The Real Deal On Portable Air Conditioners

Many people nowadays have cooling systems inside their homes to help combat against the scorching heat that summers may bring. The market is now filled with numerous brands and types of air conditioners that are affordable ranging from the window type, split type and the portable ones that are slowly gaining popularity in homes as well.

A portable unit may seem big and bulky at first glance since it is around 30 inches tall and weighs about 80 lbs. The great thing about it though is that it is a self-contained component that does not require any installation because it can stand by itself on the floor without the need for your wall or window to contain it. Most are also equipped with wheels for easy mobility.

One of the advantages that a portable air conditioner offers is that you don’t need to create a hole on your wall or block a window to accommodate the unit. You can easily transfer it from one room to another eliminating the need to install numerous window type air conditioners in several rooms. It can also help you save on electric bills if you will just be using it in a room instead of switching on the entire centralized system.

It just has a downside of costing more than your regular window type air conditioner. Also, although it has a similar cooling capacity as that with split type systems it can sometimes be noisy compared to the split type kind whose compressor is located outside. If noise really matters for you, look for portable air conditioners that make lesser amount of noise.

You may be wondering if a portable air conditioner is capable enough to cool big and large rooms. Actually, it all depends upon the model. You need to take a look at the cooling capacity of each unit and check the room size that it could productively cool.

Since air conditioners consume a lot of electricity, it would be wise to choose a unit that is energy efficient and has a lower electrical usage. Today the standard and acceptable energy efficiency ratio should be at least 10.

It may come as a shock to you but portable air conditioners are reasonably priced. Their prices have dropped considerably through the years and are not costly anymore. Of course, you can expect units with a higher cooling capacity to cost more. If you want a cooling system but don’t plan on investing in a centralized cooling setup, purchasing a portable air conditioner may be a good option.

Mary Lorainne
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/the-real-deal-on-portable-air-conditioners-111315.html

Hardware And Tools

There are many different tools and hardware that can be used in various ways. Some can be used on cars and trucks, and some can be used on machines, furniture, etc. Hardware can be placed on many different products, but the most common is furniture and cabinets. This includes kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors, dressers and many other types of furniture that may be in a home or office.

Many tools are used to build furniture, which can be a very lucrative business for those who have the talent and the desire. In order to build furniture, a person will need tools like router saws, drills, and sanders. Sometimes these tools may require air in order to work, so air compressors are also essential to a furniture builder. Even individuals who work in other industries may need to use the same types of tools. Technicians in a tire shop use tools that run off air, requiring them to utilize an air compressor, as well. For example, the impact wrench comes in handy when they are trying to get the lug nuts off your tire in order to change the tire or get to the brakes. It would be almost impossible for someone to quickly remove the lug nuts from a tire without the use of these convenient tools. It is possible to do it manually with a tool such as a lug wrench, but how could a business be able to run quickly and efficiently without tools that help them save time? There is no way to do this without them, because customers would get tired of waiting and would leave to go elsewhere to have their cars serviced.

Many jobs require individuals to use spray guns. These jobs include: Vehicle painting, wall painting, as well as furniture refinishing and repair. A spray gun is another tool that requires air in order to function. Saws help a person to create the correct dimensions for the furniture, and the drills bore holes into it so if can be properly assembled. Drills are also used to bore holes in order to place the hardware on the furniture. Hardware adds beauty to already attractive furniture. There are numerous types of hardware to choose from, too. The many diverse styles and levels of quality give customers a wide variety of choices. It all depends on how someone wants their project to look, as well as how much money they have budgeted to spend.

Lanny Hintz
http://www.articlesbase.com/internet-articles/hardware-and-tools-86187.html

Free to Air Receiver

Have you ever dreamed of watching TV without paying the month rentals? Then Free to air receiver is the best option for you and in order to see those free to air channels you would require some basic equipment and the most important of them is the free to air receiver.

There are various models available in the market catering to the several needs of the customer of Free to air channels.

Before you shop for your FTA receivers, it may also help to ensure that your supplier will provide for file support that will be available 24 hours a day. This is to ensure that you will be assisted when there is any need for assistance in case of any difficulty with the FTA receiver.

