The compressor can be used in a wide variety of applications − for inflation of tires, airbrushing, painting of spare parts etc. Possessing necessary tools and certain technical knowledge, it is quite possible to independently manufacture this unit based on a conventional refrigerator. A homemade compressor produces about 7 atmospheres, which is quite enough for an ordinary garage workshop, so many people are increasingly thinking about how to make such a compressor? DIY refrigerator compressor it will turn out to be quite quiet and, most importantly, cheap in terms of cost.
On average, the production of this unit will require about one thousand rubles for all components.
Before you try to make ours out of an old refrigerator, you need to compare these two options, i.e. , sold in specialized stores, and our homemade version. Total can be identified several main differences between them:
- The design of the factory compressor contains Electrical engine, transmitting torque to the working chamber through a belt drive. Concerning homemade compressor, then it consists of the housing and the engine itself, without belts.
- The factory version already has automatic pressure relief systems, inlet and outlet filters, pressure meters, etc. installed. In a compressor from a refrigerator, you will have to install the control equipment yourself, taking into account all the features.
- Although most factory compressors are equipped automatic systems, some budget models do not have this feature. In other words, these units will have to be turned off independently, noting the time on the clock. Homemade compressors are mainly equipped with a protective relay that turns off the engine if there is a risk of overheating.
- Some factory models may not have any lubrication at all. Of course, their service life is short, but they do not emit various emissions. This circumstance is very important, especially if the spray gun behaves rather capriciously, not tolerating various impurities. As for homemade compressors, there is plenty of this oil. By the way, you need to pay attention to which one you pour - synthetics do not combine very well with regular ones, so you don’t need to pour just anything.
- The main feature of a homemade compressor is that it works very quietly, especially if you put all the tubes on it correctly, maintaining a tight seal. As for factory compressors, they are noisier, so their use is only possible outside the home.
- The cost of manufacturing a homemade compressor is very low, because we take the main components from old technology, and the adjustment equipment will cost us one thousand rubles. As for the factory compressor, the situation is different.
- It is impossible to make any technical changes to the factory compressor. In other words, if the unit is not powerful enough, then it can only be used as a pump, nothing more. Homemade options The good thing is that you can add some parts to them, for example, a large receiver, thanks to which you can significantly increase the power of the device.
- Factory compressor are complete technical device, so any improvisation with it is impossible. With a homemade unit, you can do almost anything - take some parts outside the body, or hide everything in one box and attach a handle on top for easy transportation.
- You can install a fan on a homemade compressor to cool the device from the outside.
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Most refrigeration compressors have some limitations in terms of their work. There are several modes in total:
- Normal - from 16 to 32 C.
- Subnormal - from 10 to 32 C.
- Tropical - from 18 to 43 C.
- Subtropical - from 18 to 38 C.
However, combined modes are more common, having a different range.
Thus, a homemade compressor can be much more efficient than factory ones, in terms of working with air.The video shows a version of a homemade compressor for inflating wheels
Dismantling works
To make a homemade compressor from a refrigerator, you need to make initial preparations. It consists of certain dismantling works, i.e. We simply need to remove the compressor from the refrigerator itself. It is located at the back of the refrigerator, in the lower part. To remove it, we need a basic set of tools: pliers, spanners and two screwdrivers (positive and negative).
On the compressor there are tubes that are connected to the cooling system. These tubes must be bitten off using pliers, but under no circumstances should they be sawed off with a hacksaw. The fact is that with this method, small chips inevitably form, which can get inside the compensator.
Then we move on to removing the start relay - it is an ordinary black box with wires sticking out of it. We unscrew the fasteners, then cut the wires that lead to the plug. We must remember to mark the top and bottom of the starting relay - this will be useful to us in the future. By the way, we also take all fastening elements along with the unit itself.
