Air Compressor Modification?

[busted knuckle]

I currently have a Husky 30 gallon (vertical) oiless compressor. It is loud as all get out when it cycles. I'm wondering if I could pull the top off and mount it, say in the garage attic or in a cabinet and connect it to the tank with black iron pipe or copper. I hate running the air tools because of the noise. I know now that I should have saved some more and bought another type, but it's done now. Any help is appreciated.

 

[GSSFC]

I currently have a Husky 30 gallon (vertical) oiless compressor. It is loud as all get out when it cycles. I'm wondering if I could pull the top off and mount it, say in the garage attic or in a cabinet and connect it to the tank with black iron pipe or copper. I hate running the air tools because of the noise. I know now that I should have saved some more and bought another type, but it's done now. Any help is appreciated.

Yes, skid mount compressors are very common, I have two. One in my work trailer. And another in my shop. The compressor is in the hallway and the tank in the shop so I don't have to listen to it.

Tim

 

[mrb]

if you put a valve in the line between the compressor and the tank, dont forget to make sure you have a pressure relief on both sides of it

 

[kbs2244]

There is nothing wrong with the remote compressor/tank thing.
But most compressor noise is from the intake pipe.
I would try a small engine muffler on it before I went to a lot of other work.

 

[buening]

They make inline mufflers that I've heard work wonders. I plan on getting one for mine eventually. McMaster Carr has them http://www.mcmaster.com/ The part number, depending on your intake size, is 5889K62 They are a bit pricey though, but I've yet to find another inline that is cheaper. A small engine muffler may work, but you'll have to figure out a way to attach your filter housing to it.

 

[JOHNMAN]

What you guys are referring to is an inlet filter silencer.

I like the SOLDBERG intake silencers like the ones available on-line. Google search "Soldberg Inlet Filter Silencer"

Here is a link to some available on-line that I found.

http://www.ecompressedair.com/filters/solberg_airfilter_fs3.shtml

I have no affiliation.

The other thing that I have done so far to quiet my compressor is to mount it using isolation feet instead of anchoring it to the floor. The compressor does not walk and is loads quieter than it once was (without the silencer and bolted directly to the floor).

Your mileage may vary......

 

[Charles (in GA)]

The OP said his was an OILLESS compressor. Much of their noise is mechanical noise, from not having an enclosed crankcase and not having an oil sump to absorb noise, and being thin and cheaply built. There is not much you can do for this type of compressor but wait for it to destroy itself (it will) and be rid of the thing.

Charles

 

[senlow]

The Solberg filter silencer works well. I have one on my compressor. McMaster Carr sells the Solberg line. The inline muffler that buening mentioned is usually used in addition to a filter silencer. I have used them, but they are pricey.

The OP has an oiless compressor. These also make quite a bit of mechanical noise. The filter silencer will not reduce the mechanical noise. Isolation mounts, as JOHNMAN mentioned, can help in this regard.

The best way to get the compressor noise out of the shop is to move the pump and motor out of the shop.

I have a few extra Solberg Filter Silencers that I will sell for $10 plus shipping. I don't have the Solberg P/N, but they are almost identical to McMaster Carr P/N 9828K62. PM me if you want one.

 

[e-tek]

The OP said his was an OILLESS compressor. Much of their noise is mechanical noise, from not having an enclosed crankcase and not having an oil sump to absorb noise, and being thin and cheaply built. There is not much you can do for this type of compressor but wait for it to destroy itself (it will) and be rid of the thing.

Charles

I can see your biases Charles (!!) but my first compressor was/is an oilless DeVilbiss and is still going strong after 6 or 7 years. I've given it to my Father-In-Law to use now on the farm.

 

[Vicegrip]

and I bet you can hear it when he uses it too. I too am biased against oilless for stationary compressors...

 

[kbs2244]

Are they putting oiless on 30 gal tanks?
The thing must run for days to get up to pressure.

 

[GSSFC]

Are they putting oiless on 30 gal tanks?
The thing must run for days to get up to pressure.

I have a c-man oil less with a 30 gallon tank. It is about a decade old and works great when I need it. My dad has it in his shop now and uses it a lot. It does take a while to get up to pressure, but it serves its purpose.

Tim