Your FTA receiver can help you view as many free channels available to view and it is recommended by the experts that before buying the FTA receivers, one should shop around and choose the best receiver that is suitable to him/her. One should have knowledge as to what you should seek and what are your requirements, without which it is like searching a needle in a haystack. If you really want to view television without paying the monthly rentals, then the free to air is the most appropriate technology for you. Of course, one cannot view the free to air programs instantaneously, they can be watched only after the all the equipment related to the free to air receiver are properly assembled.

You have choice of FTA receivers that are recommended by experts. So, before you shop for your FTA receivers, it may help to ensure that your supplier will provide for file support that will be available 24/7. This is to ensure that you will be assisted and when the need arises.

Most of the FTA transmissions are on the Ku Band frequency range and the Ku band operates between 12 Ghz and 14 GHz, which permits today’s smaller dishes from 18 inches to 31 inches in diameter and before the Ku band, the C band was the first to be developed for satellite television which operated between 3.4 Ghz and 7 Ghz. The old dishes used to pick up these signals earlier were 20-30 feet wide and now they have been compressed to 6 feet.

Jeff Herder
http://www.articlesbase.com/satellite-radio-articles/free-to-air-receiver-102722.html

Keys to Maintaining an Efficient Compressed Air System

Ask a Question:
“What are the keys to maintaining an efficient compressed air system?”

 

Answer:
Key #1: PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

 

“What is the key to maintaining an efficient compressed air system?”   The best reply would have to be — Preventive Maintenance.

 

WHAT IS PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE?
According to “Wikipedia”: Preventive maintenance (PM) has the following meanings:

 

“The care and servicing by personnel for the purpose of maintaining equipment and facilities in
satisfactory operating condition by providing for systematic inspection, detection, and correction of incipient failures either before they occur or before they develop into major defects.
Maintenance, including tests, measurements, adjustments, and parts replacement, performed specifically to prevent faults from occurring.”

 

*Source: from Federal Standard 1037C and from MIL-STD-188 and from the Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms

 

Preventive maintenance activities include partial or complete overhauls at specified periods, oil changes, lubrication and so on. In addition, workers can record equipment information and deterioration so they know to replace or repair worn parts before they cause system failure.

 

The ideal preventive maintenance program would prevent all equipment failure before it occurs.

 

BENEFITS OF PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE:
-Improves system reliability and helps keep equipment working and/or extend the life of the equipment.
-Decreases system downtime and actively helps prevent unbudgeted maintenance expenses from cropping up.
-Decreases the cost of having to replace equipment as often.
-Records operational data that can help you troubleshoot an emerging problem (called “Data Trending”)
Data trending is the recording of basic operation parameters including pressures, temperatures, and electrical data.  For example, a slowly increasing temperature indicates a variety of maintenance requirements including cooler core cleaning, overloading of system and possible mechanical problems. Another example might include slowly decreasing pressure, indicating increased system flow requirements, reduced compressor performance or increased system leakage. Make sure someone is looking at this data on a regular basis. If the data is never reviewed then the benefit is lost.

 

THE VALUE OF PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE:
To determine how valuable regular air compressor PM is to you and your business… you need to know what your “down-time” is worth.  In some operations, down-time can cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars an hour.
There are many misconceptions about preventive maintenance…one being that it costs too much.
This line of thinking says regularly scheduled downtime for maintenance costs more than operating the equipment until repair is absolutely necessary…or until the equipment breaks. This may be true for some components, but don’t forget to consider the long-term benefits and savings associated with preventive maintenance that have been previously mentioned.

 

If regular Preventive Maintenance can help reduce unexpected downtime that results in loss of production, time and materials or the ruining of an expensive plant process–then it is well worth the investment. Not to mention that unscheduled shut-downs can be extended if the correct equipment parts or repair technicians are not readily available.

 

“How effective is your PM program?”
The answer is: “If your PM program isn’t finding problems, it isn’t effective.”

 

Key #2:  CORRECTIVE MAINTENANCE
Corrective maintenance, usually called “repair”, is conducted to get equipment working again
or fix any problems found during Preventive Maintenance.

 

The primary goal of maintenance is to avoid or reduce the consequences of failure of your compressed air equipment. PM is designed to preserve and restore equipment reliability by replacing worn components before they actually fail.

 

Key #3:  ASSESSING YOUR EQUIPMENT: When to maintain and when to replace.

