Compressor setup

[n1md4]

I have a 150 litre compressor, but I'm unsure how to setup a small part of it. I have read and searched to find the answer to a couple of questions, but haven't been able to find the answer.

He is a picture of the unit I have:

The pressure switch and gauge has a coupler connected off to the right of it, and a safety to the left. The ball-valve is picture on the right of the air receiver cylinder.

Here is a list of quick-fire questions I have:

* should my airline connect via the ball-valve or pressure switch
* if not for a line, what is the ball-valve used for
* without a tool connected should the air receiver come up to pressure - setup as pictured, the coupler continuously realises air, and then tops out at 20 psi with the compressor still running.

Any help here will be really appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[brightspark]

ball valve on tank supplies air at full pressure. outlet next to presure switch is regulated . if its leaking out it needs a new bayonet fitting

 

[n1md4]

Ah, OK. So the ball valve would be good for setting up some pipe around a shop, for example?

I can't adjust the pressure at that switch though, is that not the pressure of the tank?

 

[brightspark]

Ah, OK. So the ball valve would be good for setting up some pipe around a shop, for example?

I can't adjust the pressure at that switch though, is that not the pressure of the tank?

depends on what its stuck at if its fully open it will be the same as pressure in tank on both gauges. the sandblaster wants plugging in direct from tank unrestricted supply

 

[Crater Creator]

I have a 150 litre compressor, but I'm unsure how to setup a small part of it. I have read and searched to find the answer to a couple of questions, but haven't been able to find the answer.

* without a tool connected should the air receiver come up to pressure - setup as pictured, the coupler continuously realises air, and then tops out at 20 psi with the compressor still running.

Any help here will be really appreciated.

Thanks!

Yes the receiver should come up to whatever the pressure switch is set at, then the compressor should stop.
The coupler should not release air with nothing plugged into it - it should seal.
Sounds like your main problem is the compressor is only producing 20psi - it's either leaking a HELL of a lot of air, or the compressor itself is in need of some serious TLC.
You can use the supply from the pressure switch, but as others have said, the flow will be reduced, much better to use the ball valve.
Your pressure switch is not a regulator, so the pressure in the tank will be the pressure at both outlets.
It will be a nice machine once you've got it fettled though.

 

[rtbcomp]

Sometimes there is a mini-regulator where the switch is. What does the knob on top of the switch do? I'm guessing it's on/off to control the compressor manually, if so this connection will be at tank pressure.

You will get more air out of the valve on the tank as the flow through the one on top will be constricted by the pressure switch, they tend to have 1/4 BSP ports, the one on the tank will most likely be 1/2 BSP

 

[n1md4]

Thanks for all the replies, gives me a few things to think about.

The switch on the top is just on/off no regulation going on.

My first thought is if that coupler has failed then would a 1/4 leak leave the tank at around 20 psi? I guess the first test should be to get a working coupler installed.

 

[Bill Edwards]

It depends how badly it leaks as to whether it's enough to stop it at 20psi. I have a coupler which for some reason has no seal and is a straight through bore, it would take a hell of a machine to build up anything with that connected!
So yes, you need to remove or block the coupler (have you an air tool you could plug in to stop it leaking if you're in a rush to see if it works OK before getting a coupler?).

 

[n1md4]

Haven't had a chance to check yet, having said that, I will be popping in to Screwfix tomorrow to get a set; so fingers crossed.

Whist on the subject, is there any standard to whether a bayonet or coupler should be used for a given accessory or pipe? i.e. it appears that there are usually bayonets connected to tools, so it follows some logic to go bayonet->coupler all the way back to the compressor.

 

[n1md4]

Dodgy coupler. Works like a charm now, thanks to all!

 

[rtbcomp]

Thanks for letting us know.

With air tools it's common to fit a whip hose to the tool with a male connector (plug) on the end of it. Air lines have a plug and coupler fitted, with a coupler on the regulator or tank outlet.

TBH I don't bother with a whip.