Functionality check
After we have removed the compressor, it is necessary check its functionality.The fact is that we are removing the device from an old refrigerator, so we need to make sure that our unit is still “alive”. So, we flatten the tubes with pliers - this is necessary so that air flow passes through them. Next, we need to put the start relay in the position in which it was in the refrigerator design. This is very important, because if the position is incorrect, there is a risk of damage to the device, as well as failure of the compressor winding.
There are wires on the relay body to which you need to screw a piece of wire with a plug. It is better to wrap the connection point with electrical tape to eliminate the risk of electric shock. We plug the device into a power outlet. If you did everything correctly, the compressor will work, and air will flow from its tubes. By the way, it is necessary to mark which tube the air flow comes out of and which one it goes into.
Step-by-step instruction
Before you start self-production, you need to make sure you have everything necessary materials and tools.We invite you to watch the video from detailed description process of one of the manufacturing options
Read also: Selecting oil for an air compressor
In addition to the compressor itself, which we previously removed from the refrigerator, we will need:
- Receiver. In this case, you can use the body of an old fire extinguisher, or weld the body from sheet metal and pipes.
- Various hoses. In this case, the length of one hose must be at least 600 mm, and the other two - about 100 mm. In this case, you can take hoses from the car.
- Various Consumables- gasoline and diesel filters, wire, clamps, pressure gauge and epoxy.
- Related tools, i.e. screwdrivers, pliers, drills, etc.
- In addition, we will need a regular wooden board, which will be the basis of the entire structure. We attach the compressor to it using ordinary self-tapping screws. The fastening should be carried out exactly in the same position that it occupied in the refrigerator design.
We take any plastic container of suitable volume (from 3 liters or more). In the upper part you need to drill a couple of holes to fit the size of the outlet tubes. We insert the tubes, then fill everything epoxy resin. The inlet tube into which the air enters must be located in such a way that there is about 200 mm from its end to the bottom of the receiver. The outlet tube should be immersed ten centimeters inside.
This is a description of a plastic receiver, but for greater tightness it is best to make the receiver in an iron case. In this case, there is no need to fill everything with resin, and the hoses are simply welded. In addition, only an iron receiver can install a pressure gauge.
To install it, you need to drill a hole for the nut on the receiver body. We insert it, and then brew it. Only then do we screw the pressure gauge into this nut, after which the work is completed. Now we attach the receiver to our base using wire. The scheme will be something like this:
There are quite a lot of photos and videos of its work on the Internet, for example, it is shown how it is used in airbrushing and for painting various spare parts, so the feasibility of its manufacture is quite obvious. Finally, we need to add a few additional touches to our device.
You need to take one of the hoses, which is ten centimeters long, and put it on the filter. If this is difficult, you can slightly heat the end of the hose to make it easier to fit onto the fitting. We put the second end of the hose on the inlet of our device. In this case, the filter will protect against dust from entering the housing. The second 10-centimeter hose needs to connect the inlet of the receiver and the outlet of the compressor. In this case, it is better to tighten the connection points with clamps. Our third hose needs to be put on the diesel filter, and the other end must be inserted into the outlet of the receiver. At the same time, the free filter fitting will subsequently be connected to various equipment for airbrushing, a spray gun for painting, etc.
Another video on the topic
Some technical data and service features
It is quite difficult to say unambiguously what pressure a particular compressor will show. Much depends on the specific brand and service life of the device itself. By the way, old units show even better performance than modern ones.
Read also: We repair Resanta voltage stabilizers with our own hands
Serving our homemade device- this is very important point in operation.The main work will consist of replacing diesel and gasoline filters, as well as changing the oil in the device. The design of compressors usually contains three copper tubes. We used two of them earlier, and the third remained untouched. It is the shortest and sealed at the end. So, the oil is drained through it. To do this, it is necessary to cut off the sealed part, and then drain the treatment. Filling is done through it.
Does the compressor need to be repaired?
As for repairing the resulting device, then everyone decides for themselves here- whether it makes sense to tinker with this or not.
