compressor help

[dvrdew]

Greetings. I could really use some help if anyone has the time. I recently bought a Mako/Bauer compressor from a friend who closed his dive shop. I have some experience with compressors, having owned a dive shop for several years, however my partner always handled the maintenance so it was at arm's length. According to the former owner, the compressor was re-built and then sat still for 2-3 years. I have fired it up a couple of times and so far it is running good. I have several questions.
I would like to know the model and get a manual for it. Serial #9/2863/2. Anyone know where I can get one?
1st stage pressure 85 -is that ok? Was told 1st stage should be 60-80
2nd stage pressure is 550.
3rd stage - comes up fine, only taken it to 3300 so far.
Oil pressure is 1050 - was told it needed to be adjusted down to 900 - where is adjustment located?
I have no idea what type of oil is in it now, I will be using a stick and pumping nitrox up to 40% Am I taking a risk on damaging the compressor changing the oil to synthetic?
A couple of new filters came with it still in the box, however I read on another post that even new filters have a shelf life - to be absolutely safe, I should order new filters?
Air test - suggestions on where to go for one?
I'm sure I'll have more questions as I get this back up, so any help / direction is greatly appreciated.
thanks, everyone have a great weekend and safe diving!
dew

 

[h90]

I am no specialist, but I would not run a compressor (or anything else) with an old oil of unknown age.
I read that there are several problems changing from normal oil to synthetic, as the coal gets washed away. So the complete compressor needs a cleaning. I have no personal experience on that, just read about.

I anyway would not run it with the old oil in it, at least not till one of the specialists here tell that it is OK.

 

[boxy]

Hi,

BAUER COMPRESSORS - Service & Support - Technical Documents - Spare Part Lists, Accessories Catalogues & Service Manuals

This link should give you manuals for general Bauer oil lists and parts manuals.

Your compressor will almost definately be running on mineral oil, which will need swapping to synthetic before increasing O2 levels.

To carry this out properly would involve removing all the suction and delivery valves to clean any carbon deposits before filling and flushing the crankcase with synthetic oil.

It is also potentially risky to use an older lubricated compressor with a Nitrox stick , as they will have larger quantities of oil due to wear an tear. This oil mixed with O2 can lead to explosions.

I will see if I can dig out a service manaul for you machine, but it make take me some time.

Cheers !

 

[CraigAClark]

I can't tell without a better look at the first stage head, but the block is either a Capitano, Mariner or Utilus. I don't have time right now to answer your other questions.

Craig

 

[coldsmoke]

It looks just like mine so I'd say it's a capitano.

I'm no expert, but I think your interstage pressures are fine.

I use synthetic oil and CB nitrox. I have used a couple of different oils over the years, but currently using one from Global. I was advised whenever you change to an new oil to run it for a while with the old oil to get it warm. Then drain, fill with new and run it for about 10 hours. The drain and fill again. This step should take care of most of the internal cleaning issues. That's what I did anyway and have never had any problems.

Hope this helps. You could also try the deco stop. There are some very knowledgeable compressor folks there.

Hunter

 

[roastbeef]

Make sure what ever oil you use it has a high flash point. That older Bauer compressors like K13, 14 and 15's would normaly take such oils as Esso compressor oil 122. You need a high flash point so that the oil does not heat up and allow for carbonization build up. Mixing Nitrox through a compressor of that age is not such a good idea. There doing it with newer compressors because they have been designed to process Nitrox be carefull.

 

[CraigAClark]

Make sure what ever oil you use it has a high flash point. That older Bauer compressors like K13, 14 and 15's would normaly take such oils as Esso compressor oil 122. You need a high flash point so that the oil does not heat up and allow for carbonization build up. Mixing Nitrox through a compressor of that age is not such a good idea. There doing it with newer compressors because they have been designed to process Nitrox be carefull.

What manufacturer has designed a compressor to process nitrox?

Craig

 

[windyairman]

Hi Craig

Just last week Bauer brought out there new up dated nitrox system B-TROX.

Taken from the brochure
[Bauer is the only manufacture worldwide offering a complete nitrox system certified ex works by TUV]

I have just had a quick look at the brochure & the system has 4 parts.

Low pressure module
Purification module
Ox moduule
High pressure module.

Then i looked at the price a full 450 l/min system is about £ 60,000

The up dated system is not on the bauer web site,But if you pm me your e mail address is will send you a copy of the brochure i have.

Colin

 

[widget]

I wouldnt toss the filters until can ascertain how old they are. It is true that even new filters have a life span, but its quite substantial and as long as they are still in a sealed bag it can be two years.

Somewhere on the box or bag you will find a series of numbers, call the manufacturer with those numbers and they should be able to tell you how old the filters are and if they are still usable for filtering breathing air.

 

[Peter_C]

When I first got my used compressor (MaxAir CE90), I started by draining the oil, filling with Nuvair 455, then running it for a few hours no load, and changing the oil again. Ran it again for a few hours and changed the oil again. Then put the compressor to use. The oil was really dirty when I got the compressor so I wanted a good flush and the money spent on oil was minimal compared to my overall cost. Not the time to skimp in my book.

Time was also spent cleaning some of the lines and removing any crud build up that was accessible within reason.