DIY "PowerTank"

[Doc2012]

So, I've searched, read, and have been gathering information as to how I want to do this. (AND, before one of you try to LMGTFY, the one post about a DIY Power Tank on THIS forum, has been closed, and the OP blocked. I've read up a lot, and know where I'm going, and how I'm going to do this, but have one question.)

Scored a 20# CO2 Tank from VA for 40 bucks.

I would like to run the HyperFlow Adjustable regulator, but that's where I have a couple questions. Not bad for 137, but if I can do this cheaper, I'm going to.

SO, here's my question.

If I get a HyperFlow Fixed 150PSI regulator, could I add a pressure regulator to the end of the fixed regulator, or would that not work?

Just doing this so If I need to run air tools, there's not 150 PSI shooting through the tool.

Does this make sense to anyone, besides me?

Keeping this as a DIY "PowerTank" build as well.

 

[csp]

Yes it makes sense and yes you can. That downstream regulator won't know that there's another upstream and vice versa.

The adjustables for CO2 tanks are expensive because regular adjustables can't accomodate the volume and freeze up.

 

[shootmymime]

If I get a HyperFlow Fixed 150PSI regulator, could I add a pressure regulator to the end of the fixed regulator, or would that not work?

Just doing this so If I need to run air tools, there's not 150 PSI shooting through the tool.

Does this make sense to anyone, besides me?

Keeping this as a DIY "PowerTank" build as well.

yes you can do that. we do this on our nitrogen tanks for airing up tires.

there is like 3,000 psi of nitrogen in the tanks and we double step down on the regulators to get a whole range of pressure.

but why wouldn't you want 150psi in the air tools? sure would take the bolt out pretty fast, but thats the psi we use in the compressors.

 

[papapoopski]

I am using something similar to this with a 20# tank of CO2 Economy Soda Regulator

It's adjustable at the tank. I have not used it to air up though, just short bursts with air tools. I'm not sure if it would freeze up if run constantly.

 

[Doc2012]

Yes it makes sense and yes you can. That downstream regulator won't know that there's another upstream and vice versa.

The adjustables for CO2 tanks are expensive because regular adjustables can't accomodate the volume and freeze up.

That's what I was afraid of. figured they wouldn;t be able to handle the pressure/coldness of the CO2 and freeze then block.

yes you can do that. we do this on our nitrogen tanks for airing up tires.

there is like 3,000 psi of nitrogen in the tanks and we double step down on the regulators to get a whole range of pressure.

but why wouldn't you want 150psi in the air tools? sure would take the bolt out pretty fast, but thats the psi we use in the compressors.

I guess I shouldn't say the PSI, but the CFM. Don't want to risk destroying one of the tools using too much.

 

[Doc2012]

I am using something similar to this with a 20# tank of CO2 Economy Soda Regulator

It's adjustable at the tank. I have not used it to air up though, just short bursts with air tools. I'm not sure if it would freeze up if run constantly.

Damn it.

Not currently for sale.....

 

[MStudt]

You can add a regulator, but you'll only be able to adjust lower than 150psi. The cheapest way to go about this is to get an oxygen regulator and change the end fitting to fit a CO2 tank. Welding regulators will work too. You can pick both up on eBay for around $30.

 

[papapoopski]

here's some more

google "soda co2 regulator" or "keg co2 regulator"

Amazon.com: co2 dual gauge regulator

https://www.google.com/webhp?source...espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=co2+regulator+soda&tbm=shop

 

[csp]

That's what I was afraid of. figured they wouldn;t be able to handle the pressure/coldness of the CO2 and freeze then block.

The fixed regulator should take care of that for you though. It just depends on how far downstream you add the adjustable regulator.

 

[Doc2012]

So, did the tank.

Prices and pics below.

Tank-40 off CL

Tank swap (didn't know the hydrotest date, better safe than sorry)-35.17, and 5.25 for a total of 40.42

Hyperflow Adjustable Regulator from Wheelers OffRoad, 0-250PSI-150.19 shipped

1/4" 25' Air Hose (HF)-6.99

1/4" Brass Female(x2)-1.99 each

Tire gun (HF)-9.99

Price to refill the tank at a local fire extinguisher place-30



The choice is yours what fittings you want to use. I originally wanted to use the two make ends, but decided to go with one male and one female.

The hose is going to be replaced because it's got a "working pressure" of 100 PSI. No bueno. Did have it up to 250PSI, but didn't feel comfortable with that at all. Watched the hose expand. Kinda scary. Need to be on the lookout for a ~300 PSI coiled hose, unless I can find some kind of small reel for the back of the truck.

Anyway, the regulator has a connector to the tank, a female quick release, and a 300 PSI gauge. Built nicely. Pretty heavy.

