If there is one thing to be called the heart of the compressor, it is the air tank. The compressor’s air tank is where all the functioning and production execute and get their shape. People neglect it by being lazy or thinking there is nothing that can happen.
But my dear, there is a lot that can happen to the air compressor tank and to avoid and look after it, you need a regular inspection. Not everyone knows the importance of inspection but once done, you can see the difference yourself.
We are here to address how to inspect an air compressor tank and why it is important. I know not many people know the reasons behind it, so we will surely explore that to give you a wide perspective. Better let’s get into it:
How to inspect the air compressor tank? Why is it important?
Inspecting your air compressor tank is an important consideration that we usually avoid to not spend on any maintenance costs or taking it to the workshops. But we ignore the fact that it helps in prolonging the life span of the compressor.
To do so, we have collected some ways to inspect the air compressor tank wisely by considering all the aspects of it in mind. So, better let’s start with it in the next section.
Multiple ways to inspect air compressor tank
We are all aware that an air compressor tank is the main source of air generation, storage and drainage. So, it performs multi-functions, and so are the considerations/aspects for inspecting it. I have made some scenarios, and I will answer, or you can say mentioning how you can inspect according to that.
- Compressor being placed in an open garage
- Compressor with its oil supply
- Compressor working at maximum pressure
- Compressor tank operation testing
- Compressor tank air storage
Compressor being placed in an open garage:
The most common mistake we all make, and that’s not limited to beginners but also intermediate users do it too. Placing your compressor in your garage uncovered is a life-threatening state for the compressor. It can result in clogged airways, valves and hoses. To do the inspection, closely examine the airways at first as they are more exposed to the external environment.
Also, if you think that you clean your compressor after every project is the only thing you need to do for its longevity. No, regular deep cleaning is important in all conditions.
Compressor with its oil supply:
Many air compressors don’t use oil for their operation, but there is a certain number of air compressors with their oil supply. They need their supply of oil, and for that, you need to check the supply before and after the operation. Having a certain level of oil in the tank is important for the smooth performance of the air compressor, as the unavailability can cause an eruption midway in working.
Compressor working at maximum pressure:
What maximum pressure means is that safety valves release the pressure in the compressor tank. Now the inspection of the pressure is a bit complex but can be done all alone. On the other hand, it is recommended to go for underground testing because it can be dangerous if gone wrong by even the slightest thing.
For inspection, remove all the valves and hoses and run it at the pressure, or you can drop it a little too!
Compressor tank operation testing:
Hydrostatic testing is the first and most considerable inspection option for effective inspection of compressor tank operation. Some experts recommend directly approaching an expert for inspecting and deep cleaning your air compressor tank.
If the condition is not controllable, you must go for a replacement, although the tank replacement isn’t economical. Another well-known method people choose is the ultrasound of the tank, which deeply examines the condition and working capability of the tank.
Now, ultrasound is used mainly for inspecting the thickness and capability of tank calls and structure that tells the lifespan many times. You can use it without worrying about the damage. On the other hand, there is another way to check the depth where the chances are greater for accumulation.
But for a portable, household air compressor, going through ultrasound is good enough if hydrostatic testing isn’t available in your area.
Compressor tank storage:
At first, for inspecting, the tank should be drained completely. We usually clean or drain the tank, thinking we have done a great job, but a small amount of water or droplet accumulation can result in moisture buildup. Then this moisture results in rusting and corrosion, and you don’t get any idea what’s going inside the tank until and unless it starts affecting the performance.
With regular cleaning and after a year, a deep inspection is important from experts or by contacting the manufacturer’s team to do it for you!
Final words:
No one should be unaware of air compressor tank inspection, and if you are the one, it’s never late to turn your head to the compressor. Above these are all the ways and inspection tests you can perform on your air compressor to check its functionality and portability.
Also, always look for a portable and robust constructed air compressor as it adds to the compressor’s life. You can also ask your manufacturers how to manually inspect your air compressor tank at home.
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