Separating air compressors and tanks?

[waskillywabbit]

This is a tangent from the used fire extinguisher air tank (bomb) thread I started. I'd really like to find out more information about separating air compressors and their tanks. Several folks mentioned studies and projects in the other thread, but I was unsure if there was anything "official"? Other threads? Links?

I rememebered the posts in the other thread last night and checked my Craftsman 33 gal vertical air compressor...sure enough, the compressor sits on top of a little platform welded to the top of the tank. I also found the ASME nameplate, but I'd seen that before. The former made me paranoid to even turn it on. Is this really an issue?

Are there commercially sold air compressor systems that are known to take this consideration into effect (separating the compressor and tank)? I'm going to look now at some name brands online...

Do I really need to get another air compressor/tank? I don't have a problem separating the air compressor and the tank, my main concern is passing along the word to friends and family that I know that use these things all the time and have them in their homes/shops/garages?

Am I being over cautious and/or paranoid or is this really something that is an issue that needs addressing? I'd like to hear what you guys have to say. Thanks.

Brian

 

[MikeHalloran]

I'm pretty sure it's _allowed_. I just don't think it's a real good idea.

That said, if I already owned one, I probably wouldn't bother modifying or replacing it; I'd just install it in a room that's normally unoccupied, and has sturdy walls to the interior and a flimsy outside wall.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[panduru]

Let's standardize the specifications for a room that would be suitable for a hazardous compressor-tank combo. Make it mandatory for everyone who has the equipment to buy the spec, and ensure that the equipment is kept in a room that conforms to the std, at all times. Insurance firms may be advised to give a discount to those who follow the std.

 

[MJCronin]

waskilly...

IR recalled a bunch of tank mounted compressors, in 2002...

See these links:

http://www.absa.ca/IBIndex/IB02-004.pdf

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml02/02108.html

-MJC

 

[unclesyd]

waskillywabbit,
Is your compressor soft mounted on the base that is welded to the tank?
If the compressor is soft mounted it will mitigate a lot of the transmitted vibration.

Hopefully, you will have leak before failure.

If I recall correctly the majority, but not all, of problems were associated with the larger two stage compressors with a belt driven heavy flywheel.