The repair will consist of ringing the relay, as well as changing the oil in the device. If the manipulations carried out did not help, then there is absolutely no need to come up with something else. It is best to throw away the used device and then make a new one. Moreover, the price of the issue is no more than 1000-1500 rubles.
Conclusion
Basically, we figured out how to make a compressor from a refrigerator.
The feasibility of its manufacture can hardly be overestimated, because with the help of this device can be produced various works for airbrushing, tire inflation, painting various components and other work that requires pressure.An additional advantage is that such a device can be used at home, because it makes little noise. In fact, this is the same refrigerator, only without unnecessary body parts.
Compressors recommended for ordering are presented below:
Description and characteristics
CALIBER KMK-800/9
Compressor type - piston oil
Engine type - electric
Power - 800 W
Max. compressor capacity - 110 l/min
Min. pressure - 0.2 bar
Max. pressure - 8 bar
Receiver volume - 9 l
Drive (type) - direct
In a car enthusiast's garage you can find many useful and not so useful useful tools. In addition to the usual set, an air compressor would also be useful. It is suitable for painting a car, inflating tires, and supplying air for operating pneumatic tools. Let's see how to make a car with your own hands. We will also find out how it works and on what principle it works.
Compressed air to help the car enthusiast
Air compressors are quite useful in workshops and garages. There is always a task for these devices. This could be simple cleaning, removing dust that has formed after grinding, or creating air pressure for the operation of various air tools. Compressors are most often used for painting. This imposes some requirements on the device.
Air flow and spray painting
When working with paint, the air flow must be as uniform as possible. Also, the compressed air flow should not contain water particles, oil impurities or other petroleum products. The presence of suspended and solid particles in the flow is unacceptable.
Sometimes you can see defects when painting. This is often graininess on a freshly applied coat of paint. This happens because there were foreign particles in the flow. If paint drips or matte spots are observed, then this is a sign of uneven supply of paint, enamel or varnish.
Branded or homemade?
What is the difference between a branded compressor? Its characteristics are ideal for working with an airbrush or spray gun, but factory products cost serious money. If the device is needed infrequently, then you can save a little and make a unit that will be in no way inferior to factory models.
Compressor operating principle
Both professional and self-made devices work on the same principle. An excessive level of pressure is created in a container for storing compressed air, which is called a receiver. The air itself can be pumped into the receiver either automatically or manually.
If you work manually, it is, of course, very cheap in terms of finances, but it will require serious energy expenditure. You also need to constantly monitor this process. After such work, you will hardly want to do anything else.
If you use mechanisms to pump air, then this will make the process easier. There are no disadvantages here, you just need to change the oil at air pump depending on the regulations.
Next, the compressed air flow passes through the outlet valve of the compressor or, in this case, the receiver and is directly supplied either to the airbrush, or to the car chamber, or to a pneumatic tool. In general, the principle is very simple, and therefore the simplest working model can be built in a couple of minutes.
Homemade compressor
Let's look at how to make a simple compressor for painting a car with your own hands. As one of the options, let's try to make a device for painting work from a car camera. To create it, we will need a receiver, a supercharger, a spool from a damaged chamber, a repair kit, and an awl. When everything you need has been collected and prepared for work, you can begin assembly.
At the assembly stage, you need to check the tightness of the chamber. To do this, you can use a car pump. Every motorist knows how to do this. If the rubber holds the air pumped into it, you can move on to the next step.
If air leaks are detected, then you can use a repair kit or vulcanize the hole with raw rubber.
At the next stage, you need to make holes in the so-called receiver for another spool. This will be the exit valve. This fitting can be glued using the same pre-stocked repair kit. We will connect this valve to the airbrush. The nipple must be unscrewed from the fitting. The compressor circuit provides for the free passage of air. We will not unscrew the nipple in the main spool. He will hold the pressure.
Then, using the scientific method, we will try to determine the required level of pressure in our receiver. A spray gun is used for this. If the paint goes on smoothly, without jerking, drips or anything else, then everything is done correctly. It is advisable to control the amount of excess pressure in the receiver. When you press the airbrush button, the level should not jump.
