Personal Compressor Pointers

[rcontrera]

With more and more divers investing in their own personal compressors, and several of them coming back to me when they break, I feel like I need to put this out there.

If you don't fully understand high pressure systems and how to operate them, please don't send me (or anyone, for that matter) any money to buy a compressor. While today's compressor is a simple system and a whole lot more affordable than they used to be, there are some very specific things that a few people seem to be forgetting or missing when running their machines.
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[li]Check the oil before starting! Too little oil can and will cause irreparable damage to the compressor internals and can result in catastrophic failure. Too much oil will cause a big mess.[/li]

[li]Open drains every few minutes as per instructions! Condensation collecting in any of the cylinders can cause severe damage.

[li]Change oil and filters regularly! Dirty oil and a dirty inlet filter can result in compressor damage. A dirty outlet filter can result in bad air and personal injury.[/li]

[li]Pay Attention! This is a fast moving machine and should be treated with respect. Additionally, the pressures that it generates can do serious damage if not directed to the proper inspected vessel/tank. And NEVER walk away while filling as compressors can have the ability to over fill most US cylinders.[/li]

[li]Keep it Clean and Cool! Oily dirt buildup on the compressor can rob it of a cooling surface and cause overheating. The biggest enemy of this machine is heat and keeping it clean is one way to reduce heat buildup.[/li]

[li]Keep a Log! Know how long you have been running the machine, the time between oil/filter changes and how long it takes to fill cylinders. Your log will tell you when it is time for major maintenance or overhauls when you watch it.[/li]
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If you aren't ready to at least do these simple things every time, don't buy a compressor!<br><br>Post edited by: rcontrera, at: 2008/04/13 02:08

[sharky]

Ray, thanks a bunch. Very informative and good advise I appreciate it!