receiver tank testing

[pondy]

any way to test tanks? i got one from a friend, looks quite old and when you tip it up you can hear the rust inside falling around, there is an end cap, its around 40mm and i cannot get it undone as its so tight

is this a problem?

 

[madkayaker]

we have the tank tested at work and they use ultra sound to thickness test them as well as a visual inspection of the inside. the forces involved in a tank are very high so if suspect the SAFEST thing to do is cut it up

 

[Mikey D]

The plug might need heating up , as compressor fittings are usually loctited on ,either that or its rusted . either way give it some heat with a blowlamp .

cheers Mike

 

[madkayaker]

mine was stiff to get out if you give it a good whack with a hammer inwards it sometimes helps break up the rust

 

[mike os]

I would at least do a hydraulic test... if its diy. for work.. get it done properly, cheaper than the fine or crap....

 

[pondy]

who would i need to contact for this service?

 

[madkayaker]

we use zuric

 

[brightspark]

we use zuric

and the cost is ??

 

[madkayaker]

not me that pays!

 

[brightspark]

not me that pays!

thats what i wanted to know its ok saying get tanks tested but where and how much is the answer we want to know .otherwise its a waste of time people saying get them tested

 

[madkayaker]

well pick up the phone to these people and ask. the price we pay will probity be less than the one off rate anyway as they test ALL our tanks throughout the world

 

[Paul.]

we use zuric

I expect that is part of your insurance agreement under the pressure systems regulations, I doubt they would be interested in a one of receiver test, small portable compressors are not covered by the scheme, most compressor specialists will be able to test air receivers, although the cost is probably a large part of the the cost of a new one, pass or fail will cost the same, like an MOT.
More info here http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg178.pdf

 

[pondy]

The plug might need heating up , as compressor fittings are usually loctited on ,either that or its rusted . either way give it some heat with a blowlamp .

cheers Mike

heated it up today and tried to remove with a 2 foot long ajustable spanner, its not moving! i ended up tipping the tank on its end and getting the rust out with a magnet, now have a large pile of rust removed,

did the hammer test, no dents etc. tank seems to be very thick walled, and weights a ton! well not a ton but feels like it when moving it about