Air compressor: expected wear under normal use?
#1
08-30-18, 02:03 PM
Air compressor: expected wear under normal use?
Hello. I'll start with the known information that I have on my compressor, and then ask a question or two. 
I have a CA Air Tools 15020C. The manufacture date is August 2017. I purchased it in January from CA Air Tools as a refurbished unit.
I have used the compressor about once every week or so, on and off, but have kept up with turning it on and purging moisture from the tank once a week.
Recently, due to family events, I was unable to purge it for 3 weeks or so.
I did a moisture purge the other day, and noticed that the small amount of liquid that came out had a slight rust tint to it.
According to CA Air Tools, the inside of the tank, which is steel, is not lined at all, so it's just raw steel (this makes sense due to how they are probably manufactured).
So my questions are:
1) Is a small amount of rust build-up normal at all through the operational life of a compressor tank?
2) If "yes", how do you know at what point that the rust is enough of a problem that you need to stop using the compressor in order to not risk tank rupture?
3) or... did I just ruin a perfectly good tank?
I have a CA Air Tools 15020C. The manufacture date is August 2017. I purchased it in January from CA Air Tools as a refurbished unit.
I have used the compressor about once every week or so, on and off, but have kept up with turning it on and purging moisture from the tank once a week.
Recently, due to family events, I was unable to purge it for 3 weeks or so.
I did a moisture purge the other day, and noticed that the small amount of liquid that came out had a slight rust tint to it.
According to CA Air Tools, the inside of the tank, which is steel, is not lined at all, so it's just raw steel (this makes sense due to how they are probably manufactured).
So my questions are:
1) Is a small amount of rust build-up normal at all through the operational life of a compressor tank?
2) If "yes", how do you know at what point that the rust is enough of a problem that you need to stop using the compressor in order to not risk tank rupture?
3) or... did I just ruin a perfectly good tank?
#3
08-30-18, 03:00 PM
Group Moderator
General use air compressors operate at relatively low pressure, about the same as an aerosol can. There is not enough pressure for the tank to go "boom" though when the steel eventually rusts enough you'll probably have a tiny pinhole leak.
#4
08-30-18, 04:35 PM
Thank you. I appreciate the info.
@Pilot Dane: I'm not sure what you mean by "general use". The compressor cuts off at 150psi. Are you saying that a tank like that, which is not necessarily "commercial use" is more likely to just develop leaks over time?
Thanks
@Pilot Dane: I'm not sure what you mean by "general use". The compressor cuts off at 150psi. Are you saying that a tank like that, which is not necessarily "commercial use" is more likely to just develop leaks over time?
Thanks
#6
08-30-18, 09:00 PM
Group Moderator
No, I mean normal, shop air compressor pressures. Your garage compressor can only generate relatively low pressures. The biggest hazard is probably from a hose rupturing and whipping around... that'l leave a mark.
#8
08-31-18, 02:59 AM
I have a portable 11 gallon craftsman compressor that I bought 35 or so yrs ago. It was used commercially for about 20 yrs. It's currently in my son's garage - still works great. I also have a 60 gallon DeVilbliss compressor that I bought 25 yrs ago. It's used in my diy shop somewhat regularly. I wouldn't be shocked if either one of them outlast me.
Bleeding off the water after use along with occasionally changing the oil and air filter is pretty much all the maintenance needed.
Bleeding off the water after use along with occasionally changing the oil and air filter is pretty much all the maintenance needed.
#9
08-31-18, 03:26 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
Bought mine in early 80's and have let it sit for years at a time. Also did not drain water very often. Now use it every day and only thing I have ever done is replace reed valves about 20 years ago.
PS bought it from Montgomery Wards
PS bought it from Montgomery Wards