 

Here are several factors to consider when assessing your compressed air equipment:
-How critical is your compressed air equipment? If equipment fails, what is the impact on production or safety.
-What is the age & history of your equipment.
Equipment histories will prove that most failures occur during infancy (newly installed or recently overhauled) and old-age (self-explanatory).
How many times has this equipment failed in the past?
-How much do you trust this equipment to perform as designed when scheduled to run?
-Do you need newer technology on your equipment?

 

Assessing the answers to these questions will help you determine when your older equipment needs fixing or replacing.  Preventive Maintenance will help your equipment last longer, run better, and save you loads of money in the long haul.

 

Key #4:  KNOWING YOUR EQUIPMENT WHAT IT NEEDS:
-Every piece of compressed air equipment should come with a set of MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS and some type of operations& parts manual.  Your operators should review the equipment information and keep it handy for future reference.  If you purchased used equipment and don’t have the manuals, contact your equipment distributor for a copy.
- Follow the maintenance guidelines for your equipment.

 

BASIC PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST FOR
RECIPROCATING (PISTON) AIR COMPRESSORS:

 

Before performing any maintenance function, switch main disconnect switch to “off” position to assure no power is entering unit. “Lock Out” or “Tag Out” all sources of power. Be sure all air pressure in unit is relieved. Failure to do this may result in injury or equipment damage.

 

DAILY MAINTENANCE

 

1. Check oil level of both compressor and engine if so equipped. Add quality air compressor lubricant as required.
2. Drain moisture from tank by opening tank drain valve located in bottom of tank. Do not open drain valve if tank pressure exceeds 25 PSIG.
3. Stop, Look & Listen for any unusual noise, failure to compress, overheating, vibrations or belt slippage and correct before damage of a serious nature develops.
4. Turn off compressor at the end of each day’s operation. Turn off power supply.

 

WEEKLY MAINTENANCE
1. Clean dust and foreign matter from cylinder head, motor, fan blade, air lines, intercooler and tank.
2. Remove and clean intake air filters
WARNING
Do not exceed 15 PSIG nozzle pressure when cleaning element parts with compressed air. Do not direct compressed air against human skin. Serious injury could result. Never wash elements in fuel oil, gasoline or flammable solvent.

 

3. Check V-belts for tightness. The V-belts must be tight enough to transmit the necessary power to the
compressor. Adjust the V-belts as follows:
a. Remove bolts and guard to access compressor drive.
b. Loosen mounting hardware which secures motor to base. Slide motor within slots of base plate to desired position.
c. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for correct belt tension. Apply pressure with belt tension checker to one belt at midpoint span. Make further adjustments if necessary.
d. Check the alignment of pulleys. Adjust if necessary.
e. Tighten mounting hardware to secure motor on base.
f. Re-install guard and secure with bolts.

 

WARNING
Never operate unit without belt guard in place. Removal will expose rotating parts which can cause injury or equipment damage.

 

EVERY 90 DAYS OR 500 HOURS MAINTENANCE
1. Change crankcase oil. Use type and grade oil as specified.
2. Check entire system for air leakage around fittings, connections, and gaskets, using an ultrasonic leak detector or using soap solution and brush.
3. Tighten nuts and cap-screws as required.
4. Check and clean compressor valves, replace gasket valve asssembly when worn or damaged.

 

CAUTION
Valves must be reinstalled in original position. Valve gaskets should be replaced each time valves are serviced.

 

5. Pull ring on all pressure relief valves to assure proper operation.

 

GENERAL MAINTENANCE NOTES:

 

PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE: The pressure relief valve is an automatic pop valve. Each valve is properly adjusted for the maximum pressure permitted by tank specifications and working pressure of the unit on which it is installed. If it should pop, it will be necessary to drain all the air out of the tank in order to reseat properly. Do not readjust.

 

TANK DRAIN VALVE: Drain valve is located at bottom of tank. Open drain valve daily to drain condensation.
Do not open drain valve if tank pressure exceeds 25 PSIG. The automatic tank drain equipped compressor requires draining manually once a week.

 

PRESSURE SWITCH: The pressure switch is automatic and will start compressor at low pressure and stop when the maximum pressure is reached. It is adjusted to start and stop compressor at the proper pressure for the unit on which it is installed. Do not readjust.

 

BELTS: Drive belts must be kept tight enough to prevent slipping. If belts slip or squeak, see V-belt maintenance in preceding section.

 

CAUTION
If belts are too tight, overload will be put on motor and motor bearings.

