Want to figure out if all those stories about air compressors exploding are real? Are you worried about what things to prevent to avoid that? Don’t you worry since we have got with all covered? This article focuses on what are the possible causes of air compressors blowing up and lists down the preventive measures. This is a thorough and complete guide on can an air compressor explode. So belt up and stick to it.

What Are The Causes?

Improper Installation

All the air compressors come with an extensive guide that enlists the proper method of installing the compressor. It indicates the accurate psi levels the compressor should be set to. Further, it indicates the maintenance routines. These should be strongly adhered to because otherwise, the effects are not that good.

Strict protocols must be perfectly followed in order to ensure the right and proper installation. If not, an explosion might be the result which is obviously undesirable and unwanted. You must call professional help for the work which is always better. Moreover, d not forget to double-check to ensure everything is perfect and the compressor is safe to use.

Tank Corrosion

Another common cause that leads to an explosion of air compressors is tank corrosion. Corrosion is very common in tanks. It is inevitable and the tank is bound to corrode. It can, however, cause the weakening of the body of the tanks. The compressor works on high pressures but the tank when corroded cannot stand such high psi levels. This results in condensation on the inside body of the tank.

This large condensation will cause the tank to corrode more and more if proper maintenance protocols are not taken. According to the professionals and experts, it is always better to completely rain the tank every time you use it. This will ensure better integrity of the tank and better structure stability, preventing the blow-up.

Insufficient lubrication

Lubrication is a prime thing that should be done at all costs. It enables smooth operation and minimal friction. The parts move smoothly past one other if properly lubricated. However, if the lubrication is absent, the air compressor will not be able to operate at high-pressure levels. Further, it will also cause in rising of the local temperature where there are moving parts. The enhancing heat and rising temperature will cause the parts to stop functioning, which will ultimately result in rupturing of that particular part. The explosion will then be inevitable. In order to prevent ignition, substantial lubrication is essential and should always be ensured.

Manufacturing Defects

This is a relatively weaker and less potential cause that normally leads to an explosion. Manufacturers are usually careful while designing, producing, and assembling the parts. The material, construction, and psi levels are all well thought of. However, you should always read the reviews or check a trusted website to get you the right thing to avoid getting a faulty and badly constructed, and assembled air compressor.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Explosion of Air Compressor

One should adhere to the following preventive measures in order to eliminate the explosion of air compressors.

• Draining the tank 
• Checking the oil 
• Lubricating the moving parts well 
• Regular maintenance and checks 
• Right assembling 
• Proper installation
• Adhering to manufacturer’s guidelines 
• Running safety checks                  

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can an air compressor start a fire?

An air compressor is a machine which you should be careful about. It should always be kept in an open space to avoid overheating and other issues. Further, it enhances safety and protection. Whether or not an air compressor can start a fire depends upon how well the electrical components are caged or insulated. The electrical components that form a part of either the motor as well as the switch can initiate or ignite a spark. This makes fire very probable.

Moreover, if the air compressor is placed inside a closed place, it might be subjected to overheating. This is yet another reason for the air compressor starting the fire. Therefore, always look for good quality air compressor and place them in a well-ventilated area.

2. Can an air compressor overheat?

Yes, an air compressor can be subjected to overheating. There are multiple causes that lead to a compressor being overheated. The most obvious one is keeping the air compressor in a suffocating place. However, if any unfortunate circumstances arrive, it becomes essential to solve the overheating issue. This requires instant repair or either getting yourself a new one and keeping it in an open space.

Further, you have to take the following measures to avoid this from happening again. You should always check the temperature you place the air compressor in. It should be cool and breezy. This will take all the excessive heat off the air compressor, preventing overheating. Moreover, you should also check the environment. It plays a prime role as the space around the air compressor should be free. In case it is stuffed, it enhances the chances of overheating.

3. Is it safe to leave an air compressor on?

It is completely safe to leave your air compressor on. You do not always have to put a check and keep an eye on that. It can be left on under its stated duty cycles. However, if you are not employing its power or it has been left on for long without being used, it is always better to switch the machine off or deactivate it.

Final Verdict

Air compressors are useful machines whose use has been extended day by day. The good ones cause you sufficient money; therefore, you need to make sure that they do not explode. For that, you are required to keep safety checks together with taking all the preventive measures. Do it now to avoid any unfortunate circumstances. Say hello to an effective and absolutely safe air compressor.

