Air Compressor Specialists

Critical Tips for Fini Air Compressor

2011-01-26T14:43:00.008Z

10 Critical tips when installing your Fini Air Compressor

1. Install compressor in well ventilated area.

2. Check oil level before 1st start-up. Top up only with recommended oil (Flush out the sump at least every three years).

3. Check oil level weekly with machine cold and power off. Drain condensate water from tank also with machine cold and power off.

4. Check machine for oil leaks. If any found, report immediately to compressor supplier.

5. Start/stop compressor at panel buttons only.
(Emergency stop button for emergency use only).

6. Sit compressor on rubber pads provided and connect to pipework via flexible hose.

7. Check rotation

8. When first installed; start compressor and check running amps/volts.

9. Fit isolator. For safety reasons fit next to compressor.

10. Important Reminder: Ensure power cable and fuse breaker are correctly rated. (See your electrician if in doubt)

Carbon Monoxide Accident

2010-10-13T16:02:00.003+01:00

Learn how a simple manoeuvre nearly ended in disaster

This is a true Story

A man paint spraying, let’s call him Tom, was supplying his spray gun from an engine driven air compressor. Tom was busy in his workshop with the compressor safely running outside in the open air. He was wearing a breathing mask which was also being supplied with compressed air from the same petrol compressor.

It was a fine day so he decided to move outside and spray his work in the sunshine. But now the compressor was too loud beside him so, to reduce the noise, he put the air compressor in the shed he had just vacated.
A half of an hour later Tom was lying on the ground in the bright sunshine, unconscious. Someone found him and removed the air fed mask from his face, an ambulance was called and Tom was rushed to hospital. Fortunately, Tom survived; he’s well again and back in his workshop spraying better than ever. The hospital doctor said, “Had the mask been left on his face for another ten minutes, he would have undoubtedly died”.

When Tom closed the shed door on the petrol compressor, he unwittingly trapped all the carbon monoxide produced by the engine in the shed. Since the air compressor was drawing in the lethal air trapped in his workshop and because the same lethal air was being fed to Tom’s face mask, the result was Deadly. So please remember;
Ordinary “in-line” Oil removal filters do not trap carbon monoxide.
(And never allow your compressor to be situated near exhaust fumes)
We at C.A.C. totally disapprove of using engine driven air compressors for Air Fed Face Masks. We recommend using, where possible, a self contained helmet which includes battery, intake fan and an excellent filter housing to “Asbestos” standard. This is totally independent of the air compressor. You can buy one from us or any good safety centre.
For your safety, please download from our website the Only Compressed Air Safety Manual in the world. Many young people leave college and go straight into a working life with little or no training on compressed air. Many adults also work with compressed air having little knowledge of the possible mis-uses. Our industry is the safest in Europe, let’s keep it that way. Contact us if you require extra copies Free of Charge.

2010-07-14T16:48:00.003+01:00

Mythbusters You Tube Video

How does an Air Dryer work?

2010-05-06T17:02:00.004+01:00

HOW A REFRIGERATED AIR DRYER WORKS
(The most popular method)

Compressed air runs through a series of copper or alloy tubes which are in turn submerged in a refrigerant or heat extracting liquid. The heat is removed with a fan blowing across a heat exchanger. This heat is usually returned to the compressed air after it has dried the saturated air by the reverse of the latter method. This is a form of energy return.

The principle is simple enough. If you chill the air down to +2oC then you cannot extract anymore water from the compressed air unless you operate air equipment in a lower temperature. Since most factories require at least 16oC to satisfy a good working environment, it stands to reason the compressed air will not shed any moisture. Most refrigerated dryers operate between +2 and +5oC. This is called “Pressure Dew Point”. The dryer cannot drop to 0oC because the trapped moisture would freeze and block the air supply. Desiccant dryers overcome this problem and can produce a dew point of -70oC.

Please note: Moisture in compressed air causes rust, clogging and of course can freeze in the air lines during winter. This can lead to a multitude of problems, some of which are inevitably dangerous.

Re-use the heat from your Air Compressor

2010-03-11T14:34:00.003Z

Compressing air releases heat so you can recover up to 95% of this heat in your operation. You could direct warm air into your workshop, warehouse etc. And the good news is this heat recovery may not cost you one extra cent!! Call Alan at 041-9836923 so we may help you save €€€'s

Who needs a whipping?

2010-03-04T16:17:00.003Z

When disconnecting an air line from a quick release coupling, keep a firm grip on the flexible air line. Remember, the air begins escaping instantly and the air line will react with a 'whipping' action if not held firmly. This whipping action may cause serious injury. Correctly installed flexible air lines should have minimum reaction when disconnected. Safety couplings prevent the whipping action.

