Opening a big compressor's tank INSPECTION HOLE

Ignoramus29516 · 2005-08-14T01:20:25+00:00

I bought a 5 HP, 3 phase, 100 gallon Atlas Copco 3 phase compressortoday. That could be for just resale or single phase repower andresale. The motor is 184T frame. I am concerned that, as I opened thedrain, quite a bit of water drained, about 2 quarts. I am consideringopening up the big inspection holes and just peeking in there to seehow bad is the rust.The story of this compressor is that it was used at an auto shop, thenthe owner died, and it sat in the widow's garage for a while. That'swhat I was told anyway. The compresor runs fine, but I am concernedabout the tank's integrity. I did not run it above 50 psi. Some more data. The compressor head is rated for 300 PSI (!). It is abad ass head, very complicated. The tank is rated for 200 PSI. Theemergency popoff valve is rated for 175 PSI.Air connections to the pressure control relay are complicated and oneline's plastic fitting is broken. (hopefully no big deal that can befixed with copper line).So, again, is it sane to try to open up the inspection hole? I trieddoing it today and it just would not budge. I could make somemakeshift tool, but perhaps there is something simple that I ammissing. I need a square socket that would go into the hole on theplug.i

Aug 14, 2005 42 Replies

Rate this thread:

Christopher Tidy 20 years ago

Very true. I've never found a rust-eating paint which works miracles. The best I've found is "Vactan" rust treatment.

Chris

Vote

Ignoramus9179 20 years ago

That sounds like a UK brand. What is that Vactan?

Vote

Christopher Tidy 20 years ago

I think it is a UK brand. I don't know if they sell it in the US. It contains something which reacts with the rust and turns it blue-black, and a resin which seals the surface, making it non-porous. I'm not sure exactly what it contains, but it isn't phosphoric acid based like many rust treatments. Do a Google search for "Vactan" or visit

formatting link

Chris

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required