Compressor filter - Use what I have???

[4rcFed]

I am finally finishing up the plumbing on the air compressor. I need to figure out what regulator /filter that I want to run.

I have a Snap-on filter and Binks regulator like pictured here. I am plumbing one drop for now, but will add another probably next year. I'd like to use what I have, but I was curious about the pipe sizes.

This drop will be for general tools. This Snap-on / Binks combo has a 1/2" inlet, but has a 1/4" outlet. I am running 1/2" black pipe and will use 3/8" hose (I think that is what I have).

Now, is it an issue going from the 1/2" to 1/4" after regulated to a 3/8" hose?
Or do I need to go buy a 1/2"-1/2" or 1/2"-3/8" filter / regulator combo to plumb in?

 

[rustychev]

your flow will be based of your smallest size I would try and stay at 3/8 or bigger

 

[4rcFed]

Kinda what I figured. My other regulator got cracked during our move, but I had this other unit laying around.

Anyone have any particular filter / regulators that they like or recommend?

 

[lessersivad]

I am finally finishing up the plumbing on the air compressor. I need to figure out what regulator /filter that I want to run.

I have a Snap-on filter and Binks regulator like pictured here. I am plumbing one drop for now, but will add another probably next year. I'd like to use what I have, but I was curious about the pipe sizes.

This drop will be for general tools. This Snap-on / Binks combo has a 1/2" inlet, but has a 1/4" outlet. I am running 1/2" black pipe and will use 3/8" hose (I think that is what I have).

Now, is it an issue going from the 1/2" to 1/4" after regulated to a 3/8" hose?
Or do I need to go buy a 1/2"-1/2" or 1/2"-3/8" filter / regulator combo to plumb in?

Are you planning to simply connect the hose to the regulator with no "quick connect" coupling?

If you are, what size of fittings are on the ends of the hose?

If you're planning to use couplings so you can change tools or remove the hose then what size are those?

I don't know what you plan on doing but I've been running 1/4" Aro style couplings for over 20 years on all my air tools and haven't had any problems.

Unless you are running some big sand blaster or a 3/4 inpact you should be fine.

Just my 2¢.

 

[pipsters]

Depending on the filter the issue is psi drop. The better filter companies will rate a certain flow rate at a certain inlet psi and document the psi drop. For example a 90 psi inlet pressure at 20 CFM on a 1/4" filter would have say a 20 psi drop, so only 70 psi coming out the other side.

 

[Fire&Steel]

The question about pressure loss going from a larger (lets say 3/8) pipe down to a smaller (lets say 1/4) is simple. As velocity increases pressure decreases. So when you have the same volume of air traveling in a 3/8 that is going into a 1/4 pipe, the airs velocity will increase and the pressure will decrease. That being said. You normaly run higher pressure from the compressor and dial it down at the regulator.

So to answer your question. Yes running the same size pipe is better to mantain pressure. But I dont think it will be a problem