Compressor - big & old!!!!

[Karl]

Hi folks

I have made tentative steps towards getting this big old compressor up and running



The tank is 1800 long by 500 dia- my calcuations make that a 350 litre tank.

So, it needs new belts - one is missing, the others are pretty knackered



Opened the drain valve and drained the water off - not much in there



Check out the manufacture date!



Having fired it up the pressure on the "regulator" began to climb.



However, there is no automatic shut off! So the pressure carried on climbing. Once it got to 120psi, I manually turned off the power. A little further investigation, and I took this part off (behind the gauge in the shot above)



And dismantled



So, the semi ball at the bottom of the fitting would be pushed up as the pressure rises in the receiver. By adjusting the top section of the "regulator", this ball can be made to slide past the two holes in the outer casing, thereby allowing a sort of relief and reducing the pressure in the tank. I think......

But the problem with that is that the compressor would have to be left running permanently - does that sound right???? It isn't too much of an issue if it is as the compressor is situated outside, and will be used solely for spraying and can easily be switched off as necessary.

Any input/thoughts appreciated.

Cheers

Karl

 

[RogerP]

Years ago we had a similar sort of thing in a garage workshop. Just left it on all day and switched it off when we closed in the evening. It use to jump into life from time to time for a few minutes to top up the tank. We inherited it from the previous garage owner and passed it on to the next. Might still be going now for all I know

 

[mailee]

Can't you just buy a new pressure switch and fit that? It would then switch off the motor once the working pressure is reached. :wink:

 

[finish_that]

At least get a new pressure switch and safety valve and guage .
An unknown compressor would ideally be hydraulically tested before running it with air , not difficult to do yourself and safe.
The risk - well - not wishing to scare but not shutting off itself and possibly seized safety valve ..
Do not google compressor tank failure .

 

[blackrodd]

That thing could kill you or someone else, without a safety cut out!
Get a friendly specialist, or someone knowledgeable enough to re fit a new or tested pressure relief valve.
Get a new gauge too!
Rodders

 

[Karl]

Thanks for all the input guys.

Having slept on it, I decided to seek some pro opinions. I have found an old school guy not far from here (the only one out of the dozen or so who I spoke to who had actually heard of the make of compressor). He seemed really excited by this 70 year old compressor being given a new lease of life. He agreed about pressure testing/switch/belts.

I'll keep you updated.

Cheers

Karl

 

[Karl]

Well it didn't take him long to peruse the images I sent him......

"Unfortunately Only thing I can suggest to you really to do with this is to scrap it .you will not get a certificate to run this as there is too much rust. You will not get another graphite pressure that was linked in with the old fashioned oil unloaders, no spares left for this model, pity it has not been looked after better.
Sorry to disappoint
Peter"

End of the line for this idea. New compressor being looked at.

Cheers

Karl

 

[blackrodd]

That's the answer I expected, Better that than a long drawn out court case, H&S can be real mean, I hear.
Would it not be a good idea to Save the motor and base for some other project?
Regards Rodders

 

[Karl]

It isn't actually my compressor - it is my landlord's.

I've disconnected the wiring from the mains board, and will put a "decommissioned" sign on it.

Cheers

Karl