Compressor Cleaning?

[Deathrow]

Hello, I'm hoping someone who knows more about compressors can give me some advice about mine and whether or not it is still suitable for use.

For reference, the compressor is a Wolf Air, 1.5 HP with a 24 litre tank. It looks just like this one: http://img.class.posot.es/en_gb/2015/03/25/WOLF-AIR-COMPRESSOR-1-5-HP-POWER-UNIT-20150325081312.jpg

Firstly a small bit of back story. Several years ago United Utilities were kind enough to flood our cellar with 3 or 4 inches of waste water, an issue that persisted for around ten months as they insisted it was the water table. During that time my air compressor was in the cellar, however the cellar floor is uneven and as a result, the compressor itself (except the wheels/feet) never got wet.

The compressor continued to be stored down there after the leak was resolved and the clean up had taken place and since then, it hasn't been used as it's not been needed.

I am now at a point where I would like to use the compressor to apply cavity wax and underseal to the box sections and underside of my Mini restoration project respectively. However currently I'm a little dubious of the compressor. The last thing I want to do is to go and apply spores/bacteria or any other nasties to the box sections and underside of my car where they may grow in peace out of sight.

I don't know a great deal about compressors but I am guessing the pressure vessel of the compressor - being sealed, won't have been contaminated with any nasties. However I guess it's possible that the intake side of the compressor unit could have been?

If you've made this far, thank you for taking the time. I guess my questions are:

1. Is there a way I can clean the compressor, internally?
2. Is there a way to filter the air so I know it's 'clean'?
3. Should I discard the compressor, curse United Utilities under my breathe and buy a new one?
4. Are there any other things I should be considering about the safe use of this compressor after the history it has endured?

Thanks again for taking the time, I really appreciate it.

 

[Rig Pig]

I'd give the outside a wash with Milton or equivalent, replace the air filter and use it, I doubt that many bacteria or viruses will survive in petroleum wax anyway.

 

[Burdekin]

The compressor is air tight so I assume all inside shouldn't have been affected. Give it a good clean externally with bleach if you are worried. Internally I just squirt some washing up liquid and then boiling water, give it a good shake about and then just wash out with water until it's clean.

There's loads of threads already about filtering the air and can't see how a few inches of dirty water should contaminate the air.

 

[julianf]

Compressors are, i suspect, kind of grim inside anyhow. Yours is probably no grimmer than most.

 

[Maker]

Compressors are, i suspect, kind of grim inside anyhow. Yours is probably no grimmer than most.

I think you're right, the water that comes out of mine is filthy. That reminds me, I need to go and drain it.

 

[pedrobedro]

I think you are worrying unnecessarily. You will be applying wax or underseal with the compressor to the box sections with no organic content for spores or bacteria to thrive on. You should be using a filter regulator to remove moisture if you are spraying with it. Only thing I ever heard of that is spread in this way is Legionnaire's type diseases and I doubt your compressor is going to provide a suitable environment for that to flourish

 

[Deathrow]

Thank you all for taking the time to reply and share your advice.

Doing a bit of research based on Burdekin's post, my understanding is that the reed valve in the compressor should be closed when the compressor isn't running so I suppose nothing could have gotten in there anyway.

I'll give the outside of the unit a good clean and a general once over (as it's not run in a long time) and get on with it.

pedrobedro, you're most likely right and I am worrying about it unnecessarily and I really appreciate the advice you've all shared.

I did previously have a water trap and a regulator on the compressor but they appear to have gone walkabout in the time it's been stored. Can you recommend anywhere to buy a replacement? Will a Clarke one from Machine Mart do the job?

Thank you all again for your help, it's greatly appreciated.

 

[Gareth0123]

Milton or similar sterilisation products made for baby equipment and items cannot be used on metal surfaces. Contact with metal renders them useless....... I know from home-brewing escapades.

 

[Mee]

Drain the sump oil to be sure, if you have the dreaded white cream then you have water in it, if not you should be fine.

Your filters are the disposable type anyway and being plastic means they can become wet and dried out.

 

[Deathrow]

Mee, it's an oil free compressor so I'm not sure there is a sump. I will however check to be absolutely sure.

Plan is to pick up a new regulator and water filter, take the plastic shroud off of the unit and clean it with anti-bacterial wipes/spray, including as much of the intake as I can access without taking it to pieces. I'll drain the tank and possibly remove the drain valve and add boiling water to swill about in the tank, get it as clean as I can in there before draining it all again and refitting the drain.

Thanks again for all the help .