Air Compressor

[DivingCRNA]

OK, I am sure that the answer is rediculously simple, but I just have to ask. I got to think about this when figuring out a way to keep my drysuit inflated while looking for leaks and saw that hte aircompressor quick detach does not fit my drysuit inflator valve.

Why can't a person, with a tank filling whip attached to the "regular" electric air compressor in their garage, fill their own SCUBA tanks with air? Why do you have to buy a "SCUBA" compressor set up?

Is it a contaminants issue? Is it a pressure issue? Is it something else?

Waiting for the simple answer to a seemingly stupid question.

 

[mike_s]

Why can't a person, with a tank filling whip attached to the "regular" electric air compressor in their garage, fill their own SCUBA tanks with air? Why do you have to buy a "SCUBA" compressor set up?

The compressor most people have in their garages fill only to 100psi to 150psi.

The average scuba tank (aluminum 80) holds 3,000 psi. You scuba shop
compressor will most likely do 3500psi to 5000psi. They achieve this with
a compressor that has multiple compression 'stages' on it. (typically
around 3 stages).

Simply put... your average "regular" compressor won't fill a scuba tank enough
for it to be usefull. For example, the "intermediate pressure" required by
the 2nd stage on most regulators is 130-150psi (though in low volume).
Even if you filled your scuba tank with your home compressor to the max
of that compressors capability (mayb 150psi), then you would still have
"reistance" breathing from it on your regulator almost right from the start.

oil and contaminates are also less in scuba compressors (or they are supposed to
be) as it's "graded" air.

You can of course buy a high pressure "home" compressor setup that runs
of a gas engine or even electric, but they start at around $2500 for a
"cheap one" and go up easily from that amount.

 

[Col_CCC]

The answer you seek is part of everything you said. A standard air compressor cannot pump up to the 4000+ psi that most scuba compressors go to. Also the scuba compressors come with a host of filters that take contaminants out and moisture out of the air. And if your scuba compressor is filling Nitrox then there is another set of requirements. These filter sets aren't cheap either, about $100 a change. And a change is done every 20 running hrs approx. My answer is just general as I don't own a compressor either. But ask at your LDS for a more definative answer.
Chris

 

[DivingCRNA]

The answer you seek is part of everything you said. A standard air compressor cannot pump up to the 4000+ psi that most scuba compressors go to. Also the scuba compressors come with a host of filters that take contaminants out and moisture out of the air. And if your scuba compressor is filling Nitrox then there is another set of requirements. These filter sets aren't cheap either, about $100 a change. And a change is done every 20 running hrs approx. My answer is just general as I don't own a compressor either. But ask at your LDS for a more definative answer.
Chris

Asking at the LDS is a good way to get a lecture on why I need to buy my gear there!

I guess I could have just went out to the garage and looked at the pressure guage on my compressor. But it is 15 degrees out today! LOL

 

[Diver Jeff]

Ok, your home air comperssor will pump to 120 PSI if it goes higher it will blow up, your tanks PSI is 2400 or 3000 PSI, air contaminants, Carbon dioxide, Hydrocarbons, oil and water separators filters are on a scuba compressor, they run at high pressure. Your home depot compressor just don't cut it and if you get it to work it can kill you. If you are looking for holes in your dry suit ask a buddy to help, get in your suit inflate it fully and spray soap and water all over it to see were it is leaking from.
Good luck!!!!!

 

[Col_CCC]

Well if your LDS is that way. Possibly it is time to look elsewhere.

 

[DivingCRNA]

Well if your LDS is that way. Possibly it is time to look elsewhere.

If there were anywhere else. It is a small town.

Anyone know if I can take a LP inflator and make it fit the compressor fitting so I can test my drysuit for leaks? Or should I stick to the shop vac on the blower setting?

 

[naclydogg]

Just use your scuba tank for air, and some plastic jugs or rubber balls to block the neck and wrist openings.

 

[mike_s]

you can get power inflator hook ups or just power inflator hoses and then use couplers or adapters to inflate your suit with a "quick connect" to your compressor.

after you get the spare hose to fit your power inflator, just head down to Home Depot and you can then fit the rest of the parts and get a quick connect to your home comressor. Get some white "plumbers tape" and wrap the threads a few times to keep it from leaking.

now... with that in mind, I'm sure your drysuit isn't rated for 125 to 150psi either. so be careful blowing it up. 150psi will pretty much bust the seams on it thus causing a leak.