 

COMPRESSOR VALVES: If compressor fails to pump air or seems slow in filling up tank, disconnect unit from power source, drain air tank, and remove valves and clean thoroughly, using compressed air and a soft wire brush.
After cleaning exceptional care must be taken that all parts are replaced in exactly the same position and all joints must be tight or the compressor will not function properly.
When all valves are replaced, perform a timed pump-up test and check to see that it meets factory specifications.
Valve gaskets should be replaced each time valves are removed from pump.

 

 
Bottom Line:  One of the main keys to maintaining an efficient compressed air system has been and still is “Preventive Maintenance.”

Tommy McGuire
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/keys-to-maintaining-an-efficient-compressed-air-system-747908.html

I have air receivers that we drain every morning. How do I filter up the oil from purging to the environment?

Environment – Yahoo! Answers
Yahoo! Answers is a new way to find and share information. You can ask questions on any topic, get … I have air receivers that we drain every morning. …answers.yahoo.com/dir/index?sid=396545451&…/Recycling&grp_user=0 – 54k – Cached

Do you ever get mad about this? – Yahoo! Answers
Open Questions in Other – Environment. I have air receivers that we drain every morning. How do I filter up the oil from purging to the environment? …answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090513192034AABbXCh – Cached

Guru page : November 1 – 8, 2002
I contacted the air stream factory and they referred me to a local dealer and … Is the WOG water, oil, gas? ( Like drain, waste, vent.) Thanks. Jovan …www.anvilfire.com/FAQs/archives/g112002a.htm – 287k – Cached

This question is regarding the compatability of an air compressor with a pneumatic nailer.?

I am interested in buying a Ridgid brand air compressor> Ridgid Model # OF45150; and a Hitachi brand roofing nailer> Hitachi Model # NV45AB2. The compressor seems to have more than enough power to do what I want (To power two nail guns at once) BUT, most nailers have a 3/8 inch air inlet. The Ridgid brand air compressor is fitted with 2 Universal Push Style Quick Couplers that accepts both ¼” industrial and automotive plugs. My question, might sound stupid but, can I change out the 1/4 couplers to 3/8 couplers that will fit the nail gun hoses? Will that effect the performance of the compressor? Or do they sell a 1/4 to 3/8 inch adapter that will work?? Or are the two units incompatible?? If you are knowledgable about this please help. THANKS

You can get the fittings at any hardware store…..ACE is the place…..And no it will not effect the performance of the nail gun…..Just remember when you buy the fittings you get Teflon tape and put it on the threads of the fittings so it doesn’t leak…….
Bring one of the fittings with you when you buy them because they are not all compatible…….

What is the head on an air pump called?

My portable air compressor’s hose ends in a standard head for use on tires, it looks a bit like a hammer with a beaver’s tail. The beaver’s tail broke off when it was being recalcitrant, thus I need to replace it. I don’t know however what the part is called or where to buy it, or even if I can replace it myself since it works under high pressure and I haven’t got the official crimping tools. Can anyone help? Who might fix this for me?

Before you suggest I replace the pump, it’s a combination inverter, car battery jumper, air compressor, 12v accessory outlet, and so forth worth a fair piece and I’d rather fix it than toss it.

The way you described the end, it sounds like you are referring to the air chuck. There are two types: a standard chuck that you have to hold on the tire valve; and one that allows you to clamp the chuck on the valve and not hold it. The one you mentioned sounds like the second type. You don’t have to replace the chuck if the release has broken off, but you will have to hold it on the valve. A note of caution: anytime you are doing maintenance work on any part of the compressor, relieve the air pressure from the tank.

What kind of air compressor would I need to keep a constant 800 psi in a tank?

If I had an air tank of any size, what size (horsepower-wise) gas air compressor would I need to keep a constant 800 psi in a tank PLEASE HELP thanks!
I forgot I need to know the scfm of the air compressor in order to keep at least 800 psi in a tank that holds up to 1500 psi. I NEED THIS PLEASE thanks!

that much air pressure is very dangerous,you could get hurt bad,be careful please.

Air Compressors – One Size Does not Fit All

air compressors have been in use around our homes, on job sites, and in our factories and manufacturing businesses for many decades. Air compressors allow us to get jobs done in a safe, clean and efficient manner. They are reliable, convenient, and in many applications, indispensable.

