Crack in air tank

A

abrasivemike

Grinder
Registered
Joined
Mar 10, 2012
Messages
15
I'm considering a good deal on a 5HP compressor. The owner tells me that one of the legs got caught in transport and a small crack developed. He says there is a very small leak at the crack, but a leak is NG. Does anyone have experience in welding a small crack in an air tank? What would be the best process to use? Thanks, Mike
 
Most people would advise against welding an air tank or receiver. ASME code, followed carefully, will be an acceptable repair in most cases, but should be pressure tested by an accredited facility. Welding pressure vessels is probably best left to ASME code welders. Or at least consult one about the repair.
 
Unless you are going to get it fixed through a professional and accredited welder, steer clear. I work in an environment that deals with pressure vessels and gas / fluids. 100 PSI is more than enough to kill you if things go south on a dodgy weld.

Paul.
 
I cant count how many truck air tanks I repaired over the years. Some were drilled and welded on a extra threaded fitting, some a small rust area,
being welded in the first place anyways and trucks run usually 120-125lbs I never had one come back. So I do not know, however I did get a
natural gas pipe cert. back when I could see things lol
 
Think about this--- the inside of the air tank is rusted---- rust and welds really don't work well together.
 
Consider finding another tank somewhere maybe......
 
I would opt for a new tank. Welding on a pressure vessel of unknown age and corrosion is asking for a major failure. If the metal was fatigued enough to crack it is compromised too much to safely weld too. A new approved tank should be available very cheap and you can opt for a larger tank for more volume.

Bob
 
Did I miss something Mike? Fennimore Wisconsin is not in Montenegro as I am pretty sure I have seen that on the map while driving to Madison WI. :LOL: Anyway. The only responsible advice anyone could give you is to NOT weld on a pressure vessel unless you are trained to do so. That being said I have seen a few welded successfully. :whistle:
 
i'm not proud to admit, but i have sinned it seems.
i have welded multiple pressure vessels for friends as well as Getnr' Done NOW in Business
I worked for a drayage company for a little while as a diesel mechanic.
As soon as the Brass found out i could weld...tag!!!
i got every rusted, crusted, frozen, broken, mangled piece of excrement they could throw at me.
i welded tanks of all sorts for them, even did my own crude caged pressure testing.
we had a tank for checking newly repaired truck tires, i'd sink the tank when i could and take em up to pressure in steps.
i learned it was best to drill the ends of the cracks, weld the cracks, grind flush and then weld large patches whenever possible to maximize the weld surface area around the repair you just made, to prevent it coming back.
yes, the process was slow, dirty,and time consuming. but i had a 100% success rate.
must have been doin' something right or wrong dependent on your perspective.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top