How to Improve Compressed Air System Performance
Compressed air systems are the backbone of many workshops, especially for woodworkers. Air compressors and pneumatic tools have revolutionized the woodworking industry for professionals and hobbyists alike. Maintaining proper air pressure is the key to successfully using a compressed air system. There are steps you can take to ensure that both your compressor and pressure lines are working up to their potential. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Spray bottle with soapy water
- Wrench
- Teflon tape
- Pliers
- PVC purple primer
- PVC pipe glue
- PVC pipe
- PVC cutter
- Screwdriver
Instructions
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Checking For Air Leaks
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1
Charge the compressor and disconnect all tools and close all air valves so that there should be no outlet. Use a spray bottle filled with soapy water and starting at the compressor, spray the solution on every fitting and joint in each air line from the compressor out to every tool station. Look for bubbles and use chalk to mark fittings and joints that need further attention.
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2
Turn the power to the compressor off and release the pressure from the system by pulling the safety release valve. This is a round bodied plastic and metal valve near the main compressor outlet that has a pull ring on it. Pull this ring and allow the air to discharge.
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3
Remove fittings that showed signs of leaking by turning them counterclockwise with a wrench. Wrap teflon tape around the threads of the fittings and reinstall, turning them clockwise until snug. Do this with fittings on the compressors, plastic threads on any condensation traps, and all threaded plastic and metal fittings.
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4
Separate PVC joints that showed signs of leaking. Look for cracks or splits and replace damaged pipe by cutting a new section of the same size to the same dimensions. Apply purple primer and pipe glue to the joints and reinstall the pipes.
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5
Turn the compressor on and allow the system to recharge. Use the spray bottle to recheck joints that were repaired. Make additional repairs as needed.
Bleeding Condensation
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6
Locate the bleed valve on the bottom of the main compressor tank. This typically is a round nut with a textured ring around it. Wear rubber gloves and goggles to release this valve, as condensed moisture and oil will be forcibly discharged and can get messy. Turn this nut counterclockwise with pliers to open it.
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Allow the condensation to blow from the tank until the air coming out is dry. Close the valve. Bleeding the condensation will provide more air capacity and dryer air, which runs tools more efficiently and extends their useful life.
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Do the same with the bleed valves on the bottoms of any condensation traps along your air lines. These are large, typically clear cylinders about the size of an aerosol can. They have either a push release, that can be bent to one side to release condensation, or a twist valve similar to the tank. These should be bled whenever water is visible inside the cylinder.
Adjusting Pressure Settings
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9
Locate the plastic shroud on top of your compressor motor. This is usually black plastic, with a louvered vent on at least one side. Remove the screws holding it in place with a screwdriver and lift it off.
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10
Locate the two pressure limiter adjustment screws. They are typically brass, about a quarter inch across and have Phillips (slot-head) heads. The one closest to the compressor is the upper limiter adjustment. Turn this screw clockwise to raise the pressure of your system, or counterclockwise to lower it. This changes how high the pressure builds before the compressor turns off. Adjust the lower limiter switch to adjust how low the pressure must go before the compressor turns on. Adjust it clockwise to raise this level, or counterclockwise to lower it.
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11
Adjust the screws, then use the system with your favorite air tool to determine if further adjustment is required, and adjust as needed. Replace the shroud once pressures are where you want them. Replace the mounting screws to hold the shroud in place.
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References
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