Filling Tanks...

[DailyLunatic]

rmediver2002 once bubbled...
DailyLunatic,

Check the compressor, it may have a filtration system in place already. Could you speak with someone who conducts the maintenance on the unit?

questions for them:

Grade of air produced?

Filtrations system in place?

Air testing ever conducted?

if there is already a filtration system (good chance if used for a calibrated test station) then it is not going to take to much to set something up. If it does not then adding in filtration (around $1400 for a new 12,000 cubic foot system) is most likely going to make it to expensive...

Let me know what you find out?

Jeff

Asked some of the people using the equipment as well as the Foreman:

First, they said maintainace is performed when the compressor breaks. (most likely a joke, but I would not count on it being done more than once a year or so at best)

Grade of air was an unknown concept.

Filtration system was a water trap and a check valve.

No air testing has ever been done to their knowledge.

*****

$1400 for a filter?!? Surely not. I've seen portable scuba systems advertised for $2900. That would make half the cost of the system in the filter alone. ;-0

What is it about the filter that makes it so expensive?

Sterling
92.5% Pure

 

[rmediver2002]

Well they really are not that expensive (components) but most of the systems are designed to have a minimum cartridge life of 12,000 cubic feet. The housing is the most expensive component usually made from stainless steel and designed to ASME standards (basically the working pressure is around five times the compressor working pressure at a minimum) They rarely recieve more than a visual inspection (if that at most installations...)

The replacement cartridge if bought pre-assembled for less than $100, or you could purchase the chemicals and re-pack the cartridge yourself. I have 3 larger units and two portable units and prefer to just purchase the redi-made cartridges...

Are you perhaps using some type of booster to produce the 10,000 psi or is the compressor output rated 10,000 psi?

You could call around and find a decent price on a filter housing, figure around $100 for a three part filter (activated charcoal to remove smell, desicant to remove moisture, and a catalyst to convert small amounts of CO to CO2), then the associated gauges and filling yoke we discussed.

You will need the capability to pressurize the filter tower before begining filling of the cylinder as the cartridge will not be efficient at lower pressure or if humidity levels are to high.

All this will set you up for air filling of cylinders, you will need to add in some additional filtration for any gas blending...

I would make sure you test the air before filling any tanks, this is not something to risk getting hurt over...

Jeff Lane

 

[DailyLunatic]

rmediver2002 once bubbled...

<snip>
Are you perhaps using some type of booster to produce the 10,000 psi or is the compressor output rated 10,000 psi?

<snip>

I would make sure you test the air before filling any tanks, this is not something to risk getting hurt over...

Jeff Lane

Yes, the outside unit brings the pressure up to around 5,000 psi, then the inside booster from there. Missed that when I was poking around outside yesterday, sorry. I can tap into the system at another stand that is not serviced by the booster if pressures above 5,000 are a prob.

I fully agree with the sugestion of testing. 'If' I proceed with this I will have the air tested. I had apparently wrongly assumed that as the compressors were elec that CO would not be a prob, and had not considered toxic oils at all.

http://www.plans-kits.com/kits/scubakit.doc

Additionally, I had assumed that filtration would be simpler and less costly. In digging today for more info I came across the above link. What are your opinions of this Scuba Kit listed for $350.00? It is more in line with what I had imagined I was getting myself into. I realize it would not be appropreate for a DS, but would it serve a single user?

Sterling
92.5% Pure

 

[rmediver2002]

Looks like a great little kit, everything you will need except a needle valve to control the flow from the station.

Your going to be able to use the boosted air supply, just make sure your keeping a good eye on things so you do not exceed the working pressure of the system.

You could add in a relief valve on the system to ensure you do not overpressurize it... (you most likely have access to plenty there right?)

Good price in my opinion, try to find out the rating on that filter (should be rated in cubic feet) and determine how long it will last you. I would just plan to replace it every year anyway but if your doing many fills you might burn through it quicker...

The biggest factor in consuming them is moisture...

Thank you for that link, let me know how it goes!!

Jeff Lane