Thread: Parallel Tanks
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Unread 08-11-2007, 14:56
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Re: Parallel Tanks

Thanks for the tip on the code tags for the ascii art, Daniel.

I do have a couple of clarifications to make, however. Each of the diagrams numbered 1-4 should have effectively the same volume of stored air, two tanks at 120 psi each. Note that each system can be expanded up to the number of storage tanks allowed, I have just shown two tanks here as an example, and have not accounted for any "extra" high pressure air stored in the longer tubing runs.

Secondly while theory may predict different flow rates downstream of the regulator, I have not done any tests to show whether there is a practical difference in flow and pressure downstream of the regulator between setups #1-4. Perhaps others have? There is probably at least as much difference in flow rates due to tubing lengths and connectors (Y vs. T, as pointed out) and bends in the tubing as there is due to tank arrangement, but even then I don't know just "how much" it takes in order to be significant. I just posted the sketches to show different ways of hooking up the storage tanks on the high pressure side of the system.

The fifth (un-numbered) diagram will store less air, as one tank will be at 120 psi and the other, downstream of the regulator, will be at 60 psi.

Jason