Do you want to dig into how much copper is in the air conditioners air compressor? Then you surely have to stick around this guide which takes you through a proper channel. It determines how much copper is in an air conditioners compressor by scraping it. This will ensure that is the right amount as it is the only way to find out. With several other metals and components, scraping can actually benefit you with money. This process can turn out to be really valuable. So, let us dive in!

Finding Out Amount of Copper by Scraping Air Conditioner’s Compressor

The copper tubings which are inside the air compressor can serve as a good source to provide you with money. These metals can be worth it. When scraping just provides you around $4, the metals inside can raise that to $ 12. That is triple that of the original amount. This makes us all determine the amount of copper inside the compressor.

Precautions

There are certain precautions which should adhere to avoid any unfortunate incidents First and foremost, do not forget to call a certified and professional worker who will aid in removing refrigerant together with the oils. The majority of the scrap yards only take in the conditioners with freon removed. Moreover, it is stated by EFA to never indulge in removing the freon by yourself and always take professional help for that.

What Do You Require While Scraping?

Before you start with the process, it is essential to always have the appropriate tools with you that are needed. You need to be sure that you have all the equipment to avoid any inconveniences. To save you the labor, we have listed all the essential tools you will be needing during the scraping process.

• Wire snippers
• Gloves
• Power drill
• Cable cutter
• Screwdriver
• Wrench
• Eye protection
• Sawzall
• Vice

 

The Process: Scraping an Air Conditioner

• Draining the Liquids

As you have already stated, call certified and professional workers to get the freon removed.

• Cutting the Copper wires

The next step involves cutting the copper wires. This requires the use of wire snippers. You are required to cut the connection between the power cord and the unit. You can then place it into the pile containing other copper wires.

• Removing Steel

Then, you have to remove all the screws which are incorporated into the frame. This can be accomplished with the help of a power drill. This will enable;e us to remove the side steel panels. You can collect them with the steel pile.

• Cutting Copper Tubbings

There are multiple copper tubing attached to the radiators from the sealed unit. With the aid of the cable cutters, remove them as well.

• Removing Sealed Units

Now, you have a complete view of the things placed inside the air compressor. Remove all those important things. These majorly include a sealed unit together with an electric motor and remaining copper tubings.

• Removing Radiators

With the help of a drill as well as a screw driver, you need to remove the radiator as well as the electric motor.

• Copper Radiators

These are the heart of the compressor. You are required to first remove them careful and then clean them properly.

• Collecting Metals

This final step involves collecting various metals. The proportions are found as follows.

• Copper wires – 2.5 pounds approx. 
• Copper Tubings – 4 pounds approx. 
• Steel – 10 pounds approx.
• Clean ACRs – 10 pounds approx. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much copper is in an AC unit

There is a certain quantity of copper added in AC units for their proper functioning. It aids in multiple activities and assists in the smooth and efficient working of the unit. IOn an estimate, there are 2 rods of copper added which is equivalent to about 3.5 pounds of copper. Along with the 2 copper tubings, there are other components as well. This includes steel and others. These all components work together in making it function properly.

2. How much is an AC compressor worth?

An air conditioner’s air compressor costs you a lot. It usually comes around in the range of $800 to $2800. As an estimate, we can say, it will cost you about $1200 to get the air compressor of an air conditioner replaced. Therefore, you should put extreme care while using it and do not forget the proper and routine maintenance. The replacement of some of the parts also causes you half of this amount. Do not forget the additional labor cost. Considering only the parts, you will have to loosen about $800 for that alone. The labor costs have also skyrocketed to $150 per hour.

3. What kills an AC compressor?

Multiple things pose a real danger to an AC compressor. Extreme care and right maintenance are required as the costs of replacement are very high. Therefore, one should always avoid the possible causes. One of the prime causes that totally kill an AC compressor is Excessive charge buildup on the refrigerant.

Overcharging is a very common issue. This happens when you add a greater amount of refrigerant than what is required. This can be a mistake at your end or a less-experienced technician who does that. No matter what the reason is, the excessive refrigerant will result in over chagrin. This will give rise to a phenomenon which is known as liquid slugging. This phenomenon completely destroys off the AC compressor and will certainly have to replace it then. Therefore, it is always advised to contact a certified, well-experienced technician who adds the right amount of refrigerant.

Final Verdict

In an attempt to find out how much copper is in the air conditioner’s air compressor, you are required to scrap it. We have done it for you so that you don’t have to do that, wasting a whole lot of money. Scraping requires multiple tools. The entire method is thoroughly and extensively defined in case you want to do that yourself. This requires power drills and multiple other tools. It is always better to seek professional help for any such activity. The amount of copper found is stated above. This aids in better functionality and smooth working.

