VMAC – Vehicle Mounted Air Compressors
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The recommended size of hydraulic oil reservoir for use with the
PREDATAIR60 is 15 to 25 gallons. It is wise to stay towards the
high end of this range if one or more of these conditions exist:
•
large cylinders are being used in the system
•
maintenance practices and service intervals by the end user
are questionable
•
no diffuser is being used on the return line where it opens
out into the inside of the reservoir
6.4.2 Shape
The reservoir should be tall and narrow, not shallow and broad
(Figure 21). The tall, narrow tank is recommended because:
•
the oil level is well above suction line opening, avoiding the
possibility of drawing air into the pump due to a vortex or
“whirlpool” effect
•
more forgiving towards unusual vehicle attitudes
•
to keep return flow well below the surface so it does not break
the surface and cause aeration of the oil
Figure 21 – Reservoir shapes
6.4.3 Material
Many reservoirs provided by PTO. pump suppliers are molded in one
piece from polyethylene. This is an excellent material choice from
the standpoint of weight, appearance, internal cleanliness, and low
leakage. If for any reason a custom reservoir is required, then
welded aluminum, steel or stainless steel are all good choices. The
inside of the reservoir must be thoroughly cleaned after all the
welding is completed. If plain steel is used, then the inner surface
should be coated with paint compatible with the hydraulic fluid.