I was having trouble getting my compressor to pump up over 80 PSI without tripping the breaker. I determined that the main cause was the flow restriction of the tank check valve. I bypassed it and the compressor pumped up to over 200 PSI with no problem. That led me to investigate further. The first thing I did was modify the tank check valve by enlarging the ports by changing them to 45 degrees. This helped a lot. I spent quite a bit of time experimenting and wound up making a solenoid operated gate valve to replace the check valve. After doing this I was able to get my 16 CFM compressor to pump up over 200 psi on a 115V 20 amp circuit.
It’s been a few years, but could you provide a deeper explanation on what hardware you used for your solenoid-actuated gate valve?
While working on various projects recently, I’ve discovered the inherent flow restrictions associated with many of your standard valves and have since been on a mission to optimize valving where practical.
Your reply here has me pondering how I might replace the check valves in my air system (mostly tank inlet valves) with solenoids, and could only find 100 psi capable solenoid valves, primarily the US Solid units. These valves also look like they’re half-moon type gates, not really a full port solution.
Here’s a link to the one I’m considering. I had originally been looking at 1/2 NPT but then figured moving up to 3/4 might alleviate some of the pressure drop concerns.
U. S. Solid normally closed (N/C) high pressure electric solenoid valve is constructed with a durable brass body, two-way inlet and outlet ports with three-quarter inch (3/4") female threaded (NPT) connections, and heat and oil resistant Viton gasket. Suitable for use with hot or cold water...
ussolid.com
