When it is about air compressors, the single most important thing is the capacity of the tank. Having a large air compressor tank means you can work longer and faster without the risk of running out of air. Besides, having a large air compressor tank allows you to carry out bigger jobs with ease.
However, upgrading your air compressor tank does not come free of charges. It requires a good amount of planning and execution. We will discuss how you can upgrade your air compressor tank and what are the benefits of doing so.
Types Of Air Compressor Tanks
Air compressor tanks come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Common types include auxiliary storage tanks and industrial air compressor receiver tanks.
An auxiliary storage tank is used for storing air that has been compressed and enriched with a liquid such as water or oil. This type of tank is commonly found on industrial air compressors, but can also be used in household applications for instance to store air for a scuba diving tank.
Air compressor receiver tanks are designed to withstand high-pressure air flow, and are made from steel, fiberglass, or plastic. They are usually curved in shape for efficient air flow and have a valve at the top for regulating air pressure. In terms of size, industrial air compressor receiver tanks come in a wide range of sizes to suit various applications.
5 Steps To Upgrading Your Air Compressor Tank
When air compressor tank becomes full of air, it can reduce the pressure on the valve regulator. In this case, you need a tank with additional storage capacity to ensure the air pressure is maintained at a safe level. To do this, you can install an auxiliary storage tank, which will provide extra air flow and reduce the pressure on the regulator. This will also help prevent leaks and repairs. Besides, you should monitor the air pressure gauge while filling the tank to avoid overfilling it.
- Decide what you need the tank for.
When upgrading your air compressor tank, it is important to consider what you will be using the tank for. For instance, an auxiliary storage tank may be perfect if you are using a compressed air service such as those offered by home improvement stores, while an industrial air compressor receiver tank is designed for high-pressure applications and should only be used with a professional grade compressor.
- Choose the right size of tank based on your needs and requirements.
Once you have decided what type of air compressortank you require, it’ s important to choose the right size. Industrial air compressor receiver tanks come in a wide range of sizes, from small enough for use on household air compressors up to large enough for high-pressure applications.
- Decide on the type of valve you need.
One of the most important factors when upgrading your air compressor tank is choosing the correct valve type. There are two main types of valves available: Schrader and Ball Valves. Schrader valves are pressure-sensitive, meaning that they open at a specific pressure and can only be used with compressed air regulated by an atmospheric pressure valve. Ball Valves, on the other hand, are pressure-independent and can use any type of air pressure.
- Check for compatibility with your compressor.
Before upgrading your tank, it is important to make sure that the valve and fittings you have chosen are compatible with your compressor. Many tanks come fitted with both Schrader valves and ball valves, so be sure to check which type of fittings your pump requires before making a purchase.
- Purchase quality parts from a reputable source!
When upgrading your air compressor tank it is important to choose quality parts from a reputable source. Many air compressor tanks are made from high-quality, durable materials, but not all parts are created equal. Cheap ball valves and valve assemblies can quickly give your compressor a failing grade, so it is important to invest in quality pieces that will last.
Benefits Of Upgrading Your Air Compressor Tank
An auxiliary storage tank can help to produce more airflow through your air compressor, reducing the pressure on the regulator while maintaining a steady air supply. By installing an auxiliary tank, you can also reduce the amount of time your air compressor is turned on, saving money and resources. By replacing a damaged or faulty hose, you can ensure the optimum performance of your air compressor and make it more efficient.
Additionally, using an auxiliary tank can help to reduce the pressure on your regulator, which provides a larger volume of air for a longer period of time. When upgrading your air compressor tank, it is important to consider the type of air compressor you have and the jobs it’s used for. This will help determine the best type and size of tank for your needs.
Tips For Maintaining Your Air Compressor Tank
If you own an air compressor and want to keep it in good shape, there are a few tips you can follow to ensure the tank stays clean and performing optimally.
– Always make sure to drain the compressor before using it to ensure no water is present. This will prevent internal corrosion and provide a consistent supply of air
– Most air tools require 70-100 PSI to operate effectively. When operating a new air tool, use the recommended cut-in pressure
– Set the outlet pressure manually each time you use a different tool. This ensures that the air tool operates at the desired psi level
– Use air tools for their intended purposes rather than exceeding the rated capacity of the tool
Turning the screw clockwise makes the motor turn on at a higher pressure, which can lead to damage or wear on the motor. Instead, turn the screw counterclockwise when operating a new air tool. This tip will help ensure that your air compressor is performing efficiently and safely.
How To Choose The Right Size For Your Air Compressor Tank
To choose the air hose size for your air compressor tank, you will need to consider the minimum pressure required for tools to operate and the maximum CFM of air tools. This will prevent you from decreasing the outlet pressure enough to increase the airflow, which could cause the compressor to over-speed or shut off.
As a general rule, you should select an air hose that is at least as large as the nominal hp of your air compressor. This will ensure that there is plenty of airflow for tools to run properly and that any excess air is contained within the hose. You can also increase the outlet hose size to increase airflow by increasing the cross-sectional area where air flows.
When selecting a variable speed drive compressor, you should consider installing a fixed-speed compressor as well. This will allow you to achieve greater maximum cfm with the same hp but with a greater overall cfm range. In addition, it will help ensure that your air tools are running at peak efficiency no matter what the setting.
Finally, speak to a qualified engineer to determine the appropriate size for an air receiver tank on a stationary air compressor based on your needs and specifications.
Using An Air Receiver Tank For Rotary Screw Compressors
An air receiver tank (ART) is a handy addition to a rotary screw compressor (RSC) system that increases the CFM output of tools. The tank can be used to provide higher CFM tools with a boost of air, which can increase their efficiency and make them run more smoothly.
The air pressure in the tank should never exceed the reserve pressure, as this would lead to damage to the compressor or tool. This is why variable displacement compressors offer adjustable capacity from 50% to 100% and can provide 35% energy savings. Additionally, decreasing the hose size or coupling secondary air compressors/tanks can reduce the available air flow and lead to improved efficiency.
In terms of design, there are 2 main types of ARTs: load/unload and variable displacement. Load/unload designs are inefficient compared to variable displacement control designs due to the air pump cycle being repeated multiple times per cycle and requiring additional power.
Conclusion
Air compressor tank upgrades are not just for industrial use. A simple upgrade can have a great impact on performance, efficiency, and ultimately your bottom line. From improved airflow and reduced downtime to longer service life, upgrading your air compressor tank can give you a competitive edge in the market.
If you’re looking to upgrade your air compressor tank, the information provided above is a good start. You can also read our blog on air tank maintenance which covers some of the most frequently asked questions by industry experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Can I Put A Bigger Tank On My Air Compressor?
Ans: Increasing the capacity of the air compressor system can help, for example doubling the capacity from 20 to 40 gallons.
2.How Can I Make My Compressor More Powerful?
Ans: To make your compressor more powerful, you should consider upgrading to a Variable Speed Drive (VSD) compressor. This type of compressor can ramp up to its maximum 100HP when demand increases.
3.How Does Tank Size Affect Air Compressor?
Ans: Choosing the right tank size is important as it affects the amount of air that can be delivered to tools. It’s also important to note that a larger tank requires more power, so make sure you have enough juice for your compressor.
4.Can You Replace A Tank On An Air Compressor?
Ans: Yes, you can replace a tank on an air compressor. However, it is not a simple task and may require the use of a tank valve, fitting, and valve wrench.
5.Is It Possible To Upgrade CFM From An Air Compressor?
Ans: It is possible to upgrade CFM from an air compressor by increasing the outlet pressure. This can be done by increasing the voltage and adding an additional compressor.
