The
air compressor systems that the average
homeowner or do-it-yourselfer will normally need
are fairly simple. Air compressor systems basically
consist of a power source, a pump, a pressure
regulator, a relief valve, a pressure tank and
tubing connecting the pump to the tank with a
hose to release the air from the tank. A do-it-yourselfer
may try building his own
air compressor systems. The
first consideration in building air compressor
systems is how the compressor will be used and
the pump that it needs. A compressor pump works
much like a gasoline piston engine. One or two
cylinder pumps are most common for do-it-yourselfer
use.
The
operation of these types of air compressor
systems is very straightforward. If you designing
not a screw
driven but cylinder driven model,
decides which motor to pump connections you
might need. As the piston is pulled down to
the bottom of the cylinder by the crankshaft,
it creates a vacuum that draws air into the
cylinder through the intake piston. As the
crankshaft continues to rotate, it pushes the
piston back to the top of the cylinder. During
this upstroke, the piston compresses the air
in the cylinder. This compressed air is pushed
out through the exhaust piston where it travels
through a high pressure line to the holding
tank. The tank, too, is designed to withstand
pressure. The compressed air is accumulated
and stored in the tank until it is used. A
pressure relief valve is installed in the tank
to keep the pressure inside the tank within
safe levels.
The
second major consideration in building your
own air compressor systems is the power source.
Especially important if you want to design
a very silent
model. This is usually an electric
motor. In a few situations, a gasoline motor
may be desired. The size and horsepower rating
of the motor will depend upon the size of the
pump and the volume of air to be produced.
Capacity
of air compressor systems
The
size or capacity of air compressor systems
is determined by two output measurements. Both
the pressure, measured in pounds per square inch
(psi) and the volume, measured in cubic feet
per minute are monitored to determine output
capacity. Most do-it-yourselfers will build air
compressor systems producing 90 to 150 psi.
The output volume of air compressor systems
will vary according to barometric pressure, humidity
and temperature. Pump manufactures have come
up with a standard rating of cfm at sea level
with 68 degrees F. and 36 percent relative humidity.
The output volume of the pump needed on a homemade
air compressor will be determined by the volume
required by the tools it will power. If the air
compressor will be used only to inflate tires,
a volume of 3-5 scfm will be more than adequate.
The
components required to build air compressor
systems are available at most home improvement
stores, auto supply stores and farm supply stores.
They are also readily available through Internet
stores. Air
compressor systems for home use are fairly
simple and relatively easy to build. You can
either build a new one or rework
a used compressor.
Plans and components are readily available.
The true do-it-yourselfer may want to consider
building his or her own homemade air compressor
to fit specific tasks and needs. The do-it-yourselfer
can also save a few dollars by building his
air compressor systems.
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