As you can see, this is the most primitive compressor for painting a car yourself. Now you can create masterpieces or simply repaint the body.
It is not difficult to assemble this unit, and its usefulness can be seen during various repairs. If you have used it for painting before, then you will definitely be able to appreciate all the benefits.
Just remember that under no circumstances should liquid, dust or anything else get into the spray gun or the chamber. If damaged, dust or moisture will mix with the paint and the work will have to be redone. Then no adjustment of the spray gun will help. It will be more convenient if our camera is mounted on something. This will prevent it from moving on the floor.
This model works great and is already quite usable. But it’s even better to make the injection system automatic with small changes. Next we’ll find out how to make a more serious compressor.
Semi-professional equipment
Professionals say that such homemade equipment has a huge resource and service life, in contrast to factory models of foreign brands and domestic manufacturers. But this is understandable, because, knowing the operating scheme, if any part fails, it can be easily replaced. Let's see how to make a compressor that can be used for professional purposes.
What will you need for assembly?
So. Here you will need easily accessible spare parts for the compressor. This is a pressure gauge, as well as a reducer with a filter. You also need a relay to control the pressure in the chamber, a fuel filter from the car, a water pipe with internal thread by ¾. In addition, you should select adapters with threads, clamps from the car, a motor, a container for the receiver, 10w40 oil, a toggle switch for 220 V, brass tubes, and oil-resistant rubber hoses. These compressor parts can easily be found in the garage.
Thick wood will be used as the basis for the unit. You will also need a syringe from the nearest pharmacy, anti-corrosion liquid, fasteners, sealants and FUM tape, paint, a needle file, wheels from an office chair and a filter from the car's power system.
So, knowing the principle of operation of the compressor, it’s time to start construction. Let's start with the supercharger.
Engine as a supercharger
We will use a compressor from old refrigerators as a motor. Often it already has a built-in start relay, which in our case is very convenient. This will automatically support required pressure in the receiver chamber. It is better to use a motor from old Soviet refrigeration units. They have higher characteristics compared to imported products.
Preparatory procedures
Feel free to remove the working part from your old refrigerator. Naturally, the part needs to be cleaned, because over the years the block has become overgrown with centuries-old dust, and also, possibly, rusted. After cleaning, you can treat the body with a rust converter to protect the unit from corrosion. So, preparations for painting have been made.
Change the lubricant in the control unit. It was rare that a refrigerator received maintenance according to the regulations. This system is almost completely isolated from environmental influences. Semi-synthetic is suitable for changing oil. It is no worse than specialized compressor fluids.
Entry, exit and oil change
Definitely has tubes. Two of them are open, one is sealed. Open tubes are used for air inlet and outlet. To find out which tube is the input and which is the output, you can turn on the power briefly. Next, remember which tube releases air.
The refrigerator compressor diagram says that the lubricant needs to be changed through a sealed tube. You should very carefully file the end of the tube. It is necessary to cut so that the chips do not get inside. Next, you need to break off the tip and pour the old grease into a jar. Then, using a medicine syringe, fill in more lubricant than was poured out.
In order for the unit to work properly, the lubricant tube must be sealed. A screw of a suitable diameter will help us with this. It needs to be wrapped with pre-prepared FUM tape and screwed into the long-suffering pipe.
Next, use the prepared fasteners to attach this device to the board. The electronic part is very position sensitive. That's why top cover the relay is marked with an arrow. Operating modes will only be switched if installed correctly.
Choosing a capacity for the receiver
As practice shows, it works best for painting if you use a used fire extinguisher as an air container. These cylinders are good because they contain the necessary safety margin. In addition, the fire extinguisher is designed for Another good thing about this choice is that various things can be placed on the cylinder body. attachments. Let's take, for example, a metal 10-liter cylinder from the OU-10. It holds a pressure of 15 MPa and has high strength.