Potential Dangers Using an Air Compressor

2009-10-15T18:13:00.006+01:00

Compressed Air can be painfully fatal!

What follows are examples of the potential injuries that can occur even in a simple dust off situation of the “we’ve done this forever” or “I’ve done it a thousand times”, category.

Employees in a woodworking business were using an air compressor and blow gun to clean sawdust off their clothes. One man pushed the air hose between the legs of another worker. Results:

· Bruises and bleeding
· Shock
· Abdomen and hernia canals ballooned
· Bowel torn open in three places
· Abdominal cavity filled with fluid, blood and other matter
· Abdominal cavity membranes torn in several places

Operations failed to save the man’s life. He died within three hours. Investigations showed that the air compressor was operating at 100 psi at the time.

One man in a Massachusetts factory was killed in exactly the same way.

Another had a narrow escape when cleaning the palm of his hand with a blow gun connected to an air compressor, the air entered his body through the pores of his skin and inflated his whole arm for nearly three days.

More to follow........

Compressed Air Line

2009-10-01T18:36:00.002+01:00

Save energy and money by correctly sizing the air line pipe-work from your air compressor.
Install an air line that has a smooth interior bore. This reduces energy costs by as much as 30% !!
Use air line pipe-work that is sealed with special 'o' rings rather than crudley threaded gun- barrell pipe haphazardly sealed with tape or filler. This old fashioned threaded system is responsible for most air leaks.
Use re-usable aluminum air line (Teseo) which can easily be moved to a new position or workshop.

A combination of items 1, 2 + 3 can reduce your compressed air energy bills by up to 50%.

Blow Guns or Nozzles

2009-09-24T17:31:00.004+01:00

Blow guns or nozzles etc. connected to an air compressor line should not be directed at any part of the body. This is an extremely dangerous practice and could result in air bubbles entering the bloodstream causing serious injury or death.

3 Essential Tips for Air Tools

2009-09-03T18:11:00.004+01:00

1. All air tools have one thing in common.....they hate moisture

Solution: Install an Air Drier

2. Never operate an air tool over the manufacturer's recommended pressure

Solution: Install a Pressure Regulator

3. Most air tools require lubrication

Solution: Install an Oil Lubricator

New Web Site

2009-08-05T18:01:00.002+01:00

Compressed Air Centre have launched a new web site. You can now easily shop on-line to buy your new air compressor, air tool, spray gun, tyre gauge etc. day or night and be confident of next day service. You can download a Free Compressed Air Safety Manual to ensure everyone who uses an air compressor or any air tools may be certain of up-to-date practical safety information. Please feel free to use our web site for any information you may require on air compressors, Teseo Aluminium Air Line installations or any other compressed air query you may have or give us a call: 041-9836923.

Buying an Air Compressor?

2008-09-25T12:49:00.002+01:00

For technical reasons: Don’t purchase a Rotary Screw Air Compressor to replace a Piston Air Compressor if your usage is small or infrequent. Silent Piston Air Compressors are available if noise is a problem. (If you are in doubt ….please contact us for advice on selecting the correct type 041-9836923)

Terminology

2008-09-11T16:56:00.003+01:00

Air Pressure Regulator (Pressure Reducing Valve) - A device which reduces the air-line pressure and maintains the air-line pressure relatively constant despite changes in the inlet pressure and the the outlet flow rate.

Personal Safety 2

2008-08-28T14:53:00.003+01:00

Never work on an air compressor without having personal control over the correct fuses that are directly linked and protecting the air compressor you are working on or servicing. If possible, remove and carry them with you until you are fully satisfied that the air compressor and air tools are safe to restart.

Maintenance 1

2008-08-21T17:31:00.002+01:00

On your air compressor ensure safety valves are changed at least every two years or sooner if the compressor is sited in a damp or dusty area.

Personal Safety 1

2008-07-30T16:44:00.003+01:00

Never block the end of a compressed air hose or tubing, shot-blast nozzle, blow gun, air-line etc. with any part of the hands or body.

Compressed Air Centre launch blog

2008-07-25T11:34:00.008+01:00

Compressed Air Centre is the only company in Ireland manufacturing air compressors. Located in Drogheda, Co. Louth only 20 minutes from Dublin Airport, we are easy to access, 5 minutes off the motorway exit (Drogheda Centre). We will be delighted to help and advise you with any enquiries you might have.