Dedicated compressor for airfed mask recommendations

[jagxkr]

So... I am going to set myself up with an airfed mask for isocyanate 2K, previously I've done fairly small amounts at a time with a gerson mask, but I'm about to do most of a (small) car. And I have a beard, which reduces the efficacy of a system that isn't even rated in the UK anyway, and I don't want to die. Many thanks to the stickied thread on this forum for scaring me into taking the plunge.

So anyway, Im' looking at a dedicated compressor for the air feed, and likely something like this mask - https://www.spraygunsdirect.co.uk/product/devilbiss-prov-650/ which seems to work off about 6-8 CFM, it's the lowest CFM requirement I've found so far (but would welcome alternatives).
I think I know the answer to this, but is there any chance this tiny thing can actually deliver enough air? (10L stahlwerk, it claims MAX flow rate 210L/min)

Ideally this second compressor would be quite small and quiet. I'd really appreciate any suggestions. The cost is obviously adding up putting this together, and I am not going to be using this very often so I don't mind cheap. My garage is on two levels, and will be sat upstairs, and duct I'll air in for it.

 

[barracuda816]

I would say that thing has no chance. That lpm figure is nowhere near accurate of the output at even 6bar. I have just bought rge 50lt twin pump version of that t (for the exact same reason as you) but haven’t used it yet.

 

[carbon]

The maximum flow rate is measured when it is not compressing the air or the outlet from the pump is venting to atmosphere, so the theoretical maximum the pump can deliver. All compressors seem to be rated this way, when in use the output volume will be considerably less than that, maybe 75% or less of the max volume quoted depending on pipework etc on the compressor.

You should also have a three stage filter if you plan to use a compressor as an air supply.

 

[jagxkr]

cheers yep will be sorting a 3 stage filter too

 

[julianf]

I have a 3hp FIAC. It runs most of the time, with only my mask running from it (gun is off another compressor)

I would really advise you to get a belt drive too. They're just so much less invasive with regards to sound.

 

[jagxkr]

another question while I think of it - my garage is part of an old coach house, and is on two levels. I.e. it has a small footprint, but its ceiling is the floor of the second level, which is where my current compressor runs.
Do iso fumes rise? I would obviously duct the intake from outside the building to feed the new compressor, but just wondering if its likely those fumes would percolate up into the second level? There's some old carpet over some of the floorboards and a very small staircase between the two floors.

 

[barracuda816]

Depends on extraction and the type of gun you are using. But personally, I wouldn't risk it. I would chuck the compressor outside on an extension cable making sure its not near the extraction exhaust.

 

[jagxkr]

yeah that's the tricky bit, the way it's situated there are only two walls I have access to, and I run the exhaust out the side door on one of those walls. the other door (the up and over garage door) is very likely to be downstream of the exhaust.

 

[minimutly]

I have a tiny lab compressor (few hundred watts, happy to post details) which just about runs my airfed mask. If I breath hard I can feel it struggling. I plan to add a low pressure tank and a regulator, which, on the basis that you only breath in half the time should give me double the air.
The thing about breathing air is that it's low pressure, you don't need 100 psi to feed your mask, just enough to positively pressurise your chops....
I note the one in the link you posted needs 60 psi - bizarre is my comment to that, unless the charcoal filters need that pressure?

 

[Gareth J]

I know little about the subject but am surprised that people use piston compressors for breathing kit. My instinct would be to use an appropriately sized squirrel cage blower. Should be adequate pressure, less power, less noise and no risk of oil contamination. But maybe there's a good reason - ability to use tiny supply pipes at higher pressure perhaps.

 

[AVI_8]

So... I am going to set myself up with an airfed mask for isocyanate 2K, previously I've done fairly small amounts at a time with a gerson mask, but I'm about to do most of a (small) car. And I have a beard, which reduces the efficacy of a system that isn't even rated in the UK anyway, and I don't want to die. Many thanks to the stickied thread on this forum for scaring me into taking the plunge.

So anyway, Im' looking at a dedicated compressor for the air feed, and likely something like this mask - https://www.spraygunsdirect.co.uk/product/devilbiss-prov-650/ which seems to work off about 6-8 CFM, it's the lowest CFM requirement I've found so far (but would welcome alternatives).
I think I know the answer to this, but is there any chance this tiny thing can actually deliver enough air? (10L stahlwerk, it claims MAX flow rate 210L/min)

Ideally this second compressor would be quite small and quiet. I'd really appreciate any suggestions. The cost is obviously adding up putting this together, and I am not going to be using this very often so I don't mind cheap. My garage is on two levels, and will be sat upstairs, and duct I'll air in for it.