Fire extinguisher preparation
Feel free to twist the locking and starting device right away, we won’t need it. And you need to screw the adapter into place, having previously wound the FUM tape onto the thread. If the body is rusty, you need to treat the rust either with chemicals or sandpaper.
On the outside, everything in the fight against corrosion is very, very simple. What about corrosion inside? Pour the cleaner into the bottle, and then you need to mix the product very well. Next, screw in the crosspiece from the water supply. And don't forget to seal threaded connections. Now everything is almost ready.
We install attachments
We almost made a compressor for painting a car with our own hands. So that it can be moved conveniently, the best option is to mount all components and parts on one platform. We have it wood slab. The motor from the refrigerator is already attached to it, and now you need to place a fire extinguisher-receiver there.
Holes for fastening must be made in the slab in advance. The motor from the refrigerator is already fixed with studs and nuts. The fire extinguisher should be positioned vertically. To do this, you can use plywood. For this you will need three sheets.
In the first sheet, cut a hole suitable for the diameter of the cylinder. Secure the rest to the stove. Next, secure these plates to the plate along with the sheet with the hole using glue. To make the fire extinguisher conveniently placed on the platform, you can make a recess under the bottom. To make our device maneuverable, take out the prepared furniture wheels and screw them onto the platform.
Protection from dust and small debris
Naturally, the equipment must be maximally protected from dust. To do this, we will use a car. The filter must be mounted in the air intake.
How to do it? Let's use a rubber hose. It should tightly press the autofilter fitting and the compressor inlet tube from the refrigerator. There is no need to clamp the hose with clamps on the inlet tube. There is no high pressure there.
Moisture protection
An oil and water separator needs to be installed at the outlet part. It will prevent liquid or petroleum particles from entering the system. To do this, you can use a filter from the diesel power system. The connection is made using the same hose. But here you already need to strengthen the connections with a clamp, because there will be decent pressure at the outlet.
Denouement
The diesel filter must be connected to the gearbox inlet. It is necessary to decouple the pressure at the inlet and outlet of the refrigeration compressor. To do this, you need to screw the high pressure outlet of the supercharger into the left and right parts of the cross.
We attach the pressure gauge
A pressure gauge is mounted at the upper entrance of the cross. We will use it to control pressure. You also need to tighten the adjusting relays. Do not forget that the threads must be sealed.
Importance of Relay
This device makes it possible to regulate pressure levels within a wide range. It can, if necessary, interrupt the power supply to the refrigeration motor. For these purposes, either PM5 or RDM5 is suitable. Both devices will start the motor if the pressure drops and turn off when it rises. The pressure level is adjusted using springs from above. So, using the large one we set the minimum levels, and the small one - the maximum limits.
Electricity
To make it all work, we connect the neutral power wire to the relay, and connect the second wire to the refrigeration motor.
Let's pass the phase wire through the toggle switch to the second contact of the compressor. This will allow you to turn off the power faster. Naturally, after connecting, you need to reliably insulate it all.
So we made a compressor for painting a car with our own hands. All that remains is to paint, configure and test it.
Adjustment and first tests
After putting all this together, you can safely move on to the first tests. Connect an actuator to the output of the unit. Then plug the cord into the outlet, set the relay to the lowest setting and turn on the toggle switch. Look at the pressure gauge readings. If you are sure that the relay turns off the motor, you can check the tightness. To do this, use the old-fashioned method with soap.
If everything is fine, then bleed the air from the receiver. When the pressure drops, the relay should start the engine. If everything works, then painting with a spray gun will no longer cause difficulties.
First samples
To test the unit in operation, any unnecessary detail. There is no need for any surface preparation here. It is important to determine the operating pressure by trial and error. Using experiments, determine the figure at which the pressure is enough for complete painting without frequently turning on the engine.
