Compressed Air Filters and Regulators.

[midnight08]

I will start off this thread with telling you that I know that there is a ton of information on this website about filters and regulators. I have searched and read through most of it... It has only made me more confused...

The question that I have is application specifics. Here is my compressed air setup.

Compressor:
- Quincy Model # 2V41C60VC
- 5HP
- 60gal
- 175 PSI Max
- 15.9CFM @ 90PSI
- 15.2CFM @ 175PSI

Compressed Air Plumbing:
- TransAir 7/8" Aluminum piping

Blasting Cabinet:
- Skat Blast Model # 800-T
- Requires 10-15CFM @ 80PSI

Hose Reel:
- Reel Craft 50ft 3/8in hose with 1/4 inch fittings.


I need to get a good set of filters and regulators for my blasting cabinet, and the hose reel, as well as a filter regulator set up for a drop that is over my lathe and mill for a general purpose blow gun.

From what I gather, I will need clean dry air for the blasting cabinet and the hose reel. The hose reel will need clean dry air as I will be running a plasma cutter off of it as well as my general tool use.

If I have my thoughts in order, I think I need something in the 1/4inch size as anything larger will not properly remove the condensate from the air. I will need a general purpose filter, regulator, and coalescing filter for the blasting cabinet, and the hose reel and a general purpose filter and regulator for the blow gun. One of the problems that I am running into is that most of the filters and regulators that I see that are in the 1/4inch size are only rated to flow in the 50 to 75PSI range. From what I understand, I need at least 80PSI for the blasting cabinet alone.

Some help would be much appreciated. I need some help sorting out all of this information.

Cheers.

 

[Falcon67]

I use 1/2 of an older red HF oiler + water trap/regulator setup. I put a quick connect mail on one side of the regulator/water trap and a quick connect female on the other. It roams around the shop as needed to regulate pressure. My "Fraz" trap is big enough that I haven't needed anything else, even on the blast cabinet. The regulator is good to beyond my max working pressure which is 130 PSI.

I run between 50 and 80 in the blast cab with glass beads. More pressure for things like cast iron heads with rust, less with smaller items like bolts.

My 50' reel is also an HF unit - which is the same as the TSC unit, HF just had the better price. The hose is not the highest quality, but in two years I've had to fix one hose leak at the quick connect on the pulling end. I have a shutoff right at the reel and do not leave it pressured up.

Dessicant - I like this one but haven't bought it yet
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002PR8ZXK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[midnight08]

does anyone else have any recomendations?

 

[Durka]

Yea, you have a lot more to learn. That's alright, at least you asked. Tell you what, IF you want a GOOD basic understanding, -head over to the Quincy site, as they have about the best literature on the web...- IMO.

 

[alan camby]

I am confused as to why you feel stuck with using a 1/4" size regulator and filter. Are you talking about 1/4" NPT thread size?

I have been using a 3/8" filter regulator for 10 years at my old house. I am plumbing up my barn with 3/4" type L copper and will be using a 1/2" NPT filter regulator combo.

 

[kazlx]

I just ordered one of these and got it yesterday. Have read good things. Oh, and yes, the 1/4" has nothing to do with anything. It's just the size of the fittings. Obviously, larger fittings flow more air.

http://www.usaweld.com/Max-Dry-for-Plasma-Cutters-p/25310-2.htm

 

[alan camby]

I just ordered one of these and got it yesterday. Have read good things. Oh, and yes, the 1/4" has nothing to do with anything. It's just the size of the fittings. Obviously, larger fittings flow more air.

http://www.usaweld.com/Max-Dry-for-Plasma-Cutters-p/25310-2.htm

Wow, someone received their tax check.

I don't need something that nice since I don't paint. Besides My air is cool coming out of the tank thanks to a very large aftercooler. Most of the moisture is caught after the cooler or in the tank.

I ordered a filter regulator combo from Mcmaster-carr. I am not very patient and like receiving from Mcmaster next day. I ordered part 4910K23.
Also got the spare filter and mounting bracket.

I was thinking about ordering this.
http://www.tptools.com/1and2-Deluxe-Regulator-Separator-Combo,7444.html?b=d*8088

I like the Mcmaster and TP sites since they have the replacement filter located next to the filter on their site.

There are some good deals on Ebay but I hate the idea of looking all over the place to find the spare filter.

 

[Durka]

95% of the moisture stays in the tank here as well. Actually, I think all of it does, since it's been more than two years and my filters are still clean. The advantage of a Black Iron system when it's ran correctly.

View media item 39337

 

[kazlx]

I run a plasma table and just bought a new Powermax 85, so didn't want to screw around. The after cooler should help quite a bit. You should probably still just run a water separator and dessicant.

 

[alan camby]

received and installed my McMaster regulator filter combo.
See my last post for the McMaster part #.
It came in as a Norgren B73G-4AK-AD1-RMG.
Just in case someone wanted to know what the Mcmaster part was.

Seems like a nice unit. All aluminum with a quick detach bowl. I would say 1/3 of a turn and it is off. It has a deep detent so it will not come off accidently.
Made in Mexico, at least it is not China.

I also like that it is rated for 250psi inlet and I can get replacement filters next day if needed. Mounting bracket is very sturdy.