SpudFiles

I need clarification here. Was this Rechi compressor intended to be used for pressurizing air only? If so, could I do the same thing in a closed-loop? I think the advantage of having a closed-loop, would be the elimination of condensation as you mentioned. Besides, I could add other gases to the mix if desired.

So how would the lubricants in the pump behave if the operating medium was only air? Can all refrigeration compressors be used for pressurizing air?

Shingoshi

I use this for pressurizing with air only. The lubricants in the pump slowly get blown out. I should probably put a few drops of oil in it to keep running smoothly, but I haven't felt the need to yet.

I don't see why all refrigeration compressors couldn't be used for pumping air, its just another gas after all.

daberno123 wrote:I use this for pressurizing with air only. The lubricants in the pump slowly get blown out. I should probably put a few drops of oil in it to keep running smoothly, but I haven't felt the need to yet.

I don't see why all refrigeration compressors couldn't be used for pumping air, its just another gas after all.

So the likelihood is high that if the system functioned as a closed-loop, you would never lose oil and never get condensation. That's good. Because I've now figured out how to run my vortex tubes using this closed-loop.

Shingoshi

yes, compressors like these are designed to work in closed loop...

we use them for pressuring atmospheric air and there are some extra problems with it that daberno mentioned

normally refrigerant flows through the tubing in a closed loop... in refrigeration systems there is often a filter right after the compressor that separates oil and sends it back to the compressor because oil reduces efficiency...
it's possible that you already have one installed
http://www.rechi.com/image/en/pro/weat.jpg -> I suspect it's that small cylinder that you can see in the pic

some time ago I asked ralphd how to separate oil from air and he responded with this link -> http://www.henrytech.com/Tips/HT-TT4.pdf

POLAND_SPUD wrote:yes, compressors like these are designed to work in closed loop...

we use them for pressuring atmospheric air and there are some extra problems with it that daberno mentioned

normally refrigerant flows through the tubing in a closed loop... in refrigeration systems there is often a filter right after the compressor that separates oil and sends it back to the compressor because oil reduces efficiency...
it's possible that you already have one installed
http://www.rechi.com/image/en/pro/weat.jpg -> I suspect it's that small cylinder that you can see in the pic

some time ago I asked ralphd how to separate oil from air and he responded with this link -> http://www.henrytech.com/Tips/HT-TT4.pdf

I just downloaded the file you gave here (Thank you!). I need to ask more detailed questions about where to place and connect oil separators in a system with multiple stages, with one stage having multiple compressors. From what I've been told, this can become very complex to sort out. But I will wait until I hear back from any of you as to whether I should open another thread here to discuss this.

EDIT: Something that anyone can answer for me here is, "what's the highest safe pressure that the Rechi compressors will produce? Could they handle anywhere near 300psi?

Shingoshi

I suppose they can... I normally use fridge compressors at higher pressures

POLAND_SPUD wrote:I suppose they can... I normally use fridge compressors at higher pressures

Because I'm pretty certain the Danfoss SC18CLX.2 qualifies as a fridge (eh, make that a freezer) compressor. And that compressor will be my second stage.

Shingoshi

You'd have thought that with the heat in Australia you'd have enough "conventional" customers without having to resort to offering compressors for spudgun purposes

The compressor on an air conditioner or heat pump is usually misunderstood. It is a pump driven by an electric motor it has valves, pistons or vanes and is constructed somewhat like an automotive engine. A scroll compressor uses a set of spirals and is more efficient because there is no reciprocating parts. You may also find rotary compressors which act like a vane pump.Furnace Replacement
Rotary compressors are not used very often in larger systems but are common with window units.