advice on air compressors

[dombanks]

we are looking to get an air compressor for our labs/workshop at the place i work and wondered if anyone had any advice. we would using it to blow out bits and bobs as they go though our processes, power the odd bit of lab equipment that uses air, maybe blow dry bits and bobs after washing, etc

 

i have no idea on size needed/tank/air flow/how to figure it out etc but looking at it airmaster ones from machine mart seem to be cheap and look like they will be fine??

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

You need to work out exactly what you'll be powering, or likely to be powering, really.

 

There's such a big difference in air requirements between something like a blow gun and typical air tools, right the way up to DA sanders, grinders etc that will really hammer the air supply in terms of quantity, and will be used for extended periods.

 

Will more than one person need to use it simultaneously.

 

Myself, I wouldn't go less than a 2 hp/50 litre tank for just relatively basic stuff.

 

If you think you might want to occasionally run things like DA sanders/polishers, grinders etc, then I'd look at least at a 3 hp/150 litre tank set up. Though even that will struggle with constant high demand items.

 

Essentially, the higher the CFM requirements of the tools, the bigger the pump you'll need to keep pace with them. The bigger the receiver, (tank), you have, the less often the pump will need to cut in to refill it. (Don't underestimate the noise of piston type pumps! I keep my compressor in a separate building to the garage these days; it was far to loud to have in the garage, while you're working)

[pickmaster Andy Lowe]

Most air tools have a liters per min rate on them

My 1.5 hp 50l tank runs down after about 10 mins spraying or 5 min die grinding, but I'm in no rush and it's soon charged again

If used in doors lab type environment I would look at its noise level too and maybe a water trap!

[blue ass fly]

Also consider its location

If its in close proximity to you,you wont want a cheap piston one hammering away next to you

If large ampunts of air are not reqd then maybe one they use in dentists would do

Otherwise consider a screw/hydrovane

[Lyonspride]

Your looking at £700+ for a "silent" lab compressor (I just got one at work), the alternative is something cheaper in the next room and a nice long air hose.

[SootySport]

As Andy Lowe says, you need to find out what the air consumption (in litres or Cubic feet per minute) of all the tools you will be using, add them together and buy a compressor that equals the air consumption of the tools.  If you are only using the tools in short sessions or just one at a time you can downgrade the compressor capacity and reservoir quite considerably.

[dombanks]

We won't be using any kind of drill/sander/riveter/painter it will mostly be used to drive a nanolitre dispenser and maybe just an airline to blow away dust and crap or dry off solvents of some small bits of plastic.

I was looking at the shhhhh ones in machine mart .... Nifty

Thanks for the suggestions.

[CraigHew]

Have a look here

 

http://www.ukhs.tv/Workshop/Air-Compressors

 

I bought a Wolf Apache last winter and use it for (mainly) blowing crap out of awkward places and keeping our 3 cars' tyres correctly inflated.

 

 

Whilst I'm not expecting this to loosen wheel nuts via an air wrench (it wont) its a very handy bit of kit to have in the garage.

 

These guys also offer great customer service, I had a problem with the first air line, they sent me a new one overnight no quibbles.

[Lyonspride]

Have a look here

 

http://www.ukhs.tv/Workshop/Air-Compressors

 

I bought a Wolf Apache last winter and use it for (mainly) blowing crap out of awkward places and keeping our 3 cars' tyres correctly inflated.

 

 

Whilst I'm not expecting this to loosen wheel nuts via an air wrench (it wont) its a very handy bit of kit to have in the garage.

 

These guys also offer great customer service, I had a problem with the first air line, they sent me a new one overnight no quibbles.

 

I think these are the same:

 

http://www.sgs-engineering.com/air-compressors?

 

The motor, the cover (and the vents), the wheels, tell me they are identical products (rebranded).

[peterg]

Wolf made, or at least the factory where their small models are produced made, the £50 ones sold in Aldi a few years ago and as I found with mine the fittings were made of monkey metal...

 

Last year I had a need for a decent hobby compressor and after much searching round ended up buying this SIP one from World of Power http://www.worldofpower.co.uk/sip-airline-rc2-direct-drive-oil-lubricated-air-compressor-7-8cfm.html and it's much better put together and has been used at least every week since I got it with no problems whatsoever.

[Nemesis]

Anyone know what the maximum size of receiver is before you get into the realms of "statutory safety inspections", and don't forget that when you squeeze air you tend to let the moisture out.... lab equipment I'm sure will require dry air..... so you'll need to thing of a dryer.

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

You won't necessarily need a dryer, doesn't sound like that sort of lab gear, though it's possible I guess. You will need at least a filter/moisture trap and regulator though.

 

Good call on the inspection side, that could be a hidden expense.

[s2rrr]

The definition of a pressure vessel requiring statutory Inspections is generally 250 bar/litres built to a construction code and handling relevant (fluids) including air. A combination of capacity and operating pressure. The material handled also has an input but for air I would stick below he 250 bar/litres and you shouldn't have any issues. The portability may also have a impact but if its a general bit of kit its as above. The asset owner has a duty to ensure they have an inspection scheme in place if it does become inspectable. No big deal in reality just say a two yearly open up and visual examination of the receiver maybe some thickness checks and any relief device would also need certifying, that's why you should keep below the need to have it inspected. Its all about paperwork.

 

Most receivers fail because of moisture trapped inside causing internal corrosion, hence the internal and most receivers for small kit are only a few millimetres thick. The failure is usually a pinhole so nothing dramatic.  Keep the water out and it will last for ages. Went off on one a bit there didn't I.

 

Bob

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

But useful to know Bob.   

[windy]

Minimum 3hp motor and 150 litre tank is what you'll need to do most things, assuming you have single phase of course. Don't bother with anything smaller.