Thread: Using Air Tanks to Run Pneumatic Props

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I can purchase some 11 Gallon Air Tanks pretty cheap, and was wondering if anyone uses air tanks to run their pneumatic props? What are some Pros and Cons?

I know limited supply of air would be a con, but how different would hooking it up be? For example to a fairly easy pneumatic prop like trash can trauma?

Thanks for the input in advance.

Get yourself a decent air compressor and use a regulator for each prop, trash can trauma shouldnt need more then 45 psi. a compressor thats 11 gallons of air should house what you want to do with you yard you can probably power at least three props that take low sumptions pf air such a trash an trama spide victm or MIB.
-Chris

Yes you can use them, but you may have limited runs of the prop depending on the amount of air the prop uses for each trigger and the pressure needed

We tried running some off of air tanks but it is extremely difficult to keep from having leaks in the closed system, even a very small one quickly depletes the air storage. We really wanted to use them for areas were it is difficult to run air lines. When we were able to get no leaks, they ran all night for us and we were able to get well over 100 firings without refilling on some of our low pf props.

I use 7 air tanks running off of a 30gal compressor. This is for 13 pneumatics. It should not leak if set up correct. You can do this one of 2 ways.

Way one doesn't use a check valve on each tanks. Air will "borrow" from other tanks.

The other way uses a check valve. This prevents air backfeeing into other tanks.

So here is the in line setup

Compressor---3/8 hose---manifold---3/8 hose---air tank---regulator---1/4 hose to prop

Always keep the air tank as close as possible to the prop.

I could be wrong but I believe he is wanting to use the tanks without being constantly connected to the compressor.

Thats correct Marcharius. I have a small compressor, but it won't run all the props I have planned out on its own. I didn't really want to invest alot of money on a big air compressor, but it looks like I may have to. Any ideas on compressors? One thats dependable, but not too expensive. Looking to run 3 - 6 props.

The air tanks will work but it will depend on the prop/air cylinder and how often the prop is activated.

If it's a prop that goes through 20 or 30 activation each time it's on (like a electric chair) you won't get much use out of it with the air tank only. Now if it's a one shot prop (like a jack in the box that pops up then resets) then you could get a few hundred activations with the air tank before needing to refill it.

The size of the air cylinder used will also play a important role in how long the air tank will last...smaller cylinder = less air and the larger the air cylinder = more air usage.

Here's what I would do. I would take a air cylinder and a tank of air and set the pressure gauge at 40psi (about avg for most props) and see how many times I can get the cylinder to fire before the tank goes dry.

Then figure in the number of time you think you'll use it in one night and you will have your answer on if the tanks along will give you enough air to run a prop.

Originally Posted by zombie3333

Thats correct Marcharius. I have a small compressor, but it won't run all the props I have planned out on its own. I didn't really want to invest alot of money on a big air compressor, but it looks like I may have to. Any ideas on compressors? One thats dependable, but not too expensive. Looking to run 3 - 6 props.

I used this old compressor, for 6 years, running anywhere from 8 to 15 air props, in any one of those 6 years, and it was all I needed. Bought it at a garage sale, for $40.00 and I believe it was 1.5hp.



Remember all of them run loud but a oilless compressor will run louder than a compressor that uses oil. If this compressor is mostly for Halloween use then just about any compressor you get from one of the box stores will be large enough to run 3-7 props...even the cheapest one should work (not one of those mini tire compressors).

Of course that also depends on the type of props you plan on using. The larger the air cylinder the more air it will use and if it's a prop that goes through 20 or 30, or 40 activations (electric chair or MIB) every time it's on then you will also need a air tank.

It really doesn't take a lot of air to run 7 simple pop up props...or 20

Thanks Madmax