Posts Tagged ‘air compressors’
Air Filters And Your Air Compressor
The air we breathe contains contamination in the form of water vapor and air borne particles. During the compression process an air compressor concentrates these contaminants and depending on the age of the air compressor can even add contamination in the form of oil carryover. Basically, a modern air compressor amplifies the damaging effect of water vapor and airborne particles by virtue of the compression process. If you breathing in some dusty, humid air, your air compressor is feeling it far more than you are. Water vapor can be particularly destructive to the air compressor but it doesn’t end there. Remember the whole reason you have an air compressor is to run your air tools and other accessories. A compressor by itself isn’t very useful. It’s the air tools it powers! An air tool can get some serious damage over time by pumping it full of dirty compressed air and you may find your favorite impact wrench just doesn’t have the same power it used to a few years ago. The problem may not be the impact but the dirty and wet air you are pumping through it.
Modern air compressors have several methods to combat this problem. Some have built in aftercoolers and water separators to remove excess moisture. In some applications this may be all you require. It you are working in much harsher conditions or the tools you are powering require cleaner air, you may need to consider compressed air filters to clean the air further.
Ingersoll Rand has been the leader in air compressors for literally decades and they produce a full line of filters, refrigeration dryers, desicant dryers, and cooling systems for modern air compressors. Their air filters come with a differential pressure indicator to give the operator a quick and easy reminder of how much life is left in the filter element. Also, the Oleophobic filter media actively repels oil and water to reduce pressure drop and keep operating expenses down to a minimum. Typical filter media soaks up oil and water increasing pressure drop. This reduces the efficiency of the air filter and will produce higher operating costs.
One important lesson to remember is that just because you have the lastest air filters on your shop air compressor, the compressed air is not safe to breathe. The compressed air should not be used for breathing air applications unless it is treated with all applicable codes and regulations. An air impact wrench is not as sensitive as your lungs and you don’t want even small amounts of lubricating oil deposited in your lungs.
Cooper is the webmaster for Red Hill Supply – air compressors
Heat Recovery at Air Compressors
Your Air Cojmpressor can save you more money as you ever thought. More informations at www.nrg-consultants.com
Tools: Air Compressors and Tanks
Here’s a look at some vital tools to any modeler. Air compressors come in a range of capabilities. These days, they can be very reasonably priced as low as $50. At the other end, they can go over $500 in some cases. Ideally, having an air tank to supplement the compressor is a good thing. The compressor loudly fills the tank once, you drain the tank silently.
Home Repair Supplies : How to Adjust an Air Compressor Regulator
When adjusting an air compressor regulator, remember that some air compressors require different amounts of pressure in order operate efficiently. Adjust an air compressor regulator withtips from a home repairman in this free video on home improvements. Expert: James Drew Contact: www.jnchomerepair.com Bio: James Drew is the owner and president of JNC Home Repair in Austin, TX. Drew is also an HVAC certified tech with more than two decades experience in plumbing, masonry, and carpentry. Filmmaker: Todd Green
The Air Compressor Buying Guide For Air Compressor Newbies
You’re probably shopping for an air compressor because you’ve heard about the power of air tools over electric tools. If it’s not more torque and higher RPMs you’re looking for then maybe it’s the easy interchange between tools – almost as simple as plugging the tool into an outlet. Either way you’re convinced that you need an air compressor but you’re not quite sure where to start. This article will give you some of the basics about air compressors and then guide you through to selection by asking you five questions.
Here are some of the key attributes you’ll be paying attention to when you start shopping for your air compressor:
Horsepower:
Air compressors, as their name implies, compress air. This takes an engine and engines have horsepower. The horsepower of the engine you’re considering has direct impact on all the other aspects of your compressor’s performance. Horsepower is often inflated, and you should be paying closer attention to the engine’s rated amperage for an idea of how powerful it is.
PSI:
PSI stands for pounds for square inch. Of course as you remember from high school physics class PSI is a measurement of pressure. To be exact, how many pounds of pressure is applied per square inch. The PSI rating is one of the crucial ratings in the air compressor to understand as air tools have a minimum amount of PSI required to run. Typically that’s 90 PSI, but it depends from tool to tool.
CFM:
CFM stands for Cubic Feet Per Minute and it’s a unit for measuring the rate of flow in or out of a space. In this case, the rate of flow of air out of your air compressor. Air tools typically require 4-6 CFM for proper operation.
Tank Size:
The tank size, measured in US gallons, tell you how much air is compressed and give you something of an idea of how long you can operate your air tool for at a time. The other factors that affect how long you can run your tool for are the PSI and HP of the engine itself as these factors determine how quickly your compressed air supply is replenished.
Now that you’ve got the very basics of Air Compressors, here are four questions that will help you make your decision
1) Who’s Using the Air Compressor, and What For?
Is it you in your shop on weekends building birdhouses? Or is it for your construction company’s framing up new houses? The level of use should be your first consideration when making a purchase and will help you determine how much of an investment really makes sense for your compressor. The aspects of the compressor you should be paying the most attention to here are PSI and horsepower. The higher these are the more power and continuous usage you’ll get out of your compressor.
