What size filter/regulator combo?

[eastbaysubaru]

So I got a Maxline 3/4" kit for Christmas and am just getting around to installing it. Since the outlet on my Central Pneumatic is only 1/4" NPT I'm wondering what size filter/regulator I should be using with my Maxline kit. Since the compressor is only 1/4" NPT can I get by with a 1/4" filter/regulator? I was thinking that I would use a 3/8" filter regulator since it's in between the 1/4" of my compressor and the 3/4" of the Maxline connector:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005JDKYMC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Would there be any advantage to a 3/4" filter/regulator? The price difference is enough to consider the all of the various options. Thoughts? TIA!

-Brian

 

[3rdgendslmech]

Since your outlet from your tank is 1/4 you'll just have to put bushings in the ends of your kit to make it work. The bigger size on the filter combo wont make it flow more air because your smallest port is coming out of your compressor at 1/4".

 

[BCreekDave]

Only advantage is if someday you upsize your compressor it would be one less thing to buy.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sberry]

The 3/8 probably wont hurt. Pressure loss is accumulative. Its not as simple as there is a short 1/4 at the tank so that's it but rather the longer and the more pieces that are 1.4 the more it adds up. Some of the 1/4 ******* are close to 3/8 ID, they can be dressed a little with a drill bit but they flow 2x a simple quick connect.
The 3/4 main isn't going to be any loss and all the turns and fittings to a reg couldn't hurt to be 3/8 and the reg will likely deliver a bit better on a 1/2 impact.
The 3/4 unit is too large for the tools you are using, the air speed too slow and it doesnt fling water drops out.

 

[Marctrees]

When you look at manufacturer specs of filter and regulators, they will show a CFM rating that will be different depending on ****** size.

Pretty sure if you do that, you will see the 1/4 and 3/8 models are more than adequate, assuming under like 25 or so cfm. Marc

 

[Marctrees]

May want to check this out- Marc

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=364312

 

[ItsNemo]

I would go straight to 1/2" if you're at the tank regulating the entire system and 1/4" or 3/8" at point of use if you're going that route. Spend the bit of extra money now so that you don't constrict your air flow and if you ever upgrade you aren't buying twice.

 

[sberry]

I like those in the link. Absolutely perfect for these typical garages, cheap is a huge plus. Doesn't cost a months savings to put an extra fitting in. They are sized right. Most have dual ports, 1/4 and 3/8

 

[larry_g]

So I got a Maxline 3/4" kit for Christmas and am just getting around to installing it. Since the outlet on my Central Pneumatic is only 1/4" NPT I'm wondering what size filter/regulator I should be using with my Maxline kit. Since the compressor is only 1/4" NPT can I get by with a 1/4" filter/regulator? I was thinking that I would use a 3/8" filter regulator since it's in between the 1/4" of my compressor and the 3/4" of the Maxline connector:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005JDKYMC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Would there be any advantage to a 3/4" filter/regulator? The price difference is enough to consider the all of the various options. Thoughts? TIA!

-Brian

Is your compressor a single or two stage? The regulator in your link is only good to a 150psi so it will not work well with a 2 stage, 175psi compressor. Second is if your working with a single stage compressor I would not put a regulator on the whole system. Have a couple of drops that run at tank pressure and then a regulator and a drop or two. Just my educated opinion and how I do my shop.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[ItsNemo]

Is your compressor a single or two stage? The regulator in your link is only good to a 150psi so it will not work well with a 2 stage, 175psi compressor. Second is if your working with a single stage compressor I would not put a regulator on the whole system. Have a couple of drops that run at tank pressure and then a regulator and a drop or two. Just my educated opinion and how I do my shop.

lg
no neat sig line

No...it's max inlet pressure is 250psi. The 150psi is just the highest it can regulate to. Since most people regular somewhere in the 90-120psi range, this one will work fine.

 

[Warrenator]

Methinks the swirling of the air doth make air droplets stick to the outer wall of the bowl on yon filter/separator. Too great a size might not allow a sufficiency of swirliness as a certain flow of air is needed.

 

[sberry]

I have 1 that doesn't do anything, never has.

 

[eastbaysubaru]

Thanks for the additional info and thoughts. This is the compressor that I have:

https://www.harborfreight.com/29-gal-2-hp-150-psi-cast-iron-vertical-air-compressor-61489.html

Looks like I'm good going with the 1/2" filter/regulator as I'll only be regulating pressure at the compressor. I don't think I'll regulate the drops individually as I only use the system for light work. Thanks for the help!

-Brian

 

[Longhair]

Methinks the swirling of the air doth make air droplets stick to the outer wall of the bowl on yon filter/separator. Too great a size might not allow a sufficiency of swirliness as a certain flow of air is needed.

Whoa............I had to read that one more than once.

 

[Marctrees]

eastbay - As said above, velocity of flow will affect the water seperation.

Too large port size the way I understand it will reduce that and not work as good.

Again, did you look at the cfm ratings of the filters per port size?

Your compressor is under 6 CFM.

1/2" is WAY out of range for your compressor. Marc

 

[MattT]

Again, did you look at the cfm ratings of the filters per port size?

Your compressor is under 6 CFM.

1/2" is WAY out of range for your compressor. Marc

The filter needs sized for the cfm tools will pull from the tank. Could be around 50 cfm is the OP plans to use a big 1/2" impact.