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Compressor worries…
Hi all,
I am using a compressor for my airbrush, which I bought second hand, but was made by Morris & Ingram, who seem not to exist anymore.
The problem is that I have noticed the compressor is leaking oil around the seam of the tank. To me, this seems like it is cracking and therefore dangerous!
Does anyone know whether this is the case or am I being paranoid?
Thanks,
Dave -
9 Replies
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don’t know about that make but i know my tanks have to be checked and have a certificate on them
if its is coming from a split run like hell cause if it goes it will be like a torpedo 😳 (:) -
Which seam ? the weld seam ?
When last did you drain your compressor tank , some need draining on a regular basis to get rid of condensed water etc. -
I suppose thats the trouble buying second hand, there are no user manuals etc and I never thought that you would need regular checks/service. I’m gonna have to investigate more, I don’t want this thing to go, I have heard a lot of horror stories about compressors!!!
If anyone knows of a company who could service this, please let me know.
Regards,
Dave -
sorry, yes it does look like it’s coming from the weld seam, not a lot tho, just noticed it was wet and oily. I didn’t see it sqirting out.
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bootyhunter
there is a company in aylesbury on rabans lane that services compressors, think these are the chaps.
very good at what they do
McLaren Air Systems Ltd54, Edison Rd,Rabans Lane Ind Est, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP19 8TE Tel: 01296 425661
if not them it’s these guys, right at the bottom next to compusys
Activ-Air Automation Ltd22, Edison Rd, Rabans Industrial Area, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP19 8TE Tel: 01296 436778
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Even the most basic compressors have a release valve , IE a valve that opens when pressure approaches a certain threshold it’s unlikely the tank will grenade if this valve is working or the sensor that stops the motor when internal pressure gets to a certian level is working as well. It’s way under the pressure that will cause the tank to fracture etc. It’s also likely the motor of the compressor would give up due to the load before you got to a situation where the tank would fracture. The small hobbyist compressor I use for my airbrush also has an adjustable cut off pressure valve and a pressure gauge , If yours has one , turn it down to 1/2 the pressure. There should also be a drain screw under the tank , open it an let the gunk drain out.
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To check the cylinder it will need pumping up to twice the working pressure using water or oil and left for an hour. The energy in the cylinder is measured in Bar/litres, as water doesn’t compress much if it splits then the energy release is not great.
If yours is leaking around the weld then DON’T use it and to be honest for the cost of a new compressor I would just get one from machine mart or simular, an air brush doesn’t take much air so a small compressor isn’t too much and you can get the oil free ones.
Steve
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If you are using an airbrush with a big compressor (I assume you mean an industrial type one?) I think you’d better off with one of these http://airbrushes.com/product_info.php? … 702bfdba63
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My compressor costs me almost £300 a year to insure and the insurer sends around a guy every year with an ultrasound gizmo to check the wall thickness of the tank to see if there is any thinning of the tank wall due to rust etc. I also have to keep the certificates for some rediculous time like 20 years or something. I hate paying it as it is another stealth tax for the industry! 👿
The bloke even said to me that if the same compressor was used privately and not for business the insurance wouldn’t apply.
Robin Hoods (:) (hot) (chat.)
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