2) What Air Tools Do You Plan To Use?
Will you be using an impact wrench in an assembly line automotive project? Or are you using a brad nailer to finish up your wood shop projects? Again, the amount of usage you’re applying to your tool is a key factor in determining the HP, PSI and CFM of your air compressor. Typically, for the wood shop owner, you’re looking at using finish nailers, brad nailers and narrow-crown staplers for your projects.
3) Will You Be Using More than One Tool At A Time?
If you’re running two tools at once from a single compressor then you will need to invest in a compressor with more HP, PSI and CFM. A larger tank size would be beneficial as well.
4) Will You Be Mobile or Stationary?
If you’re stationary then you’ll be fine with an electric powered air compressor. If not then you’ll need a gas powered compressor that you can bring with you to your electricity-free work site.
Armed with the basics of compressor lingo – PSI, CFM, Tank Size and Horsepower you should be a formidable consumer when you go shopping for your next compressor. Be highly skeptical when talking with compressor salesmen as they often know very little about the units they sell and seek to razzle dazzle you with big talk that won’t help you get the right compressor for your needs.
As always when choosing a new tool, know precisely how you plan to use it when making the purchase. Keeping this in mind will always lead you to the right tool for the job.
At www.ToolCrib.com you can find and compare tools, catch up on the latest topics and debates at the power tool blog and save tons of money on power tools by subscribing via rss or email to our power tool deal of the day.
A Brief History Of Air Compressors
Air compressors have been around for literally thousands of years. Now granted the devices the ancients used for compressing air bear little resemblance to the modern air compressor. However, the basic principle is the same and without the primitive air compressors, civilization would not have evolved as fast it has. One of the primary uses for compressed air was to increase the combustion in a furnace. The operator of a forge would use a bellows to blast compressed air into the furnace to stoke up the heat. This allowed ancient man to produce stronger and better metals for tools and weapons. Most people today would not equate a bellows as an air compressor, but that is exactly what it is. The blacksmith would pull apart the handles on the bellows and a check valve would allow fresh air to rush into the accordion like chamber. Then using muscles as the power source, the blacksmith would squeeze the handles together and the compressed air would shoot out the fitting on the end. Using this process it became possible to create a fire hot enough to smelt ores of copper, tin, lead and iron. Bellows are still used today in a variety of applications. The organ at your local church is probable powered by a bellows that is practically identical to one a thousand years ago. They even pop up in medical applications such as breathing machines in operation rooms.
It wasn’t until later in history that it became possible to compress air using mechanical methods. In the past, only human and animal power was possible to power crude air compressors and this severely limited the utility of these primitive devices. With the industrial revolution, the mechanical air compressor was born. Engines running from steam power became the first method to power an air compressor. One of the first uses of a steam powered air compressor was in underwater diving equipment. This opened up whole new methods for under water exploration and even underwater construction. The compressed air could be pumped down to a diver and allow extended stays below surface. Compressed air was also much safer to use as a power source for early pneumatic tools and drills. For example, early rock drills were powered by steam. However, hot steam is far more hazardous than compressed air. A ruptured steam line can kill or seriously injure a worker while compressed air is relatively benign. Steam powered rock drills eventually gave way to drills powered by air compressors.
As the internal combustion engine gained popularity, they began to be used as a power source for air compressors. Gasoline engines are today commonly used in piston type air compressors. This would be a common air compressor you would find in your garage or on the back of a service truck. The gasoline engine drives a crankshaft and piston. As the piston moves into the downstroke postion, air flows into the cylinder on the low pressure end. When the upstroke begins, air moves into the high pressure. This action produces compressed air. In larger industrial applications, a rotary type air compressor is used. Rotary air compressors produce compressed air by turning a vaned rotor inside of a long enclosed chamber. As the engine spins the rotor, air is sucked inside the chamber. The air is then forced down the vanes into smaller and smaller areas. This action compresses the air and forces it out the other end. Rotary vane air compressors work very well in industrial applications because they are capable of producing large amounts of compressed air for extended periods of time.
