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How to Fill a Pressure Tank With One T-Connection

A pressure tank, such as a compressed air tank, must be filled using another pressure tank that has a higher pressure. If the pressure tank to be filled only has one inlet, a tee connection can be used along with several block valves. This can be especially useful when needing to refill a compressed air storage tank.

Things You'll Need

Empty pressure tank with pressure gauge
Tee connection (same size as pressure tank inlet connection)
2 block valves that are the same size as the tee connection
3 piping nipples that are the same size as the tee connection
Tubing or pipe that is the same size as the tee connection
Air compressor with an outlet port that is the same size as the tee connection
Wrench

Instructions

- 1
  Install the tee connection to the pressure tank using one of the pipe nipples. The pipe nipples are typically small threaded pieces of pipe that fit into the female end of the tee connection and the pressure tank inlet. It is not important which part of the tee connection is used.
- 2
  Install the two block valves on the other two open tee connections using the pipe nipples. Tighten all of the connections with a wrench and ensure the valves are closed.
- 3
  Connect the air compressor outlet with one of the valves on the tee connection on the pressure tank.
- 4
  Start the air compressor to a pressure of 100 pounds per square inch (psi). Slowly open the valve between the air compressor and the pressure tank and allow the pressures to equalize. This can be confirmed using the pressure gauge on the pressure tank.

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