As you can see, it is quite simple to make for painting. This unit can already be fully used for professional activities. The costs will definitely pay off soon. A compressor is needed not only for painting work. It has a very wide range of applications. And the semi-automatic system will allow you not to be distracted from work.
Spray guns
In addition to the compressor, airbrushes will also be needed for painting work. To do this, you need to purchase a pneumatic model. The right airbrush will allow you to carry out the work successfully. The tool should be selected based on the characteristics of the compressor.
The spray gun for a car should be selected correctly in accordance with the operating pressure. If you make the wrong choice, the pressure will drop too quickly, and the quality of work will be very low. There are several technologies that are used in this tool. They need to be selected based on the task. For example, modern technology LVLP allows you to use paint very economically with low air consumption, and the surface will be of high quality.
How to set up a spray gun?
High-quality painting is only possible with properly configured equipment. Setting up the spray gun allows you to change the width of the torch, air pressure, and paint supply.
With the width of the torch, everything is very clear. Maximum width - maximum speed, uniform application. For touch-ups, the torch is reduced, but the air supply is also reduced.
Adjusting the paint flow is also easy. Many specialists open it to the maximum. But the air supply can cause difficulties. To set it up correctly, you will need a compressor and instructions for a specific spray gun. You need to use a sheet of Whatman paper and direct a spray jet at it. If the flame is shaped like a figure eight, reduce the pressure. If the paint is applied in droplets, add it. Find the optimal position.
Today in everyday life there are many various types compressors for which a variety of gases are used. The most popular is the pump, which is also actively used by car owners for painting cars or inflating car tires, since using a hand pump for the same purposes is less convenient. Next, we’ll look at how to make a compressor for painting a car yourself and what the procedure for making it is.
DIY compressor
Compressor motor and electrics. Click on photo to enlarge
A small hole is cut in the chamber itself; a nipple for electric or hand pump, which will be used to paint the car. At the entrance it should be made with a nipple, the second one is glued without a nipple, the sprayer will be connected to it. The degree of air compression must be precisely adjusted empirically. To do this, a test batch of paint is sprayed onto the wall or any other surface. Once a suitable pressure level has been detected, the pump is disconnected, and it is important to ensure that the pressure has not changed.
It is also important to consider that the camera needs to be firmly secured, since it will not be in a stable position on the floor. This option will allow you to create a simple tool with which you can easily correct minor flaws in the paintwork on your car.
Homemade compressor with your own hands. Option 2
This case involves using a car tire with a tube (or the tube itself), as well as a pump.
Homemade compressor. Click on photo to enlarge
In this case, whether you use a tube with or without a tire depends on how much pressure you need to get from homemade car. A small hole is cut in the chamber into which another nipple is glued (raw rubber is quite suitable for this). One nipple must be equipped with a nipple for pumping air, and a hose from the sprayer is connected to the second (outlet) nipple.
The pressure is regulated using a barometer built into the pump. Next, you need to spray paint on the wall to determine the required pressure. After this, you should unscrew the hose slightly from the pump so that the pressure of the sprayer does not noticeably change while pressing. The exception is car pumps with a built-in drain mechanism, in which case the pressure will be constant.
Manufacturing of complex compressors. Method 1
To manufacture a complex compressor, you can use any electric motor from refrigeration device(if it is burnt out, then only the piston mechanism must be used).
Example small compressor. Click on photo to enlarge
To remove it, the housing is cut in two places using a hacksaw, and then the mounting bolts are unscrewed and the stator and pump with rotor are removed.
Due to the fact that there is no need for a rotor, it can be knocked off the crankshaft, but if the design is equipped with a belt drive to the pump, then pulleys with parallel keys are placed on the crankshaft of the pump and the engine shaft tail, secured with M6 bolts.
Keyways must be milled on all shafts, or they can be drilled out using an additional bushing with a 14mm hole. It is put on over the shank, after which a hole with a diameter of 5 mm is drilled exactly along the joint, then the sleeve is removed. In cross-section, the keyways have a semicircular shape, so the keys should be given the same shape.