There are many types of air compressors ranging in type and function from those used for simple tasks around the house, all the way up to those used in more industrial applications where the job just wouldn’t get done without it. If you’ve ever tried to blow up one of those inflatable mattresses (you know, the kind you set up when your long lost uncle comes for a visit) without some sort of air compressor you know what a monumental task that can be. Even just a simple battery powered model saves tons of effort and lots of time. These simple little air compressors are ideal for filling toys, sporting goods, and other things that don’t require a lot of pressure. Not only that, air compressors are also ideal for operating small air tools like staplers and nailers.

If you have a bigger job to do then you have to consider which one of the air compressor to use. Last summer I had the absolute pleasure of operating a power washer to clean twenty years of dirt off of a brick facade on a house. What a kick! I couldn’t believe how powerful air compressors can be. The guy at the rental counter told me to be careful with it so that I didn’t do any damage. Boy was he right. If I lingered to long on the brick it would literally blast it away. Without the power of the compressed air behind the water I would have just been spraying water from a nozzle and not made near as much progress as I did; or had near as much fun!

If you enjoy woodworking, auto-body work, or other hobbies or tasks where you have the option of using air-powered tools then you need something that can move the right amount of air. Since air compressors vary by how much air flow they produce, you need to choose one that will do the job. Let’s face it, a sandblaster just isn’t going to operate properly with a small battery powered model. Most power tools require 90 PSI to work right. The main thing to look for when considering air compressors is to get one that has plenty of air flow for the tool and job at hand. The air flow is measured in cubic feet per minute (cfm). If your application needs more power then you need more cfm. Pretty simple stuff. But you may wonder, “how do I know?”

An air tool will give you the required or suggested cfm it needs. Generally speaking, air compressors for small tools like nailers need to move 1-4 cubic feet per minute, while tools like spray guns or impact wrenches need 2-5 cfm. Sandblasters and sanders will usually require from 6-13 cfm. Obviously, professional grade tools may require a higher cfm.

MJ Marks
http://www.articlesbase.com/tools-and-equipment-articles/air-compressors-one-size-does-not-fit-all-746583.html

Air Compressors – One Size Does not Fit All

Air compressors have been in use around our homes, on job sites, and in our factories and manufacturing businesses for many decades. air compressors allow us to get jobs done in a safe, clean and efficient manner. They are reliable, convenient, and in many applications, indispensable.

There are many types of air compressors ranging in type and function from those used for simple tasks around the house, all the way up to those used in more industrial applications where the job just wouldn’t get done without it. If you’ve ever tried to blow up one of those inflatable mattresses (you know, the kind you set up when your long lost uncle comes for a visit) without some sort of air compressor you know what a monumental task that can be. Even just a simple battery powered model saves tons of effort and lots of time. These simple little air compressors are ideal for filling toys, sporting goods, and other things that don’t require a lot of pressure. Not only that, air compressors are also ideal for operating small air tools like staplers and nailers.

If you have a bigger job to do then you have to consider which one of the air compressor to use. Last summer I had the absolute pleasure of operating a power washer to clean twenty years of dirt off of a brick facade on a house. What a kick! I couldn’t believe how powerful air compressors can be. The guy at the rental counter told me to be careful with it so that I didn’t do any damage. Boy was he right. If I lingered to long on the brick it would literally blast it away. Without the power of the compressed air behind the water I would have just been spraying water from a nozzle and not made near as much progress as I did; or had near as much fun!

If you enjoy woodworking, auto-body work, or other hobbies or tasks where you have the option of using air-powered tools then you need something that can move the right amount of air. Since air compressors vary by how much air flow they produce, you need to choose one that will do the job. Let’s face it, a sandblaster just isn’t going to operate properly with a small battery powered model. Most power tools require 90 PSI to work right. The main thing to look for when considering air compressors is to get one that has plenty of air flow for the tool and job at hand. The air flow is measured in cubic feet per minute (cfm). If your application needs more power then you need more cfm. Pretty simple stuff. But you may wonder, “how do I know?”

An air tool will give you the required or suggested cfm it needs. Generally speaking, air compressors for small tools like nailers need to move 1-4 cubic feet per minute, while tools like spray guns or impact wrenches need 2-5 cfm. Sandblasters and sanders will usually require from 6-13 cfm. Obviously, professional grade tools may require a higher cfm.

MJ Marks
http://www.articlesbase.com/tools-and-equipment-articles/air-compressors-one-size-does-not-fit-all-746583.html