air system components

[twostall]

Just obtained a used Ingersoll Rand compressor: Type 30-242, 5hp - 175psi - 16cfm@90, ASME tank. Now I'm reading up on the usual air system stuff like copper vs black pipe, etc. Can I get a run down on the relative quality (pecking order?) of components such as regulators, filters, lubricators etc? Milton is the brand I can most conveniently pick up off the shelf retail in my area, but I know nothing of the quality.
...and if anyone has info /user manual /parts on the 242 dash number - I think it's a late 60's or early 70's vintage (what years were IR painted green?).

Great site. Had to upgrade my membership from lurker to participant.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Do not "analize" this too much. If this is for a home shop, which is sounds like, virtually any regulator meeting the input and output pressure specs and CFM will do. Problem is, many regulators are limited to 150 or 160 psi max input, so make sure you get one that goes high enough.

I bought a large Wilkerson regulator from www.surpluscenter.com to use as a whole system regulator (it is one inch pipe fittings, something like 500 cfm) but I have not yet installed a system. Surplus center doesn't have any large ones right now, but worth looking occasionally.

Charles

 

[kartracer55]

Skip the lubricators because they will junk up your hoses with oil...

Charles knows his **** for sure, but I'd just throw in that I wouldn't want to use a filter with a smaller port than my air line, because it becomes a restriction. I ran 3/4 line and used a filter with 3/4 npt fittings using 3/4 copper pipe to 3/4 thread adapters on each side of the filter.

For regulators, since your likely putting them at each point of use, anything will probably work for normal air tools. Just watch out when buying regulators for stuff like sand blasters.

 

[alex71]

why skip the lubricator? I just have separate lines for oily and dry air. never have to worry about oiling the air tools. To use a blow gun, just hook it up to the dry line.

 

[jeep44]

One of our biggest headaches at work are the clear plastic bowls on filters and regulators-sooner or later, they crack. We are constantly going around retrofitting them with metal bowls.

 

[twostall]

Thanks for the input. Any concerns about pressurizing the whole copper line system to 175psi (regulators at the drops)?

 

[rickairmedic]

Twostall no issues with pressurising the whole system and by the way what part of Northern Ky and welcome to the Garage .

Rick

 

[twostall]

Rick, I'm in Oldham County in Pewee Valley.
The rest of you may kindly stifle your snickering...

 

[kartracer55]

One of our biggest headaches at work are the clear plastic bowls on filters and regulators-sooner or later, they crack. We are constantly going around retrofitting them with metal bowls.

I have grainger branded components which, IIRC are rebadged wilkerson? and they are listed as "High pressure" or something like that and have a cast bowl with a little sight window.

The polycarbonate bowls on filters **** ***, there is a reason they come with a metal cage around them.

 

[rickairmedic]

Rick, I'm in Oldham County in Pewee Valley.
The rest of you may kindly stifle your snickering...

Kewl I'm out in PRP but I will be out in your neighborhood ( Crestwood ) tomorrow for an HVAC estimate.

Rick

 

[twostall]

The Milton literature I have advises only petroleum be used with poly. No synthetic oils, phosphate esters, chlorinated hydrocarbons...