How does this air tank/compressor work?

those tanks are filled at a station that services and rents them, most have heillium for balloons but some are compressed air. they hold a great deal of air. Try a party store for info

If you ve got something that looks like this - http://www.jmtools.cn/images/air%20tank.jpg

http://www.dgtow.com/assets/images/5gallon_portabl...

Then you have a portable air tank... there is no compressor. These air tanks are often used to carry air from a gas station air pump, to where it is needed.

These are pictures of air compressors - while they have 'tanks' too... the key component is the compressor, which fills the tank.

http://www.powercomplete.com/pc/images/items/hg_In...

http://www.val-u-co.com/catalog/images/launtop%20g...

For what you want to do.. you need an air compressor, if you plan to fire it more than once, hehehe. I assume that you are looking to provide 'smoke' for the theatrical cannon, as opposed to actually shooting objects. So you may want to check into smoke machines, also.

Smoke machines can be rented from theatrical supplies, or even some tool supply businesses. Air compressors can be rented from most tool rental stores, and some home supply or hardware stores.

Have Fun

you are . there are rules and maybe laws for what your up to.