The procedure of refilling a high-pressure air (HPA) tank is not as challenging as many people think. You can refill an HPA tank in a gas station near you, but it will cost you money and time. Using an air compressor to fill the tank at home will save you time and money.
Besides, it’s an excellent DIY home project for people who love using their hands on a tight budget. Working with tools may be risky. You, therefore, may use a budget air compressor to fill your HPA tank.
You also need to do the procedure the right way. The following straightforward steps will help you fill an HPA tank successfully and safely.
How to Fill HPA Tank with Air Compressor
Step 1: Collect the Necessary Materials
You require several items to refill the HPA tank with an air compressor. The first thing you should do before starting the process is to accumulate the requirements. The following are things you require;
- HPA tank
- Hose
- Air compressor
- Nozzle
- Safety tool
Step 2: Investigate the HPA Tank
It would be useless to refill a damaged or leaking tank. After gathering all the things you require for the process:
- Carry out a check-up on the tank.
- Look for any worn-out, loose, or damaged parts.
- Repair them or seek the services of an expert to fix them.
- In case of a leakage, the tank will not fill the air appropriately. Also, it could cause an accident.
Step 3: Empty the HPA Tank Completely
After verifying that the tank is okay or rectifying any issues, you need to release any air left in the tank.
You should refill an HPA tank when empty. Look for a well-ventilated place and remove any remnant air in the tank.
The remaining air in the tank can be dangerous. It can cause problems like difficulty in breathing when released in a closed area.
Step 4: Prepare the Air Compressor for Refilling
With the HPA tank in good order and no air inside, it’s time to refill it. Start by connecting the hose to a quality air compressor. The air compressor and the tank have nozzles. Connect the nozzles to both tools.
It’s vital to ensure that the nozzles are conformable to each other. If not compatible, the air filled in the tank can leak.
After connecting the nozzles, open the air compressor and tank’s smaller kit and connect the air hose. The hose should fit perfectly into the tank and air compressor’s fitting to avoid leakage. Then secure it firmly.
Step 5: Operate the Air Compressor
After setting and connecting the nozzles and air hose, it’s time to start up the air compressor.
If the air compressor you are using is battery-charged, ensure that it’s in full charge. Otherwise, connect it to a reliable power source.
Ensure the air compressor’s cable is connected correctly and placed to avoid issues like short-circuiting or making you trample down. After plugging in the air compressor, put on the power. Then start the compressor’s start button.
The air compressor will start filling the HPA tank with air. It will take only a few minutes to fill the HPA tank. While filling the tank, ensure you maintain the correct pounds per square inch (PSI) to fill the air appropriately.
Also, when the maximum PSI differs from the HPA tank’s pressure, the entire process will flop!
Related Helpful Guide: How to Attach Needle to Air Compressor
Step 6: Assess the PSI
After filling the tank, you need to check whether the PSI is correct. You, therefore, need to measure it.
As a result, you can tell the tank’s position. You will know whether to add more air or not. The air compressor comes with a pressure switch which consists of the PSI reading. You only need to read the PSI.
Step 7: Stop the Air Compressor
If the PSI reading indicates that the HPA tank is full, switch off the air compressor. Then turn off the power switch and disconnect it.
Step 8: Disconnect the Tank from the Air Compressor
After switching off the air compressor and disconnecting it from the power source, disconnect it from the tank by removing the nozzle.
Step 9: Store the Tank
If not using the HPA tank, store it in a secure place. Keeping it in an ideal location near the project is better to avoid movement hustles. In case you finish a project, and the tank still has air, reserve it for future use.
After this last step, you will have successfully filled your HPA tank with an air compressor. HPA tanks come with less density, making them ideal for storing under extreme pressure. CO2 tanks sustain a PSI of up to 1,800 while HPA tanks hold to a maximum of 4,500.
If you want to fill a paintball tank with an air compressor, it’s essential to know its type first. HPA tanks are either aluminum or fiber wrapped.
The aluminum HPA tanks are heavier than the fiber-wrapped tanks but come in a smaller size. Moving them becomes easy. But they cannot sustain more than 3000 PSI or high pressure. They are affordable and last for approximately 15 years if maintained correctly.
The fiber-wrapped HPA tanks are lightweight compared to the aluminum ones because they get designed using carbon fiber.
Unlike the aluminum ones, you can store them under high pressure. They come in cylinder forms and don’t last long, especially when exposed to challenging conditions. You also need to dig deeper into your pockets to buy one.
It doesn’t matter the HPA tank you own. You can fill it with an air compressor.
HPA tanks are essential at home or commercial workshops. As illustrated above, you don’t have to take it to a garage near you for refilling when it gets empty. You can save that money and time by doing it yourself, as demonstrated above.
If it’s your first time, the above guide on filling an HPA tank with an air compressor will help you out. Follow each step keenly for optimal results.
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