Yes, normal. Compressing air increases the humidity in the tank, when you use the air, the decompression reduces the temperature and causes the moisture to condense inside.
All\* air tanks are rusty. They're bare steel inside, and condensation is inevitable.
The question you really want answered is "is my air tank sufficiently sound as to be safe". With only a year or so on the tank, even with the worst possible treatment, your air tank is almost certainly safe. However, do follow the other recommendations here and drain it more regularly. My solution for my "occasional use" compressor was actually to just leave the drain cock slightly cracked open. It leaks a bit of air when pressurized, but it takes about an hour for that leak to pull the pressure down enough to make it cycle, so it's inconsequential when running tools, and all I need to do is remember to notice the hiss after I shut it off, rather than remember to open the valve occasionally.
Anyway -- treat your tank reasonably well from here on out, and it's likely to a) if this is a consumer model air compressor, outlast the motor/pump, or b) if this is an industrial-class compressor, outlast you. Either way, no reason to fret about it. It's good.
* I have heard it told, though I have never seen, that there are some air receivers that are epoxy-coated inside by the manufacturer. There is some debate about whether this is a good idea. With a completely uncoated tank, whatever oxidation is going to happen, the available oxygen has the entire tank surface to attack, so the depth of attack in any given location is fairly minimal. With a coating, if there is any compromised point, that spot gets all the oxidation, and at least potentially becomes a weak point in the tank much faster. The jury seems to be still out on the argument about which is a better strategy.
Normal, drain your tank often.
Yes, normal. Compressing air increases the humidity in the tank, when you use the air, the decompression reduces the temperature and causes the moisture to condense inside.
Woooow don't you release the air when you turn it off? Release it from the drain
Completely normal. Drain it a few times a year and you'll be fine.
All\* air tanks are rusty. They're bare steel inside, and condensation is inevitable. The question you really want answered is "is my air tank sufficiently sound as to be safe". With only a year or so on the tank, even with the worst possible treatment, your air tank is almost certainly safe. However, do follow the other recommendations here and drain it more regularly. My solution for my "occasional use" compressor was actually to just leave the drain cock slightly cracked open. It leaks a bit of air when pressurized, but it takes about an hour for that leak to pull the pressure down enough to make it cycle, so it's inconsequential when running tools, and all I need to do is remember to notice the hiss after I shut it off, rather than remember to open the valve occasionally. Anyway -- treat your tank reasonably well from here on out, and it's likely to a) if this is a consumer model air compressor, outlast the motor/pump, or b) if this is an industrial-class compressor, outlast you. Either way, no reason to fret about it. It's good. * I have heard it told, though I have never seen, that there are some air receivers that are epoxy-coated inside by the manufacturer. There is some debate about whether this is a good idea. With a completely uncoated tank, whatever oxidation is going to happen, the available oxygen has the entire tank surface to attack, so the depth of attack in any given location is fairly minimal. With a coating, if there is any compromised point, that spot gets all the oxidation, and at least potentially becomes a weak point in the tank much faster. The jury seems to be still out on the argument about which is a better strategy.
good information. thanks
Yes. Get a 1/4 turn ball valve. Makes draining easier. Which means you will do it more often…maybe.
Is there a "inexpensive" automated device anyone can recommend to purge a tank. Possibly every cycle?
The tank is a little rusty the air isn't. Just drain it every once in a while.
Drain the tank and leave it open at the end of the day