"recommisioning" a compressor

[engybenjy]

that hasnt been used for a while. Does anyone have any tips/hints? Im aware that its a pressure vessel, i work with 30bar systems but they are in constant use and have inspection ports, this little 1.5 horse unit doesnt. I'm just having thoughts about the state of the inside, since it runs upto 8bar. You wouldnt want to be close if it lets go!!
TIA, ben

 

[rtbcomp]

I suppose the proper answer is get it pressure tested. Can you poke an endoscope in one of the ports?

Other than that, make sure it turns by hand, change the oil, check the electrics and switch it on.

 

[shenion]

It should be fine as long as the water was drained out of the tank before it was stored.

I'd change the oil, put maybe 10PSI in it and open the petcock to see if any water comes out. Then see if there are any leaks. If any more than a few drops of water comes out, then I would not trust it.

 

[engybenjy]

Cheers guys, I was thinking along those lines. Not sure what a pressure test would cost?? Will probably go the other route though, gently bring it up to full pressure through a series of press-ups/blowdowns. See how it goes

 

[hareng]

I design and work at operating pressures up to 300bar 4500 psi, 1.5 ratio test pressure 450bar min. Just acquired some nice super high pressure aluminium and 4AT titanium tube from US rated at 29000psi.

Seen what 30bar can do with 5cc of air.

Give it a once over as above drain water, have a visual inside. Next inspect the pipework not that you would be able to tell but you would soon know about it. Way under rated air is.
If you have a grease gun with a clock on you could fill cylinder with water and pump oil in. At 10000psi the end plugs dont go far about 2 to 6".
Just keep upping the cylinder pressure by setting the regulator, that way you can stand clear

 

[rtbcomp]

If you have a grease gun with a clock on you could fill cylinder with water and pump oil in. At 10000psi the end plugs dont go far about 2 to 6".
Just keep upping the cylinder pressure by setting the regulator, that way you can stand clear

That's a good idea, make sure you get all the air out, energy is stored in compressed air whereas liquid doesn't compress.

You need to up the pressure at the pressure switch though, not the regulator.