Teflon tape, your connections, and wrenches to put it all together. You're done.

No need to tape the tank, there's a pretty thick rubber ring in there. Didn't see it at first as it's clear, but its in there.


Used tonight to change the tire on my VW with my impact. Worked freaking awesomely. Can't wait to get a better impact and really use it.

I'm also going to make a tire inflator, so I can get all my tires at once. Just need to do a little research on my design idea.


Anyway. Pictures.

 

[7echo]

CO2 and Mt Dew FTW.

Thanks for the update, I have been wanting to do this for a while and need to go visit my welding supply house tomorrow.

 

[Doc2012]

CO2 and Mt Dew FTW.

Thanks for the update, I have been wanting to do this for a while and need to go visit my welding supply house tomorrow.

Just FYI, I called EVERY place in Jacksonville, NC, and NO WHERE that that you would think fills CO2 tanks, doesn't.

Most just change them out. They don't have the ability to fill them.

Welding supply stores, beverage companies, etc etc. Even started calling around to wine places, and that's where I got the info to call the Fire Extinguisher Supply place.

 

[revenantdead]

yes you can do that. we do this on our nitrogen tanks for airing up tires.

there is like 3,000 psi of nitrogen in the tanks and we double step down on the regulators to get a whole range of pressure.

but why wouldn't you want 150psi in the air tools? sure would take the bolt out pretty fast, but thats the psi we use in the compressors.

Most air tools aren't rated for more than 90 psi. Unless you wanted to grenade the internals of your tools....

 

[Doc2012]

So, original use was 23MAR15, with a 20 LB tank.


I JUST ran this thing out on 25JUL15.

I mainly used if for the impact, air up tires, as well as a "blower", seeing as how my compressor is loud as shit and the kids were sleeping most of the time I was working on anything.

I think I left it open for a straight week at one point. As in the valves opened. I'm 99% sure the hose has a leak in it, but obviously not big enough to make a difference in the tank.

Kinda makes me want to see if there's any bigger tank I can get for the house, to keep around instead of using the small one all the time for working on the truck and such.

 

[nc-grayson]

Thanks for the great info in this thread. Curious though, why a powertank style setup vs. on board air? Is it simply the speed at which you can get things done with the powertank? Or is cost a factor? To be honest, I'm not hating, I just haven't been able to decide which route I want to go on my build, and it's kind of near the bottom of my list, so I haven't done proper research to form my own opinions.

FWIW, the Airgas on Carolina Beach Rd. in Wilmington will fill your tank for you....at least they did last year when I got my 20lb kegerator tank filled. Only one caveat, it's a 24 hour turn around to fill your own tank, or you can exchange. The exchanges were much nicer than the core I brought, and the "cost of doing business" was really no more than you'd expect swapping propane tanks at the supermarket. Just in case you have more issues in J-Vegas.

 

[Doc2012]

Thanks for the great info in this thread. Curious though, why a powertank style setup vs. on board air?


I had OBA on my truck with my lockers.

While it was great for running the lockers, it was a bit slow to fill tires, though I had the smallest compressor ARB sold, the CKSA-12. It got the job done, but took about about 3-5 minutes to fill my 265/75/16 from 10psi to 45 PSI, and each and every time I filled them I was RIGHT at the cutoff for the Duty cycle.

That, and the compressor was noisy. I had it mounted in the front, next to my battery, so about as far away as I could get, and I could still hear it every time it came on, over anything else that was going on.

Is it simply the speed at which you can get things done with the powertank? Or is cost a factor?

TBH, it's both.

The PowerTank is awesome at filling tires. Takes my 315/75/16 from flat(and when I say flat, I mean I pulled the valve stem out) to ~35psi in about a 1-1.5min.

It's also great for using air tools, such as Impact guns, ect.

While you can spend upwards of $700 for a power tank system, I made mine for the ~1/3 of the cost. To be honest, I'm not hating, I just haven't been able to decide which route I want to go on my build, and it's kind of near the bottom of my list, so I haven't done proper research to form my own opinions.

FWIW, the Airgas on Carolina Beach Rd. in Wilmington will fill your tank for you....at least they did last year when I got my 20lb kegerator tank filled. Only one caveat, it's a 24 hour turn around to fill your own tank, or you can exchange. The exchanges were much nicer than the core I brought, and the "cost of doing business" was really no more than you'd expect swapping propane tanks at the supermarket. Just in case you have more issues in J-Vegas.

When I get my the parts for my locker, I plan on getting a CKMA-12 to run the lockers, and have as a back up incase the tank dies.

I can also use the tank as a back-up incase the pump dies.

Both sytems have thier advantages, as well as disadvantages.

Just depends on how bad you want something.

I never would have gone with an actual Power Tank, because they're too expensive for what they are, and mine works just as well, IMHO.