Turning a compressor tank on its side

[Cally91]

So I've finally got some time to tidy up my work shop and do some jobs I've been putting off for a while so I've wanted to flip my air receiver up on end to make it more compact as its some 150cm long it takes up some space well I've lifted it up on the engine crane and welded 3x1m 25mm box legs on too it now I'm left with a drain plug to sort out here's some pics anyway if anyone sees any flaws please do point them out

 

[pedrobedro]

You need a reducer and a drain cock or you could fit a pipe and a tap to release the water and air somewhere more convenient.

 

[Cally91]

I need to work out the size I need really as the plug is huge as you can see in the pic measuring in inches at first I was going to get it drilled and taped but its quite a chunk of steel.

 

[Terrapin]

i'd take the plug to a piping firm and see if they have a suitable reducer off the shelf - not expensive and will save you a load of work

http://www.thepipefittings.com/pipe-cap.html

 

[wyn]

If it measures around 2.3" on the outsides of the thread it will be a 2" BSP fitting.

There's a chart here showing dimensions

 

[tigler]

You will be able to buy that as a reducing bush. Get it with a 1/2" bsp female thread. Find a local pipe fitting company and ask for malleable iron bush, 2" bsp male to 1/2" bsp female.

 

[500e]

Welding to pressure vessel Insurance problem big time

 

[Cally91]

Welding to pressure vessel Insurance problem big time

I'm not scared as I thought just like you and decided to weld to the existing feet and platform where motor and pump used to sit

As for the reducer ill get on that ASAP had a look on a few sites bit they only seem to go up to 1 1/2 inch

 

[Cally91]

If it measures around 2.3" on the outsides of the thread it will be a 2" BSP fitting.

There's a chart here showing dimensions

That's great thank you ill bookmark that page never know when I might need it again

 

[brightspark]

Welding to pressure vessel Insurance problem big time

ive made 5 shotblasting pots and same amount of tanks for c0mpressors out of gas bottles {NOT CALLOR ] there hardly likely to burst after welding em up .hardly think no insurance is gonna be a problem in a private workshop . the only thing ive had burst was a rubber airline

 

[wyn]

As for the reducer ill get on that ASAP had a look on a few sites bit they only seem to go up to 1 1/2 inch

There are some 2" X 1/2"reducers here for £4 could be cheaper elsewhere

 

[madkayaker]

Good idea I don't know why more compressors are not vertical as it saves lots of room

 

[Cally91]

There are some 2" X 1/2"reducers here for £4 could be cheaper elsewhere

That is exactly what I was looking for thank you get them ordered will give me a few days cleaning and get a lick of paint on the tank

 

[Cally91]

Good idea I don't know why more compressors are not vertical as it saves lots of room

Very true it's gone from having a foot print of 160x65cm to 65x70cm foot print so much better space wise and puts the gauges and regulator at eye level

 

[tigler]

Vertical receivers are very popular in the USA for some reason but far less so in Europe.
I seem to remember reading somewhere that vertical types are more prone to corrosion at the bottom than horizontal, don't recall a reason though.

 

[madkayaker]

Can never understand why the long weld is often along the bottom of the tank just where water is

 

[Robotstar5]

I seem to remember reading somewhere that vertical types are more prone to corrosion at the bottom than horizontal, don't recall a reason though.

Would the dome concentrate water in a smaller area than the arc of a (horizontal) cylinder?

 

[tigler]

Probably for appearances sake. Alot of receivers are now seamless tube. Better than one I saw a few weeks ago, really old and riveted !!!

 

[@Turbo]

Good idea I don't know why more compressors are not vertical as it saves lots of room

only problem I ever had with them is that they have a tendency to fall over and bend the shaft.