Air volume in the tank, volume vs pressure

In summary, when comparing air tanks, it is important to consider the volume of air they hold and the pressure they are rated for. A 5 gallon tank at 160 psi is equivalent to a 2.5 gallon tank at 320 psi, assuming absolute pressure. However, if the pressure is expressed as gauge pressure, which is absolute pressure minus 14.7 psi, then the amount of air that will come out before the tank is considered "empty" should be taken into account.
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bad_student
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Most air tanks are categorized on volume of air they hold . The question I have is this that a 5 gal air tank that holds 160 psi , is it equivalent to a tank that holds 2.5 gal of air at 320 PSI ?

if not then is there a formula to figure this ratio .

Thanks
 
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bad_student said:
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Welcome to PF!
Most air tanks are categorized on volume of air they hold . The question I have is this that a 5 gal air tank that holds 160 psi , is it equivalent to a tank that holds 2.5 gal of air at 320 PSI ?
Yes.
 
  • #3
Yes, if those are absolute pressures. But pressures in tanks are often expressed as gauge pressure, which is absolute pressure minus 14.7 psi.
 
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  • #4
If you are attempting to measure how much air will come out of the tank before it is "empty" then gauge pressure is an appropriate measure.

By "empty", I mean gauge pressure zero.
 

Related to Air volume in the tank, volume vs pressure

What is the relationship between air volume in a tank and pressure?

The relationship between air volume in a tank and pressure is known as Boyle's Law. It states that at a constant temperature, the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume. This means that as the volume of a gas decreases, the pressure increases and vice versa.

How does the temperature affect the air volume in a tank?

According to the Ideal Gas Law, the temperature of a gas is directly proportional to its volume. This means that as the temperature of a gas increases, its volume also increases. Therefore, an increase in temperature can cause an increase in the air volume in a tank, assuming the pressure remains constant.

Why is it important to consider volume vs pressure in tanks?

Understanding the relationship between volume and pressure is crucial when dealing with gas tanks, especially for safety reasons. If the pressure in a tank increases too much, it can result in an explosion. Similarly, if the tank is not filled to the appropriate volume, it may not contain enough gas for its intended use.

How does the size of a tank affect its air volume and pressure?

The size of a tank does not directly affect its air volume and pressure. However, the size of the tank can determine its maximum capacity and the amount of gas it can hold at a given pressure. A smaller tank will have a lower maximum volume and can reach a higher pressure with less gas, while a larger tank can hold more gas at a lower pressure.

Can the air volume in a tank be changed without changing the pressure?

Yes, the air volume in a tank can be changed without changing the pressure by adjusting the temperature. As mentioned earlier, temperature is directly proportional to volume, so increasing the temperature will increase the volume without affecting the pressure, assuming the tank is sealed and the amount of gas remains constant.

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