Air Compressor after cooler

[truckdiagnostics]

The issue we were having is we were getting way to much water in the air for our bead blaster. I you look for a good drier costs upwards of $1000, which is more than we paid for the compressor. So what we did is put an after cooler between the compressor and tank. The air temp out is 220 and after the cooler it is 100. Most of the water condenses right there never makes it to the tank. Then we use a cost effective desicent drier right at the blaster works slick.



came from Zoro tools.

Air Cooled Aftercooler by AKG - Air and Water Aftercoolers by Zoro Tools Industrial Supplies

we then put two muffen fans behind it that turn on with the compressor.

Steve

 

[oldpilgrim]

sounds like a great idea. Are you an HVAC tech in real life?

 

[jaotguy]

or just use several lengths of heavy 1/2" copper pipe vertically floor to ceiling ( think of a compressed snake outline) with a water drain at the bottom of one of the loops ...

or go to the wreckers and get a bunch of power steering / transmission coolers ( use on smaller compressors ) and mount so air flows up thru them ....

 

[JRP]

This is a great idea that does not look really rigged. Worth it.

Another thought to consider: Air in the tank is at 100 percent relative humidity. If you install a regulator at the tank and drop the pressure then the volume increases and the relative humidity will drop below 100 percent. You

I use 3/4" PEX tubing for my air lines, which are all indoors and not in sunlight. Works fantastic.

 

[Cherokee140]

I fight this on a much smaller scale with air brushes...you have to have dry air. I have yet to ever paint a car and air tools can seem to take a good bit of water if you keep them lubed well. When I start painting my VW I will keep this in the back of my mind. Missouri is so humid.

 

[jaotguy]

you can also install several old propane tanks ( in line with an in and an out fitting ) to expand the air and give more surface area for cooling the compressed air ( also more air reserve ) ... or go to the wreckers and look for junked old compressors with good air tanks ...

do not use the same air lines /hoses for both painting and air tools .... air tools need oil to lube them and oil in the lines eventually has to come out ... right in the middle of a paint job....

 

[jhlittle]

You could also try a truck salvage yard, lots of air tanks to choose from there and very cheap

 

[jaotguy]

true ... but go to any propane refill station and get the ( over 5 years old ) rejects ... usually for free ( they're good to 300 PSI ) ...

let them sit with the valves open for a few days , then remove the valves, fill with water and drain ....add any extra fittings you want afterwards ...

 

[jhlittle]

Free is always good

 

[jimgerken]

Wish I had a photo of it, maybe this weekend. I welded up an aftercooler from segments of baseboard hot water heat pipe, the kind with small square fins pressed on. And 90 degree elbows. I sure looks trick ! I am not sure it will handle the 175 psi working pressure, it is yet untested.