Compressor tank cleaning

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RustyRatRod

I was born on a Monday. Not last Monday.
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I have an old Kellog American 120 gallon horizontal compressor that I frankensteined up several years ago. Works real good. I drain it regularly but don't like the rust colored water I am seeing. Although I must admit, I have seen it on every compressor I have ever drained.

The "PVC IRON" pipe thread has me rethinking my use of 3/4" PVC there and I will probably go back with iron pipe sometime after the new year. Is there a way I can clean the tank out? Maybe coat the inside like a gas tank to protect it from rust? What's the scoop?
 
well first thing that comes to mind is have it chemically dipped like we do our cars, only thing left is virgin metal. then coat it with something, epoxy and/or...
 
That would take a big vat.
 
"Old." I'll tell ya Rob, I'd seriously and I do mean, consider hydrotesting that thing. A guy like you can do it yourself. You may know, the entire idea of a hydrotest is that if you burst the thing, water won't cause a huge explosion.........just a mess

Fill it clear full of water and devise a way to pressure it up. You could even use CO2 for "that last cup" so long as you get it full. Tank should be tagged as to what specs it meets.

I've considered.......LOL if I ever buy a new one.......of "POR 15 coating" the bottom of the tank.

Nope wasn't mine LOL

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I know Del. But it's all I got. At least for a big compressor. I do have a smaller much newer Husky.
 
Just wrap the tank with one of those 'scatter proof' blankets they use at the drags. Should be fine!
 
Don't really have a solution, I have thought the same about mine and it's only maybe 3 years old. I would be hesitant on doing anything for fear of it not adhering properly and flaking off into my lines, tools and worse paint.
 
It could be treated like a fuel tank. Water, 10% muriatic solution to remove rust, neutralize with baking soda water. Rinse, dry ... not sure how. Then use Glyptal 1201. Pour in rotate. The Glyptal is expensive, but holds up well.
 
It could be treated like a fuel tank. Water, 10% muriatic solution to remove rust, neutralize with baking soda water. Rinse, dry ... not sure how. Then use Glyptal 1201. Pour in rotate. The Glyptal is expensive, but holds up well.

Rob this works^^^^^. Instead I bought the fuel tank coating. Probably was the same thing. Dan
 
Yeah I don't know why I didn't think of Glyptal. We used it at the machine shop where I worked to coat the intake valleys of race engines to improve oil drain back. That stuff is evil badass. Thanks. I might give it a try after the first of the year.
 
For those that have done this, is adhesion not a problem? I mean everything I've done in the past (never inside air compressor tank) if I don't properly prep the surface I never manage to get anything to stick.
 
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