Modifying your noisy
compressor to a silent compressor
by Kaan
Gök
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The title explains it all. I was frustrated by the
noise of my compressor. I couldn't use it after 11PM because of the noise, and
prolonged painting made me distracted and I had headaches after every painting
session. Silent compressors are very expensive, and I couldn't find any here
in Turkey with a reasonable price. So I modified my existing compressor to a
silent one.
I took my compressor and went into a shop which
sells refrigerating and cooling equipment. I explained to them the situation,
the guy was very helpful and found me a technician to to the installation. I
bought the compressor and the fittings from him. The compressor is
"Tecumseh" brand and it's power is 1/3 HP. It is a overpowered for
airbrushing, 1/4 or 1/6 HP models will be sufficient. It has only an impact on
the tank filling time. The technician made the installation in two hours (it
requires some welding, better to leave this job to a
professional.)
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I installed a refrigerator (or air
conditioner) air filter into the air input of the compressor to prevent
dust from entering the compressor. As a last job, I adjusted the working
pressure of the compressor from 5-7 bar to 4-6 bar to be on the safe
side.
The whole thing cost me US$80, $70 for the
parts and $10 for the installation. It is a good value for the money if
you already have a compressor.
Disadvantages:
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-Altough it's not costly as a commercial silent
compressor, it's not free. The price of the modification depends on the
country you are, it has a range of US$40-150 here depending on the compressor
and parts used. You can use a second hand compressor to keep the price down
(if you can find a reliable one).
-If not properly done, There is a chance to ruin
your already working compressor.
-Normally refrigerator compressors are designed to
work in a closed curcuit. Moisture in the air shortens their life, but it's a
second concern for hobby use. You are going to use it only 3-4 hours on a week
max.
-The welding job and installation can be dangerous
if not properly done by a qualified technican.
-Your compressor's warranty will be void.
-You have to add oil to the compressor (once or
twice a year).
-The compressor can pump its oil to the air tank.
You have drain it more often.
-A good water trap is essential (If you do not
have one already).
Advantages
-It has no sound, it produces the same noise as
your refrigerator. (Which overcomes all the disadvantages in my opinion)
I'm not sure if you can do this in
your country, but it is a worthwile option.
Remember to find a good technician to do the work, do not try this at home.
And if you decide to do this conversion....you do so at your own risk!
Kaan
Photos and text © 2002 by Kaan Gök
