What is it and why do I need one?
The POWER TANKTMis a product that addresses all the needs of on-board air/compressor in a small portable package. It consists of an aluminum cylinder of pressurized liquid CO2 which is released as a vapor through a special heavy duty regulator. The SuperFlowTM HP regulator was designed by us specially for this type of use. The POWER TANKTM can air up tires, run air tools, etc., while at the race course, the side of the road, or even in your garage. It is fast, affordable, and simple to use. It is light weight, portable, and reliable and it is THE fastest way to air up tires. No more standing around waiting for that little pump to fill up your flat tire.
What makes the PowertankTM System the best option?
The POWER TANKTM has the power and speed of a belt driven (A/C) compressor and the portability and lower cost of some 12 volt compressors. The POWER TANKTM can air up a 33" truck tire in less than one minute, remove a stuck lug nut in two seconds using a 1/2" impact wrench. And portability is a must when you are at the track and need to put on your race wheels or switch back to your street tires for the way home. No other air system can do all of this - at any price.
Pressure Service
The outlet pressure is adjustable at the regulator from 0 - 200 p.s.i. constant pressure. Outlet pressure does not drop towards the end of tank like typical air tanks. Flow rate at regulator outlet is 9 CFM @ 100 p.s.i.
How does it work?
The concept is simple. The POWER TANKTM stores its massive amount of energy as liquid CO2. The liquid CO2 evaporates inside the aluminum cylinder and builds pressure which is released as a vapor gas (compressed air) through the regulator. As the gas is used, more liquid evaporates inside the aluminum cylinder thus regenerating the pressure. Once the cylinder pressure reaches a certain level - normally 700 - 800 p.s.i. - the evaporative process stops until gas pressure is released again. CO2 gas is non toxic, non-corrosive, and totally inert. This means it is safe on your air tools, rubber tires, and metal wheels. And the thermal expansion rate of CO2? - Similar to air.
How Fast is the PowertankTM in airing up tires?
The average inflations speed for the PowertankTM = 1 p.s.i. tire pressure increase every 2 to 3 seconds. Example: Airing up a tire from 0 to 40 p.s.i. would take 20-30 seconds depending on the tire size. (Time will increase slightly in freezing temperatures due to the lack of heat energy at the tank.)
How does the PowerTankTM compare to a regular 5 gallon air tank?
We have all seen 4X4\'s and tow trucks carrying air tanks with compressed air to fill flat tires. The truth is, these bulky tanks store very little energy. A PT-10 POWER TANK
Isn\'t a CO2 tank a potential rocket in my vehicle?
No. Because CO2 is stored in a liquid form by nature it releases its energy differently than other "compressed vapor" gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, acetylene, or scuba tanks. With a compressed vapor the full amount of its stored energy in a tank is ready to be expelled all at once. That is why cylinders of these types of gases will "fly" in the case of a knocked off valve. In order for liquid CO2 to release its stored energy as a compressed vapor it must go through a phase change from liquid to vapor (essentially evaporate) through the absorption of ambient heat energy. This process limits the release speed of its compressed energy. This is how a person of small stature can hold a CO2 fire extinguisher in his/her bare hands and literally open the valve wide open while pointing the horn (nozzle) at the fire without getting blown backwards.
How Safe is the PowertankTM?
The components of the POWER TANKTM are all heavy duty and built for safety. The service pressure rating of our 6061-T6 aluminum cylinder is 1800 p.s.i. with a maximum pressure rating of 3000+ p.s.i. although the normal cylinder pressure range for CO2 is only 700 to 800 p.s.i. depending on material level and the ambient temperature. There is also a safety "pop-off" valve built into the main valve set to release pressure if it ever reached 3000 p.s.i. (i.e. fire or accidental overfill). Our cylinders are brand new and are DOT Approved. The adjustable regulator limits the maximum outlet pressure to 200 p.s.i. Finally, the handle at the top doubles as a guard protecting the regulator and valve from getting knocked and damaged. It is made of solid 6061-T6 rod and billet and secured to the cylinder with 3/8" stainless steel bolts. Naturally, whenever handling high pressure equipment, precautions and common sense must be practiced.
How do I get the PowertankTM refilled?
Simply remove the regulator and take the aluminum cylinder to a local welding supply or fire extinguisher shop and ask for a CO2 refill. They will know what to do. It is a good idea to weigh your empty cylinder beforehand and then check the weight of the full cylinder to insure that the shop did not under fill or over fill your cylinder (i.e.. A full PT-10 should be 10 lbs. heavier than when it was empty.)
Is CO2 safe for tires?
Yes. CO2 vapor is inert (non-toxic, non-corrosive). That\’s right Non-Corrosive. Some seem to think that CO2 vapor is bad for your tires and rims. It is not. CO2 vapor is perfectly safe for your tires and wheels. In fact, your body produces CO2. CO2\’s thermal expansion rate is similar to air (~1 psi change per 17° F temp. change). CO2 is considered a “wet” gas because it does start out in semi-liquid form but the amount of moisture content per cu. ft. of vapor is less than what you would see coming out of a shop air compressor. There is no need to worry about running air tools with CO2 either. Just maintain your air tools to the manufacturers’ recommendations with proper air tool oil.
What is the warranty?
The POWER TANKTM is the most reliable on-board air system since there is essentially nothing to break down, burn up, or seize. It needs minimal maintenance (just keep it clean) and as long as you follow our simple operating instructions you will get years of trouble free use. PowertankTM offers a one year free replacement or repair (our choice) of any manufacturer defective component (including standard ground shipping). After that, PowertankTM offers a lifetime free labor repair policy on the regulator as long as the repair is possible. You will only be responsible for the shipping and parts cost ($15).