Air compressor pressure regulator question.

[generator12]

Re: Air compressor pressure regulator question.

In industrial situations, diaphragm type regulators are left at set point sometimes for years. Things degrade, but it's almost never the spring that requires replacement. Spring steel should retain its "springiness" virtually forever if it's not stressed beyond its elastic limit, or degraded by corrosion or (very high) heat.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Air compressor pressure regulator question.

The consequences of your acetylene regulator failing is huge. You don't want a flashback. If the pressure regulator fails on your air compressor, not nearly the same issue.

Also, with an oxy acetylene torch you want the regs full open when you turn on the gas so you don't blow out the low side diaphragm. Been awhile since I have gas welded so I don't remember all the precautions. I just TIG and MIG now.

 

[Fishing Dude too]

Re: Air compressor pressure regulator question.

Have had to replace our 600 lbs regs once a year but that is for other reasons, normal regs last long time but do wear out. We use allot of air I do mean allot mil cf a day or so min.

 

[bigdee]

Re: Air compressor pressure regulator question.

In industrial situations, diaphragm type regulators are left at set point sometimes for years. Things degrade, but it's almost never the spring that requires replacement. Spring steel should retain its "springiness" virtually forever if it's not stressed beyond its elastic limit, or degraded by corrosion or (very high) heat.

EXACTLY As an Engineering technician I have been exposed to hundreds,if not thousands of air regulators and I have never seen or heard of a spring failure. I guess like any spring under constant tension that it could get weak but in the 80# to 150# range the resolution what hardly be measurable.

 

[achris]

Re: Air compressor pressure regulator question.

...An even more important step is to unplug the electrical system when shut down after hours. ......................................Don

Yep, gets switched off when not in use.

... and I have never seen or heard of a spring failure....

I guess this isn't a spring failure then... :lol:

Thanks guys....

 

[bigdee]

Re: Air compressor pressure regulator question.

Funny looking regulator!!!

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Air compressor pressure regulator question.

An even more important step is to unplug the electrical system when shut down after hours. More shop fires have been caused by plugged in compressors that develope a major leaks or burst hoses during after hours or vacation time, run continuously until they overheat and catch fire......................................Don

That's why I installed a shutoff valve at the tank outlet. Unless that leaks, which it doesn't, I'm good. FWIW, I don't back off the regulator either..... Also, mine's hardwired ......

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Air compressor pressure regulator question.

I have a new compressor and I'm wondering if the pressure regulator should be backed off when not in use. I know that should be done with welding gas regulators (argon ect) so the springs don't get weak and show the wrong pressure, but what about air regulators?

Opinions?

Thanks,

Chris...........

When your done with the compressor .. pop the relief valve on the system.

I dont know why this is a debate .. done with your compressor you drain the pressure out.

Same with air hoses or anything else. Regulator or not .. you drain all pressure out of the system.

YD.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Air compressor pressure regulator question.

Pointless to pop the relief valve. It leaves all the water in the tank. The most important thing is to open the drain at the bottom until no more water comes out and it is supposed to be done everyday.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Air compressor pressure regulator question.

I know that should be done with welding gas regulators (argon ect) so the springs don't get weak and show the wrong pressure, but what about air regulators?

Really? The regulators on my shielding tanks have been set where I need them for the past 12 years or so.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Air compressor pressure regulator question.

When your done with the compressor .. pop the relief valve on the system.
I dont know why this is a debate .. done with your compressor you drain the pressure out.
Same with air hoses or anything else. Regulator or not .. you drain all pressure out of the system.
YD.

Do you not use your compressor much? Can't imagine intentionally emptying my 80 gallon compressor daily, especially through the relief valve - good way to lose an eardrum.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Air compressor pressure regulator question.

Do you not use your compressor much?

Not my Portable that much . but I do the same thing. I relive the pressure out of all my hoses. I relive my tank Via the Pressure valve.

Can't imagine intentionally emptying my 80 gallon compressor daily, especially through the relief valve - good way to lose an eardrum.

You might want to empty the compressed air in your system how ever you wish.

I have 2 200 gal 3 phase comps .. I find it reasonable to bleed out the Tanks Every Day.

But just because its a simple compressor .. you need to bleed out the pressure. Via Valve or air nozzle .. same thing.

I have seen peeps hook up a quick connect 1/4" male fitting to bleed out air .. that will make your ear drums think they were on deck of an aircraft carrier.

YD.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Air compressor pressure regulator question.

Another thing that is real irritating, in the cold climate I live in, the darn rubber pressure disc freezes up regularly and I have to use a hair dryer to thaw it out at least 4 times a winter, which ends up ruining the rubber pressure disc, I keep two extra pressure switches on hand.

Heat tape, covered with insulation, maybe?

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: Air compressor pressure regulator question.

Heat tape, covered with insulation, maybe?

Even with heat tapes we have had it freeze up in extreme temps. The only solution is putting in a heated building which I am going to do in the future.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Air compressor pressure regulator question.

I dont see why a few drops of Air oil or PB blaster wont keep them fittings from freezing. ..

Works fine for me.

Empty your tanks every time your done with them !.

YD.

 

[rbh]

Re: Air compressor pressure regulator question.

I dont see why a few drops of Air oil or PB blaster wont keep them fittings from freezing. ..

Works fine for me.

Empty your tanks every time your done with them !.

YD.

I think MTs referring to the high low switch for his pump to kick on for the well water, but I have to ask though were the heck is his pressure tank??
Cause if the diaghram is freezing, what about the rest of the system?

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: Air compressor pressure regulator question.

I think MTs referring to the high low switch for his pump to kick on for the well water, but I have to ask though were the heck is his pressure tank??
Cause if the diaghram is freezing, what about the rest of the system?

rbh,

The pressure tank is currently under the house, which is where it has been since I bought it, all of the lines are heat taped and keep the lines from freezing up, but I have had continued problems with the hi/lo switch, this summer, I will be re-plumbing and putting a new pressure tank inside the house like it should have been to begin with.. We have no basement, this is a mobile home that is sitting on a foundation.

But I will get it all fixed up the correct way this coming summer, so no mo problems!

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: Air compressor pressure regulator question.

I dont see why a few drops of Air oil or PB blaster wont keep them fittings from freezing. ..

Works fine for me.

Empty your tanks every time your done with them !.

YD.

YD,

Have never had a problem with my air system, I drain the water, and then let it pressurize again, I have never had problems with any hoses or seals going bad since I have had it, and do my maintenance based on what my Ingersol rep laid out. I am going to put an auto drain system on it and a thermal switch on the motor, like we had on our setups in the Military, so I won't have any problems at all with it.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Air compressor pressure regulator question.

YD,

Have never had a problem with my air system, I drain the water, and then let it pressurize again, I have never had problems with any hoses or seals going bad since I have had it, and do my maintenance based on what my Ingersol rep laid out. I am going to put an auto drain system on it and a thermal switch on the motor, like we had on our setups in the Military, so I won't have any problems at all with it.

I'm surprised that an IR doesn't already have a thermal switch on the motor.

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: Air compressor pressure regulator question.

I'm surprised that an IR doesn't already have a thermal switch on the motor.

I am sure it does, but I am going to upgrade the system to what I have used in the past, that way I am confident in the set up.