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Follow Up By: Member - Ed. C.- Sunday, Jan 02, 2005 at 19:09

Sunday, Jan 02, 2005 at 19:09
G'day Banjo,
The problem I see with that approach, is that you'd be drawing air from the bottom of the tank, which is precisely where any condensation/water will collect... Not a good idea, IMO...
I had no qualms about welding the extra fittings for water drain & relief valve/pressure gauge on mine (using low-hydrogen electrodes)...
It holds pressure indefinitely, so there is obviously no porosity in the welds, therefore (presumably) no weakness there either..
(After all, how is the original threaded valve fitting attached??)

Regards, Ed. C.
Confucius say.....
"He who lie underneath automobile with tool in hand,
....Not necessarily mechanic!!"

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Reply By: Rick Blaine - Sunday, Jan 02, 2005 at 13:36

Sunday, Jan 02, 2005 at 13:36
I used one as a reservoir for air for many years.... I suggest that you rinse the interior with some turps or thinners then put some cold gal paint inside and swill it around to "Paint" the inside and it will resist internal corrosion well
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Follow Up By: Member - Ed. C.- Sunday, Jan 02, 2005 at 15:15

Sunday, Jan 02, 2005 at 15:15
Excellent idea!!
(coating the inside as you describe)...

Now why didn't I think o' that???

I'll hafta add it to my "Gunna-doo" list... Thanks for the tip...

Regards, Ed. C.
Confucius say.....
"He who lie underneath automobile with tool in hand,
....Not necessarily mechanic!!"

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Reply By: gforse - Sunday, Jan 02, 2005 at 16:49

Sunday, Jan 02, 2005 at 16:49
what a great idea thanks for the idea we have a dual cab lux as well am going to do same thank you very much even the missus said excellent garry karen
AnswerID: 91011

Reply By: Member - Mark W (VIC) - Sunday, Jan 02, 2005 at 18:23

Sunday, Jan 02, 2005 at 18:23
time waster
I was looking to do this, was in town at George Taylor Store ( Vic ) and they had ex Army air tanks with inlet outlet and drain all ready to go for $20.00 about 4 inch by 2 foot long fits behind bull bar or underneath easily. Worth a look ??
Mark
AnswerID: 91019

Follow Up By: Member - Bernie. (Vic) - Monday, Jan 03, 2005 at 09:19

Monday, Jan 03, 2005 at 09:19
Hi Mark do you have an address for George Taylor (Vic) I cant find one ?

Cheers
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Reply By: Nick R - Monday, Jan 03, 2005 at 09:06

Monday, Jan 03, 2005 at 09:06
A problem with welding them could possibly (I might be wrong) be a risk of explosion. not sure about cylinders but I know with fuel tanks, they need to be de-gassed for a time first to ensure no fuel remains.
Our local mechanic has a heap of old cylinders, yours might too, which held inert gasses which would be safe for welding.
I'm interested in doing the same, let me know how you go.
NickR
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Reply By: Member - Mark W (VIC) - Monday, Jan 03, 2005 at 10:48

Monday, Jan 03, 2005 at 10:48
time waster
the web address for GTS is www.georgetaylorsstores.com.au
Good luck if you need any help get back to me
Mark
AnswerID: 91078

Reply By: GRAEME - Monday, Jan 03, 2005 at 21:58

Monday, Jan 03, 2005 at 21:58
If you go to a truck wreckers you can get an air tank of almost any size.
I got one for $15 with fittings at both ends, a drain valve and brackets.
It's about 5 or 6 litres and mounted nicely on the gearbox crossmember.
I use a rattle gun all the time using an a/c compressor.
Graeme
AnswerID: 91184

Reply By: Rod W - Tuesday, Jan 04, 2005 at 10:40

Tuesday, Jan 04, 2005 at 10:40
Agree with Graeme. Pick-up/use one from a truck wrecker.
AnswerID: 91238

Reply By: Member - Jeff M (WA) - Tuesday, Jan 04, 2005 at 15:07

Tuesday, Jan 04, 2005 at 15:07
I bought one form Michigan Trucks in america when I ordered my air springs. www.trucksprings.com

Works a treat, was only about $25 new and get's HEAPS of use blowing my very very loud air horns, raising and lowering the back suspension and blowing out air filters while on dusty trips.

AnswerID: 91285

Reply By: Member - DOZER- Wednesday, Jan 05, 2005 at 08:24

Wednesday, Jan 05, 2005 at 08:24
Gday
The gas cylinder is a good idea, and the gas bleed valve could be used to relieve water....the 9 kg models also have a relief valve on them should a pressure switch not work effectively...having said that, i use old dry powder fire extinguishers. They are rated to 200psi, and the alloy tops are easy to tap out 1/8 bsp, holes are already there, and some threads aswell.
The nearest scrap place will have one hundred at least/..
Andrew
AnswerID: 91383

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