You can fill your HPA tank with an air compressor at home or the nearest gas station. Taking the hpa tank to the gas station may cause extra time and money, but it keeps you from maintaining any procedure. But if you have an air compressor and want to do it yourself, you must learn how to fill hpa tank with air compressor properly. Because both the hpa tank and the air compressor are risky tools and doing anything wrong could cause a serious accident.
Having the best air compressor is beneficial for both home improvement tasks and enjoying outdoor fun. It produces air for the HPA tank to operate a paintball gun, which is exciting to play. However, the process is quite risky.
Today we will discuss a simple yet straightforward method of filling an HPA tank using an air compressor. Despite this, you will learn some effective tips to complete the filling process safely and successfully.
How to fill a HPA tank with an Air compressor: Guides
Tools required:
- Air compressor
- HPA tank
- Nozzle
- Hose
- Safety equipment
Check the HPA Tank
Before proceeding, make sure you check the HPA (high-pressure air) tank carefully. If there is any leakage, you won’t complete the filling. A leakage tank will leak air during the filling process and it can cause a serious accident. If you find any leakage, call an expert to repair it, or you can also solve it by using some tools.
Release Air from the Tank
The HPA tank should not have air while you are refilling it. If the tank previously had some, then release them in one step. Take it to a well-ventilated area and open the air release valve. Within a few moments, it will remove all existing air. Choosing a well-ventilated area is important. If the existing air causes breathing problems, removing it from inside the home or garage can cause some trouble.
Connect the Hose to the Air Compressor
Once you have checked the leakage and released the air, you can confidently fill the HPA tank using an air compressor. To do so, connect both the nozzles found on both in the tank and the air compressor. Make sure both the nozzles are compatible. Otherwise, you could experience air leaks.
Now open the smaller kit from both the tank and the air compressor to attach the air hose. Again, make sure the air hose fits perfectly into the fitting of the tank and then firmly secure it.
Start the Air Compressor
Now it’s time to switch on the air compressor. Don’t forget to keep the air compressor at a full charge if it is battery-powered. Then connect the air compressor to the power source. It doesn’t matter whether it is a cordless or corded air compressor; make sure you have connected the cable properly to prevent any issues.
Turn on the power button and start filling the tank using an air compressor. It will take a short time to fill the tank with new air. To ensure proper filling of air, you will have to maintain the right PSI (pounds per square inch) for air. If the maximum PSI doesn’t match the needed pressure for the HPA tank, the process won’t work.
Measure the PSI
Measure the PSI during the air filling process as it is essential for filling sufficient air in the HPA tank. By checking the PSI, you will know whether the tank is full of air or if it needs to be filled more. Simply check the pressure switch of the air compressor and you will find the reading of PSI. To learn how to measure the PSI of an air compressor, look at the FAQ section.
Disconnect the air compressor
Once you find the HPA tank is full, turn off the power supply or switch off the air compressor. Then remove the nozzle to disconnect the tank from the air compressor.
Place the Tank in a Secure Place
Placing an air compressor in an open area is risky. So you should store the tank in a secure area at home or close to the project. Reserve the tank securely for further usage.
Different kind of HPA Tanks
Compared to CO2, HPA tanks don’t have much density, making them suitable for storing under extreme pressure. Generally, an HPA tank can uphold up to 4,500 PSI of pressurised air, while CO2 tanks can just sustain to 1,800 PSI. There are two types of HPA tanks:
Fiber wrapped HPA Tanks
These HPA tanks are designed with carbon fiber formed into cylinders. These are lightweight and allow you to store them at a high pressure condition. But these aren’t very durable, especially against tough impacts, and are costly.
Aluminum HPA Tanks
Compared to fiber-wrapped HPA tanks, these tanks are a bit heavier. But Aluminum HPA Tanks are available in a smaller size, making them more portable and ideal for light use. These tanks can’t sustain high PSI and can’t take more than 3000. Available at a cheaper price, aluminum HPA tanks are durable and can last up to fifteen years if maintained properly.
Safety tips for filling HPA Tanks by an Air Compressor
Whether you are filling your HPA tank at home or the gas station, the following tips are essential to remember:
- HPA tanks have a hydro date that indicates last time of inspection. To ensure better maintenance, reinspect the tank once every five years.
- Don’t put oil or grease on the nipple of an HPA tank. During the filling process, it builds up heat that can warm those lubricants and lead to a fire.
- Neither should you store the tank directly under sunlight nor leave it in a hot car. It is mostly recommended for all paintball tanks as it can increase pressure and damage the CO2 tank. Though HPA tanks won’t be over-pressurised, excess heat can damage their regulator seals.
- Use a tank cover or a fabric bag to keep the tank safe from the environment.
- During the filling process, keep the speed slower. Filling the tank too quickly can cause a loss of psi. For example, it can end up air filling at 2500 psi when your tank is at 3000 psi. Filling the air tank at the gas station will keep you from this hesitation as the store operators are careful about this. But it is vital to remember if you are filling the tank at home.
FAQs on How to fill HPA tank with Air Compressor
Can I fill up a paintball tank with an air compressor?
Paintball guns are driven by compressed gas which needs to be filled from 3,000 to 4,500 PSI, so you will need a heavy-duty air compressor with accessories for filling the paintball tank. Compressed air provides better performance for paintball guns and some stores can properly refill the tank.
How to measure the PSI of an air compressor?
Before planning to fill the tank with an air compressor at home, it is necessary to learn how to measure PSI from the pressure gauge. Learning the process will not only ensure proper operation but also help avoid malfunctioning.
Generally, the air compressor includes two pressure gauges. One is on the left side and the other is on the right side. The left side pressure gauge produces information on the initial pressure of tank.
Conversely, the right-sided one indicates the pressure that is produced to fill the compressed air. With help from these two pressure gauges, you will know the PSI of compressed air.
Can you fill an HPA tank at a gas station?
You can refill your portable HPA tank from almost all gas stations that have an air pump. It is cost-efficient but can take some transport. Thus, some people prefer to invest in an air compressor to enjoy effortless filling. To refill the paintball air tanks, you will have to find the paintball refill stations.
Final Words
Once you learn how to fill the hpa tank with an air compressor, it will be straightforward for you. The whole process isn’t a complicated issue; it won’t put you in trouble. But maintaining the safety procedure is always recommended, especially when working on the air compressor.
So wear your protective gear, check the tank’s leakage and finally store it properly. Finally, you are ready to use the HPA tank for your further project whether it is running a power tool, hammer, or pressure washing.
