PDA

View Full Version : Air Cylinders for compressed air storage



Basil135
2nd November 2011, 10:09 AM
Hi guys,

There was some interest in another thread regarding using some old breathing apparatus cylinders for on-board air storage.

I do have some of these available. The measurements are 400mm long, & 360mm around. (I can hear the tape measures coming out from here.... ;) )

The charging pressure for these things is 200 bar, and they are all currently still showing around the 165 - 170 bar mark. Last test date is January 2000, and this is when they were last filled.

Their original intention was to allow staff to escape a smoke filled room, however that requirement was removed from the standard we operate under.

Now, due to the fact that these are still classed as a pressure vessel, they cant be sent air-freight anywhere.

If you are interstate, and are interested, then maybe the AULRO courier service could be of assistance... :cool:

Now, for those that are wanting to grab one or 2, it will probably be best to get them from my place, up near TTP, after work next week. If I take them home this week, SWMBO will make certain that I get no peace. (We have a 21st this weekend :eek: )

Now, these are strictly on a first come, first served basis, however, I am able to hold them for you. But please don't ask me to hold them for you, if you aren't able to make some arrangements, and someone else misses out.

Now, for the pretty picture:

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/members/basil135-albums-ba+cylinders-picture2912-2011-11-02-08-58-13.jpg



The fine print:

No warranty, expressed or implied, will be recognised on this item. The user is wholly and totally responsible for the use, and the supplier of this item has no control over its use once it leaves the suppliers possession. Furthermore, it needs to be stated that these are a pressure vessel, and as such are capable of maintaining high pressures within their design limits. Failure to stay within these limits may lead to a catastrophic failure of the container, which may result in serious injury or death, or both. Oh, and you might damage your car too. And then you have to explain THAT to SWMBO, or HWMDAHIT (He Who Must Do As He Is Told). In essence, your on your own. :D

Hymie
2nd November 2011, 12:31 PM
Would TNT carry them via road freight?

Basil135
2nd November 2011, 12:36 PM
Cant see why not.

I am happy to de-pressurise them, and remove the valve & gauge, so, in essence, they are not much more than an over-sized aluminum drinking bottle.

By the letter of the law, they are still classed as a pressure vessel, however, having never contained anything flammable, and being open to the atmosphere, I wouldn't have an issue sending them by road.

bee utey
2nd November 2011, 01:02 PM
I'd love a couple, I'll PM you my phone number.:)

I'm also happy to store some at my place for other members to pick up/post later, I have a very understanding wife..:p

Homestar
2nd November 2011, 02:06 PM
PM sent - I can arrange pick up at any time that suits you. :)

Cheers - Gav

fc110
2nd November 2011, 02:24 PM
:eek:
Cant see why not.

I am happy to de-pressurise them, and remove the valve & gauge, so, in essence, they are not much more than an over-sized aluminum drinking bottle.

By the letter of the law, they are still classed as a pressure vessel, however, having never contained anything flammable, and being open to the atmosphere, I wouldn't have an issue sending them by road.
Maybe labelling should be de-faced / removed in some way ???

Basil135
2nd November 2011, 09:37 PM
Sending them by road isnt a problem. It is airmail that causes issues.

The big issue is the difference in pressures when things are in the hold of the plane.

Having only contained breathing air, these dont fall under the dangerous goods catagory, and therefore dont need to be a placarded load.


To all those that have sent me a PM, I will get to them in the morning...

superquag
3rd November 2011, 10:21 PM
Pity you have to empty them... with a suitable regulator they'd be great for instant tyre re-inflation on the beach... Have seen standard SCUBA tanks used for this.

John W
3rd November 2011, 10:29 PM
Pity you have to empty them... with a suitable regulator they'd be great for instant tyre re-inflation on the beach... Have seen standard SCUBA tanks used for this.

Expensive for just pumping your tyres!

superquag
4th November 2011, 09:58 PM
True, but for the WOW factor, a 4WD jumping up out of the sand is.....priceless.

When I first looked, a SCUBA tank with a 2 stage regulator, hose and fittings etc worked out around $400, a fair bit less than a decent pump and accessories. The dive shop I checked with knew all about it this method, and indeed had the all the fittings etc as stock items.

Aforesaid decent pump will bring a sand tyre up to on-road pressure in,,,,, what?... 5 minutes ? - Which is 20 minutes per event. Compare that with 5 - 20 seconds per wheel. Three or four minutes and you're already on your way.

Would only suit the occasional user, say a dozen full-set inflations. (?)

What about expired dry powder / Co2 fire extinguisher bottles as 150 psi air tanks ? - They come in all shapes and sizes from your local re-cycling Transfer Station. - Bonus is the quick-release clamp which can be easily converted to 'permanent'.

slug_burner
5th November 2011, 10:20 AM
For 150 psi use, go to your nearest truck wrecker and get a compressed air cylinder used for the brakes on trucks. They come in a variety of sizes, will have a drain plug and more than likely already have a non return valve on them.

Here is one I painted and is part way through the install, I used a bit of steel strap to hold against the chassis rail
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/11/930.jpg

Bigbjorn
5th November 2011, 10:38 AM
For 150 psi use, go to your nearest truck wrecker and get a compressed air cylinder used for the brakes on trucks. They come in a variety of sizes, will have a drain plug and more than likely already have a non return valve on them.

Here is one I painted and is part way through the install, I used a bit of steel strap to hold against the chassis rail
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/11/930.jpg

You beat me to it. Any truck wrecker will have hundreds of air cylinders in many sizes. Some are even stainless steel these days. I don't know if any truck maker uses aluminium. Truck air systems are usually governed at 140 psi. I don't know what the safety factor is, but I am sure they can be filled to much higher pressure.