Jason has been in the construction equipment and industrial sales business for over 10 years. He owns and operates Red Hill Supply to better serve the automotive and industrial industries. – Automotive Tools
VMAC – How Our Vehicle Mounted Air Compressors Work
Our animated feature showing how VMAC’s UNDERHOOD air comrpessors work. VMAC is a world-leader in the development of truck mounted mobile air compressor solutions used for service trucks, public works, utilities and highway/heavy construction. VMAC engineers and manufactures 70cfm and 150cfm UNDERHOOD Air Compressor Systems, 40cfm and 60cfm PREDATAIR hydraulic driven Air Compressor Systems and THROTTLE COMMANDER 3-speed engine throttle controls. UNDERHOOD and PREDATAIR Air Compressors feature high-powered rotary screw air-on-demand technology. Both systems are ideal for use on work trucks in applications such as mining, construction, tire-service, fire-apparatus and municipal operations. THROTTLE COMMANDER throttle controls are easy to install idle up speed controllers activated with a 12-volt signal. Designed for electronic engines, these load sensing throttle controls will follow a preset programmed rpm setting. VMACs success comes from working with customers to determine what their air compressor needs are and then surpassing those needs with unparalleled product quality, innovation and customer service. By regularly introducing new and innovative products to the market, VMAC ensures it remains the leader in truck mounted mobile air compressor technology. For more info visit www.vmacair.com
VMAC – Vehicle Mounted Air Compressors UNDERHOOD Demo
Demonstration of VMAC’s VR70 and VR140 UNDERHOOD air compressors. VMAC is a world-leader in the development of truck mounted mobile air compressor solutions used for service trucks, public works, utilities and highway/heavy construction. VMAC engineers and manufactures 70cfm and 150cfm UNDERHOOD Air Compressor Systems, 40cfm and 60cfm PREDATAIR hydraulic driven Air Compressor Systems and THROTTLE COMMANDER 3-speed engine throttle controls. UNDERHOOD and PREDATAIR Air Compressors feature high-powered rotary screw air-on-demand technology. Both systems are ideal for use on work trucks in applications such as mining, construction, tire-service, fire-apparatus and municipal operations. THROTTLE COMMANDER throttle controls are easy to install idle up speed controllers activated with a 12-volt signal. Designed for electronic engines, these load sensing throttle controls will follow a preset programmed rpm setting. VMACs success comes from working with customers to determine what their air compressor needs are and then surpassing those needs with unparalleled product quality, innovation and customer service. By regularly introducing new and innovative products to the market, VMAC ensures it remains the leader in truck mounted mobile air compressor technology. For more info visit www.vmacair.com
Airworks Compressors (Air Compressors): T40 Preforms in Extreme Weather
Watch as this impact wrench has the capability to remove rusty bolts. Preformed in the extreme heat of the desert, this compressor passed the heat test with flying colours! Powered by the T40 Twister Series by Airworks Compressors Corp. in Edmonton, Alberta. Nothing is too difficult for this air compressor!
A Quick Guide to Air Compressors
There are many things that you should know about air compressors before you start to use them. First of all, you should know what air compressors are and how you can use them. Then, you should know some basic guidelines for using them and maintaining them.
The first big thing for you to know about air compressors is what they are. Air is one of the hardest things to harness, however it is one of the strongest things. The wind is something that no one can see and no one can really touch, but it can do amazing things when it is blowing hard enough. This is what an air compressor really is. It is a way for you to harness the air and use it.
There are many different types of air compressors. Some of them are used in building and creating, and some of them are used in order to convert air to things that we can use, like breathable gas. For the most part, they work in the same way. The chamber is pressurized, and this pressure is what leads to the harnessing of the air. Because the way that the chambers inside of the machine work, and because of the very small nozzles, the air is forced out with great speed. This means that the air compressors can be hooked up to anything and then the air can be used. The air compressors themselves simply gather the air into them and then press the air very tightly. The machines are able to do this through pressure. Once the air has been held tightly, it can be released and can be very powerful.
You can use the air compressors for many things. One of the things that it is used for is to hook up to a nail gun. This helps to drive the nails into the wall at a much faster and stronger pace than a hammer. You can build something much faster this way and it is going to be much easier for you to use.
A air compressor is also used in things like washing. It can be hooked up to spray washers or other items and when the air is released, the washers will do their job much better. This way, the air works to propel the water and it can get done much faster.
There are also air compressors that aide people. For instance, one of the most popular types of air compressors is the kind that converts the gasses into breathable air so that a person can go diving and still be able to breathe. This is a very popular type of air compressors and it works in the same way.
Regardless of what type of air compressors you have, you need to know several things about keeping them. First of all, you must read the directions for the particular air compressors that you have very carefully, because it is very dangerous to use air compressors in ways for which they are not intended. You have to be very sure that they are only used as they should be used, and that they are always supervised.
This is another very important thing to remember. Air compressors can be very dangerous because of the air that can shoot out of them and also what they might be hooked up to. Air compressors themselves can be very dangerous. If they are exposed to too much heat, too much cold, or even to sharp objects, they could explode. They could be damaged, and they could cause much damage, Therefore, you have to be sure that you are never using them incorrectly and also that you are always storing them in exactly the right manner. This will help you make the most out of your air compressors and make everyone safe.
Safety should be your number one concern, and it is also an important part of keeping the air compressors around for along time. These are very expensive machines, so when you are using them you want to be able to do so for years. You don’t want to have to buy new air compressors each time the need comes up, so if you can keep the ones that you’ve got in good working order, you will be much happier. So keep them used correctly, stored properly, and out of harms way. This way, you will be sure that the air compressors that you have are around for along time and that they will always be good for you. You can use them for lots of things, so keep them safe.
Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about products for the workspace such as Industrial Air Compressor | Gas Air Compressor
