Specs/exploded diagram of old WK coalescer?

[scottydont]

I'm not even sure if I'm posting this question in the right place, but its worth a try....

I've got a old walter kidde filter housing and moisture separator housing just sitting around. Both are 3000 psi aluminum housings and appear to have started life as a matched pair. The filter housing is basic enough, but the moisture separator appears to have either a heater or electric purge valve built in.... I'd really like to find out more about it and confirm that it is complete and properly assembled before I try to either sell it or put it into service.

So can anybody tell me if there's a good source of information on an old coalescer like this? I have the model number and other info on the ID tag if that would help...

Thanks

 

[oxyhacker]

Jim Shelden of Shelden Sporting Goods is the man when it comes to surplus and WK compressors. He's also got a Yahoo group, compressor_team, dedicated to such things.

 

[scottydont]

I'm actually a member of Jims Yahoo group. I figured I'd try here as well though.

If Jim's the man, I'll wait for his response. I was hoping to eventually find an exploded diagram of the unit, but I know that's a pie in the sky wish.

 

[frogman62]

The moisture trap you have is a very simple chamber with an inlet and outlet and a port on the bottom for a manual drain valve . It has no oil pressure controlled drain valve and no real baffle inside to improve the moisture condensation. I have looked at the pictures and also checked my Kidde manuals and this one is so old -- none of my manuals from 1972 and later even describe it
Sorry, If you are considering using it at 3000PSI it's probably OK but I sure wouldn't use it above 3300PSI
Jim Shelden

 

[scottydont]

Thanks Jim, I think we got that figured out over on your yahoo group. I've actually sold the unit at this point and am waiting for payment to arrive before I ship it.

Thanks for the advice though.

 

[rjack321]

This raises a question for me...

If you were to have an old tower like this hydro tested what tolerances would/should be applied? Same allowable permanent deformation as an AL80 cylinder or something different?

 

[frogman62]

I would not expect the unit to test as well as an early aluminum SCUBA cylinder. These were original military 4 to 1 safety factor on the design, but there are no records that I have seen concerning cycle testing. I have not had one like this but have seen the similar construction on the Stewart Warner flame thrower compressors and the SW breathing air units. They had a manual drain valve on the bottom. If it did not appear to be in pristine physical condition( No deep scratches or dents) --it's probably OK for 3000PSI but otherwise I'd throw it away
Jim