Atlas Copco Compressor Pipework

[andyg0141]

Managed to pick this Atlas compressor up for a steal. Its a fair size - possibly around 400L? Its obviously been sitting in a damp environment for a fair length of time and the tank and pipework have a bit of rust. The tank itself seems to have survived ok and seems really thick. My question is over the pipework - is it likely to be ok or should I see about having it replaced?

Thanks, Andy

 

[addjunkie]

First thing I would do is open the inspection hole on the tank, and give it a really good coat of looking at. Compressor tanks are prone to internal corrossion.

 

[armalites]

I would guess that at around 150-200L.

I can't be sure but looking at the inspection hole the nut is already undone so it should be loose.

 

[andyg0141]

Just popped it open and it does have some corrosion but doesnt look tooo bad considering the thickness of the tank? A fair bit of sediment in it mind you...

 

[andyg0141]

It was me that undone the bolt. The tank is around 1.6m long, 0.5m in dia. I have a 150L one and it looks tiny next to this haha.

 

[armalites]

I guess most people have never looked inside their air receiver, if you already have a 150L comparison then it's obviously above 200L.

I would say i may be worthwhile giving the tank a wash out.

Surprised it's on a 13A plug, is there a nail fuse in there

 

[armalites]

Get yourself an empty 1L bottle and let know how many it takes to fill it

 

[andyg0141]

Haha probably! The motor thats on it isnt the right one. Its a 3hp but originally it was a 4 or 5 I believe. Apparently it runs ok but struggles a bit.

Il give the tank a wash out and take it from there.

Based on some rough calcs - 250mm rad, 1600 long = 315L. So probably 300L when taking the curved ends into account?

 

[Rig Pig]

That looks like a collection of bits put together, the pump looks very large for the motor and the pipework is heavy old steel without any spring in it to absorb vibration or growth as it heats up.

 

[knighty]

I'd swap a bit of that steel pipe work for hose so there's a bit of flex in it... if you don't it'll crack/fracture with the vibration after a while
(probably not that long either)

should be much quieter after too

I wouldn't bother washing the tank out, I'd just empty it... if you wash it out you'll just get it all wet and push it to rust more?


before you run it, take the belt off, spin the motor by hand and then plug it in, make sure it runs ok

then turn the compressor by hand, see how if feels... check it's not seixes / sticking anywhere

:-)

 

[addjunkie]

Washing out with water will make no difference as water drops out of air when its compressed any way. Clean it out and have a good look around the drain point.

 

[andyg0141]

Where would i be able to get some hose to replace the steel pipe? Would I be better replacing it all with flexi?

 

[WorkshopChris]

Where would i be able to get some hose to replace the steel pipe? Would I be better replacing it all with flexi?

Local hydraulic company will be able to make hoses up, ideally something like a steel braided high temperature rated ptfe hose.

 

[knighty]

I'd move the check valve up to the top, right after the first 90' bend... or wherever it'll fit easily and then use some hose to replace the rest of it

normal braided hose will be fine for it


but... I'd get it running and test it first before you go to too much trouble :-o

 

[brightspark]

just.leave your pipe as is .mines in 15mm copper plumbing pipe and been on 42 years . if its not broke don't fix it

 

[dannyp]

that compressor has probaly been running like that for years 100's if not 1000's of run hours like that i bet

 

[the snooper]

i wouldnt be surprised if thats very underpowered looks like it should have 2 or 3 belts driving it so im guessing it used to have a great big old 3ph motor on it, todays equivalant would be smaller

 

[armalites]

just.leave your pipe as is .mines in 15mm copper plumbing pipe and been on 42 years . if its not broke don't fix it

The Snap On compressor I recently sold was the same, it had what looked like 3/4 copper, never have a single issue in the 16 years I had it and it was secondhand when I got it.

@andyg0141 personally I wouldn't bother swapping any pipes until you are sure they are an issue. I would wash the tank out, make sure the drain valve is clear leave it open and fire up the compressor with it open. It will clear out any moisture and allow the pump run without too much back pressure.