In my workshop i have a galvernized steel air pipe fed from a large ish compressor in the shed beside, is it possible to have two compressors running at the same time feeding the same air pipe or would this cause problems? im assuming that if i did run two compressors i wouldnt see an increased pressure as it would equalise between the two compressors?
- Thread starter 1.8T
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Yes, no problem with this configuration, a number of people on here already do it and there are commercially available tandem units available.
All that is needed is a one way valve in the feed from each compressor to the common pipework. Pressure will be whichever compressor is highest. If both are required to run together then you will need to use one common pressure switch to operate both units. Then you will need a power feed capable of supporting that load.
All that is needed is a one way valve in the feed from each compressor to the common pipework. Pressure will be whichever compressor is highest. If both are required to run together then you will need to use one common pressure switch to operate both units. Then you will need a power feed capable of supporting that load.
rtbcomp
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You can connect the two tanks before any regulators without using non-return valves (NRVs), providing the highest pressure you'll be using is less than the lowest safe working pressure of your tanks. The pressure in the tanks will be equal near as damm it.
"Pressure will be whichever compressor is highest" only if that compressor can supply all your air, in which case the other compressor won't supply any air and it will switch off. Otherwise the pressures will equalise in the tanks to just slightly above the pressure at the junction of the NRVs. (Allowing for a pressure drop across the NRV).
Set the cut-in pressures on the switches slightly apart so they don't both start at the same time. This will reduce current surges.
"Pressure will be whichever compressor is highest" only if that compressor can supply all your air, in which case the other compressor won't supply any air and it will switch off. Otherwise the pressures will equalise in the tanks to just slightly above the pressure at the junction of the NRVs. (Allowing for a pressure drop across the NRV).
Set the cut-in pressures on the switches slightly apart so they don't both start at the same time. This will reduce current surges.
I will elaborate a little here, my current large ish compressor is a 200 litre 4hp 18cfm clarke industrial unit with a fad of 12.6cfm, i want to be able to run depending on what i am doing two combinations which will require a fair bit of air, one is an air fed mask and spray gun the other is the air fed mask and a blasting pressure pot (obviously not both combinations at the same time) and im not 100% my compressor will cope (more so with the blasting), rather than buy a larger compressor i could also hook up my small 2 hp 50 litre compressor to boost the output or buy another clarke industrial to match my current one which would in theory give me 400 litres of air and approx 25 cfm fad
rtbcomp
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No problem, use either of the two methods above. Mine is simpler, both pumps will fill both tanks until one pump cuts out, the pressure will drop and it will cut in again.
Have a ball valve between the tanks so you can just use one compressor for the smaller jobs.
Have a ball valve between the tanks so you can just use one compressor for the smaller jobs.