Air compressor is one of the most versatile and sophisticated machines which has paved its way into a lot of domains and applications. However, having an air compressor comes with a lot of responsibilities as well. From its adequate maintenance to great care, you need to do a lot to ensure proper working. One such thing you need to give thorough consideration to is abundant water vapor that accumulates in the air stream. These water vapors then change into the droplets as the temperature drops, making you worry about the separator. Hence, the need for a water separator or water trap.

The Need for Water Trap

This abundant water flow can have a huge impact on the working and functionality of air compressors in a negative way. Moreover, it also affects the air tools you will be working with. Therefore, you need to build a water trap. But how to build a water trap for an air compressor is a real question. It needs to be easy so that you can do it all by yourself. No need to worry anymore as we have got you covered with great information. Dive in to get to know it all. Building a water separator for your air compressor is just a read away.

Guide on How to Make a Water Trap for Your Air Compressor

You need to consider the need of doing all the effort and is it really worth your time? While great options are available in the market at affordable prices, do you really want to do it yourself? If you finally decide to accomplish this task all by yourself, we are here to help you out. First and foremost, let’s review the basic equipment and tools you will need for the project.

What Will You Require?

Below down, we have compiled the list of everything you will require in order to build a water trap for the air compressor. This list is detailed and has everything included to make sure that you have everything with you beforehand. This will let you work hassle-free and with peace of mind. Let’s see what you will need for the project.

• Copper elbow- 10 in number
• Copper pipe- 9 in total ( 2 inches)
• Copper pipes of 72 inches- 6 in number
• Ball valves which are threaded having female ends- 3 in number
• A couple of male adapters
• Copper tee- 3 in number
• Brass nipple- only 1 required
• Sheet elbow of the brass- female end
• Sheet elbow of the brass- male end
• Male adapter which is threaded
• Compression fitting made up of brass specifically for the regulator
• NPT filter used in the regulator
• Air hose for air compressor
• Brass valve which is threaded having female ends on both of the sides
• Soldering flux
• Tape- Teflon
• Torch- propane
• Solder strand

Step-by-Step Procedure of Building a Water Trap for an Air Compressor

Once you have all of this equipment and accessories with you, we can ump into making the water trap for the air compressor. Adhere to these simple steps to build the water trap the right way.

1. First and foremost, you need to connect the copper elbow, 90 degrees one, with the 2 inches copper pipes. These are 3 in number and you need to do the same with all. Oxidation is another problem that you have to deal with. In order to eliminate that, you need to ensure that there is ample soldering flux on the pipes’ outer area and on the inner surface of the copper elbow. This will ensure that there is no oxide layer formation.
2. Again, you are required to work with 2 inches copper pipes, 3 in number. Then, take a copper tee and connect it with each of the copper pipes. Lastly, take all the copper elbows remaining and attach them to the copper pipe’s ends. Don’t forget the soldering lux which prevents the oxide layer formation.
3. This step should be carefully followed. You need to take another 3*2 inches copper pipe and connect it with a copper tee. Next, the joint needs to be connected to the pipes.
4. The next step involves the use of a copper L-shaped pipe. Take all of the copper pipes and use them to connect the copper tee with the L-shaped copper pipes. One end needs to be connected to the elbow while the longer end should be attached to joints.
5. Now, you need to solder the joints. This can be accomplished using a propane torch. This will ensure the elimination of leakage.
6. Next, you need to take the male adapters, all 3, and attach them to the end or bottom. This will again contribute to the elimination of leakage.
7. Employing the use of Teflon tape, you need to join the male adapters at the bottom with the ball joints measuring ½ inches.
8. Next, divide the 72 inches pipes into 2 pipes of 36 inches each. These will go on the ends of the whole set-up.
9. Now take one of the two sides and attach it with the street elbow connector made of brass. This then needs to be attached to the regulator. The other end will be connected with the air hose.

Pat yourself on the back on successfully building a  DIY water trap for your air compressor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I keep water out of my air compressor tank?

In order to keep water out of the compressor tank, you need to get an air dryer that eliminates the moisture buildup in an air compressor tank. 

2. How does a water trap work on an air compressor?

Water separators work on the centrifugal principle. They tend to radiate the water droplets out with force to avoid the accumulation of water in the air stream pipes.

3. Does my air compressor need a water separator?

Yes, these should not be considered as an optional thing but should be essential with every air compressor. You definitely require a water separator for your air compressor.