New to me Compressor and Tanks. Now what?

[Timmyjane]

I picked this compressor up today. It’s a Scott Simple Air. It came with 2 DOT 4500 psi tanks. No hoses or valves were included. Not sure where to go next. As this will eventually be used for just personal tanks I want to keep the setup simple and and cost effective as possible. I could use some advice on setup and where to purchase any necessary components. Thanks!

 

[runsongas]

https://wtb.parker.com/us/en/master-directory/parker-stores?app=wtb

3 tanks is generally recommended for a cascade, 2 is going to be somewhat inefficient but doable. consider building in space to add on a 3rd/4th bank to futureproof and just blind cap it as needed in the interim

Need advice on building a cascade fill panel

Hi guys. Can't afford $2700 to $3500 for a fill panel. Can anyone help design a 4 bank cascade panel. & recommend a place to get HP fittings. I have 12, 6000 PSI cylinders thanks

scubaboard.com

 

[Gone for diving]

I want to keep the setup simple and and cost effective as possible.

That is funny, generally that's not what happens... it becomes a rabbit hole on the setup side.

On the compressor side it needs servicing. Electric supply. Fix,
oil changes filters etc...
You will be more simple to get tanks fill that the dive shop.
But you'll probably dive more if you have a compressor.

Nice setup though, have fun

 

[Timmyjane]

That is funny, generally that's not what happens... it becomes a rabbit hole on the setup side.

On the compressor side it needs servicing. Electric supply. Fix,
oil changes filters etc...
You will be more simple to get tanks fill that the dive shop.
But you'll probably dive more if you have a compressor.

Nice setup though, have fun

My wife has already made this argument.
I at least want to see what it’s going to take. So far I’m only into the project for $174.
It was serviced last year. Doesn’t mean it doesnt need it now though.
I don’t know how to connect it all and get air into the actual tanks that go on my back.

 

[Edward3c]

My wife has already made this argument.
I at least want to see what it’s going to take. So far I’m only into the project for $174.
It was serviced last year. Doesn’t mean it doesnt need it now though.
I don’t know how to connect it all and get air into the actual tanks that go on my back.

Get yourself on a compressor course, do you have air quality certificates.

 

[rob.mwpropane]

I love my personal compressor. It cost me more initially than I thought, but because of it I dive way more than I ever would have before.

For me, I also took on doing my own tank cleanings and VIP's, so less money spent there as well.

And as a huge bonus if a dive gets blown out my self filled nitrox tanks that would have cost me ~ $60 now only cost me ~ $5 and the same amount of time it would have taken me to drive round trip to the dive shop (twice for overnight).

My initial cost was $2400. Then $1000 for fittings and misc, and now I'm about $4000 after a fresh rebuild and filters.

Read this and get a good understanding of it and what is supposed to be plumbed where and why it's there. Run the compressor in cooler temps vs hotter to save filter life.

Compressor Filter System Theory - Scuba Engineer

High Pressure Breathing Air Compressor Filtration System Design author:- Stephen E Burton BSc(hons) C.Eng, MIET - Email to:- scubaengineer@gmail.com

scubaengineer.com

I also have bought many fittings from August Industries. They used to have sales before covid, but I haven't seen any lately. Admittedly I also haven't looked either.

You're ahead of the curve for a compressor with what looks like decent filtration for $174! I'm not sure that I've broken even yet, but my dive count has gone way up for the same money I would have spent for less dives without a compressor. That seems worth it to me. And the convience is outstanding.

 

[Gone for diving]

My wife has already made this argument.
I at least want to see what it’s going to take. So far I’m only into the project for $174.
It was serviced last year. Doesn’t mean it doesnt need it now though.
I don’t know how to connect it all and get air into the actual tanks that go on my back.

Sounds like price wise you have a very good start.
I would say, you should be somewhat mechanically inclined. If you are not, I would say you should probably not attempt it. Your first post seemed to hinted that you aren't...
Lots of research. Especially here on scuba board.
Do you know what kinda power it takes to run that compressor? Looks like a VFD runs it. Is it 3phase input? What voltage? Etc. That will be the first step.
If its 600v trying to run it in your garage. You have some problems...

 

[Timmyjane]

Sounds like price wise you have a very good start.
I would say, you should be somewhat mechanically inclined. If you are not, I would say you should probably not attempt it. Your first post seemed to hinted that you aren't...
Lots of research. Especially here on scuba board.
Do you know what kinda power it takes to run that compressor? Looks like a VFD runs it. Is it 3phase input? What voltage? Etc. That will be the first step.
If its 600v trying to run it in your garage. You have some problems...

I’m super mechanically inclined. There just isn’t any info out there on these compressors and much of my reading leans towards using a filling station. Generally, info is scattered and limited on DIY filling stations. I’ve never been around tank filling so this is all new to me.
It’s a 240v motor. I was expecting 3ph and have a VFD ready but turns out it’s not needed. This compressor was bought off auction with very limited info. Just a picture of the compressor and that’s it.

 

[Timmyjane]

Read this and get a good understanding of it and what is supposed to be plumbed where and why it's there. Run the compressor in cooler temps vs hotter to save filter life.

Compressor Filter System Theory - Scuba Engineer

High Pressure Breathing Air Compressor Filtration System Design author:- Stephen E Burton BSc(hons) C.Eng, MIET - Email to:- scubaengineer@gmail.com

scubaengineer.com

Thank you for the link and information. I think this is what I needed.
I also believe that having my own compressor will allow us to dive more often. When my wife asked me why I wanted a compressor vs spending the $5 at the dive shop I told her it was the convenience. Seems like it’s going to be awesome to just go turn some valves and boom I got air.

 

[-JD-]

My wife has already made this argument.
I at least want to see what it’s going to take. So far I’m only into the project for $174.
It was serviced last year. Doesn’t mean it doesnt need it now though.
I don’t know how to connect it all and get air into the actual tanks that go on my back.

As hinted at by @rob.mwpropane your purchase price (wow, great) of the compressor and 2 bottles is likely a rounding error in the total cost of putting together a "system."

Depending on age, use, and manufacturer - the filter towers could have reached their recommended end of useful (safe) life. If so, you could be around 10x your initial outlay for just new filter housings.

Bank bottles may neet to be hydro-tested. Certainly should be inspected internally unless you have an unusually high trust in the prior owner.

Some of this is based on extremely conservative manufacturer specs. But is is safety and a several 1000 psi, you have a potential "bomb."

My suggestion is to buld the system on paper to get an idea of the range of costs from best to worst case before buying a thing.

Sounds like price wise you have a very good start.
I would say, you should be somewhat mechanically inclined. If you are not, I would say you should probably not attempt it. Your first post seemed to hinted that you aren't...
Lots of research. Especially here on scuba board.
Do you know what kinda power it takes to run that compressor? Looks like a VFD runs it. Is it 3phase input? What voltage? Etc. That will be the first step.
If its 600v trying to run it in your garage. You have some problems...

230V 1Ph, on the data plate picture.