I’d say your best setup to run an air fed mask and a spray gun you’re going to need 2 X 3HP compressors linked and run through a water trap and a 3 stage carbon filter using the same air for breathing and painting with a tail taken from the supply hose to the mask.

 

[jagxkr]

So to keep the thread updated, I've now purchased an ebay 3HP compressor ("3.5HP 9.6CFM Silent 60dB Air Compressor 50 Litre 8bar Oil Free Air-compressores" for those that are interested, the famous KIEI brand :-D - actually I found a review on youTube that showed it still running after 2 years.. ), 3 stage filter from MetalWork: "3 Stage Filter Coalescent & Carbon For Breathing Air Mask Like FLRCAC-1 TBS2" which I've read on here is probably similar quality to the quoted devilbiss part, and a second hand devilbiss mask.

My main concern now is about getting the intake to one or both (if I link them) of the compressors, which will be sitting in the room above the garage. There's a gap in the gable end of the roof I can put a pipe through for intake.
I'm getting tempted to just take the intake from the air in the room above the garage though.. will gladly take opinions on how stupid this is. I'll be lining the space below the ceiling with dust sheet and can block off the stairs.
Any clever but simple ducting ideas would also be most welcome!
My extraction fan is similar to this: https://www.walmart.com/ip/VEVOR-Ut...Duct-Hose-12-Inch-with-5M-Duct-Hose/548152850

 

[carbon]

@Gareth J For me only having to manoeuvre one air hose when moving around a large object is a bonus

 

[jagxkr]

another question on air line set up - I'm planning to use 22mm copper to go from compressor down to the filter, with a ball valve below for water separation. I was thinking I'd use 22mm to 1/2" BSP fittings to come off the 22mm pipe - but my go-to screwfix don't have any 22mm to 1/2" male connectors, only female. Is this because they aren't easy to find? My filter has female 1/2" connections on both ends.

 

[carbon]

A proper plumbing store should be able to supply something like that

 

[julianf]

At screwfix you often need to stack parts to get what you want. Which is fine.

If you want to go direct, BES will have any combination you can dream of.

 

[MetalMonkey]

I know little about the subject but am surprised that people use piston compressors for breathing kit. My instinct would be to use an appropriately sized squirrel cage blower. Should be adequate pressure, less power, less noise and no risk of oil contamination. But maybe there's a good reason - ability to use tiny supply pipes at higher pressure perhaps.

I think perhaps because in a commercial environment you just hook up to shop air via a three stage for your mask and spraygun and away you go.
A HVLP style blower would need a larger separate tube which would be very inconvenient and probably get trashed within 5 minutes.
It would certainly be a good option for spraying at home though, but I'm not aware of anything on the market.

 

[brightspark]

the helmets are fed from the mobile comp on portable blasting with appropriate filters .screw pumps are fed oil in the screws and compressed air then go through a block of filters and the oil is sucked back in to the tank through a cooling radiator. the air just carries on to the outlet free orf oil so i wouldnt be worried about using a piston pump

 

[minimutly]

So to keep the thread updated, I've now purchased an ebay 3HP compressor ("3.5HP 9.6CFM Silent 60dB Air Compressor 50 Litre 8bar Oil Free Air-compressores" for those that are interested, the famous KIEI brand :-D - actually I found a review on youTube that showed it still running after 2 years.. ), 3 stage filter from MetalWork: "3 Stage Filter Coalescent & Carbon For Breathing Air Mask Like FLRCAC-1 TBS2" which I've read on here is probably similar quality to the quoted devilbiss part, and a second hand devilbiss mask.

My main concern now is about getting the intake to one or both (if I link them) of the compressors, which will be sitting in the room above the garage. There's a gap in the gable end of the roof I can put a pipe through for intake.
I'm getting tempted to just take the intake from the air in the room above the garage though.. will gladly take opinions on how stupid this is. I'll be lining the space below the ceiling with dust sheet and can block off the stairs.
Any clever but simple ducting ideas would also be most welcome!
My extraction fan is similar to this: https://www.walmart.com/ip/VEVOR-Ut...Duct-Hose-12-Inch-with-5M-Duct-Hose/548152850

If you pull in iso will your filters take it out? hopefully you smell it before it harms you. I wouldn't take the risk..

 

[qwakers]

100% get the air from a outside source away from any place the work area vents. otherwise airfed is pointless.