Propane tank to air tank- how?

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I couldn't find this in the archives and the idea was mentioned in the propane ambush thread. How do you turn an unused propane tank into a portable air tank? It sure would be easier to tote an air tank to the flat tire than the air compressor. Is there an inexpensive kit?

-- shakeytails in KY (shakeytails@yahoo.com), April 18, 2002

Answers

I'm sure the "experts" don't approve of such, but I have used one for years, as well as alot of people I know. We make them out of the 25 gallon bottles so we can air up a tractor tire in the field. These tanks are built for more pressure than my 125 psi max so I skip the gauge. I haul about on a hand dollie. I put a quick connect right on the output valve that matches all my hose connects. With 2 males put together you can fill direct from the hose in just a minute or two. You will get an old propane smell from the tank from now on so don't use to add air to your well system. But it is a good way to tell if your captive tank is leaking!!! Don

-- Don (dairyagri@yahoo.com), April 18, 2002.

Yes, NAPA did stock a kit. Some times you must get a replacement kit for a regular portable air tank and get one adaptor additional, their off the shelf items available at any adequate stocked auto supply. Note that homeowner compressors do not generate enough pressure to be dangerous to propane tanks but there is a blow off valve set around 100 psi and the first time you are filling your tank and this valve releases - have a second pair of britches handy!

-- mitch hearn (moopups@citlink.net), April 18, 2002.

I haven't converted any yet, but on other message forums I hear you can get rid of the smell if you empty the tank several times upside down - the smelly stuff is heavy & doesn't leave the tank otherwise.

I believe you unscrew the whole LP valve, & put in a regular air valve? Unless you can find the left-handed adapter...

--->Paul

-- paul (ramblerplm@hotmail.com), April 18, 2002.


I us'm for air tanks. Several good ideas have aleady been mentioned. If you want to use the regular valve thats in is the adaptor is called a POL fitting. They are available in several configurations with the most common being the POL to 3/8" flare or POL to 1/2" flare. I preferred to replace the entire valve and replace with a brass quickclose 3/4" valve. When you have the valve out upend the tank in a bucket. The "heavies" contains pcb's and other junk that you don't want to just dump on the ground.

I've used the 20# cylinders for the small portable tank. NOt much good for anything but small tires. The last one I built was a 33# fork lift cylinder. MOunted a compressor on an old mower frame with the cylinder in front. Works fine. old hoot. Matt.24:44

-- old hoot gibson (hoot@pcinetwork.com), April 18, 2002.


~ As a means to bring compressed air with me to re-inflate 33x12.50 16.5s let down to 15 lbs for traction purposes on WAY out back hunting trips, iv'e had good luck with freon tanks scavenge from auto places. They're light weight & easily hold 100lbs, plus the shut off valve works well. 1 per each of those big 4x4 tires was brought along, however, I could get all 4 back to 30 lbs with abouy 2&1/2. The kit cost around $7, and because of the built-in shut-off valve on freon bottles, you Can move it from tank to tank for economy...

-- Re Load (RELOAD@abilnet.com), April 18, 2002.


yup, freon tanks are even better. JcWhitney online sells a conversion kit with gauge and hose for $8

http://www.jcwhitney.com/product.jhtml?CATID=4887&BQ=jcw2

-- Dave (multiplierx9@hotmail.com), April 18, 2002.


Newer freon tanks are being made with soldiered fittings instead of threaded fittings because they have been known to explode when used for air tanks, ask your HVAC contractor about them.

-- mitch hearn (moopups@citlink.net), April 18, 2002.

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