How to make a frame for a structure?
The compressor frame can be made using two channels tied with crossbars made of steel plates with screws. The pump is secured to the frame using four bolts with bushings (their height can be selected directly on site), after which the engine is installed on the base plate.
The bed allows the V-belt to be tensioned by moving it along the adjustment holes. If the air tube is long enough, then there is no need to use a receiver - it can be used as an oil sump.
Manufacturing of complex compressors. Method 2
Compressor device. Click on photo to enlarge
For this method of making a homemade compressor for painting, an empty five-liter cylinder for gas stove. Take the receiver, compressor and wheels; they need to be secured to the base. The frame can be welded using rectangular tubes with a cross-section of 40x25 mm, and in the absence of a pipe, steel corners can be used. We attach wheels to the base for easy movement of the structure. To adjust the pressure in a working compressor from a refrigeration device, visual control using a pressure gauge is necessary.
It is also important to place the limiter at the appropriate level. A nipple, a pressure gauge and two fittings (one for the inlet, the other for the outlet) are combined by a base on a solid metal block with four drilled holes, which connect in one channel. The holes should be threaded for each element. The block itself is secured with two screws on the surface of the frame. Thus, compressed air is directed to the receiver through a hose.
You can leave a slightly shortened valve in the gas cylinder you are using. The valve should be removed from it, replacing it with a copper tube. From the inside, a vinyl chloride tube should be put on it, leading to the bottom of the receiver. With its help, moisture and oil vapors are separated.
In order for the condensate to drain from the receiver, a plugged hole must be made in the bottom; for this, an M8 nut is welded and a bolt is tightened. Welding can only begin after all remaining explosive gas has been released. To do this, it must be filled with water. The second copper tube, located in the M6 threaded hole in the valve, transfers air to the splitter, which transfers it directly to the consumer (to the spray gun, chamber, ball, etc.) To start the engine, you can use a standard starting relay, pre-attached on the frame. When painting with a gun, you can direct moisture vapor into the hose using a fine fuel filter for a car; it has the ability to retain moisture. It is also important to check if there is condensation in the receiver before starting work. The ready-made compressor for painting cars is almost silent and very compact.
Making complex compressors with your own hands. Method 3
Compressor installation diagram. Click on photo to enlarge
The role of the main mechanism in this version is played by a two-cylinder compressor from ZIL-130. The supporting and forming part will be the muffler from the KrAZ truck. In design it is a receiver. A simple frame made from a 35x35 mm corner is attached to it, on which the corners and mechanisms are located.
Under the receiver there are several crossbars and the above-mentioned corners; they are connected to the frame using studs, and castor wheels are attached to the ends.
Stage I
To convert a KrAZ muffler into a receiver on a compressor unit, it is necessary to weld the inlet and outlet holes with plugs, then drill several holes at the outlet for M14x1 mm threads, and screw two fittings into them using sealant. Initially, an intermediate receiver is installed based on an oxygen cylinder.
Its task is to absorb moisture and oils contained in compressed air. In order for it to work more efficiently, it is necessary to equip a threaded drain hole at the bottom of the device, and then close it with a sealed plug. In this case, the balloon can be removed.
Stage II
A three-phase electric motor is used for the compressor drive alternating current. Suitable power is 1 kW with a speed of 1380 / min. with windings attached to it in the form of a triangle. It should be converted to work with power from a household network (voltage 220 V), but ideally the motor should be single-phase. In order for it to start easily and not overheat, it must be equipped with a starting and operating battery of capacitors, and then connected according to the specified diagram.
The launch box can be used from washing machine. You should start the engine like this: press the button for connecting the starting battery of capacitors, and then the main starting button on the switch. After the engine reaches rated speed, you can release the starting battery button. You can stop the engine with the “stop” button.
Stage III
The capacity of the working battery of capacitors should be selected so that the engine is not subject to overheating even during prolonged use. For one-kilowatt motors, a capacitance of 25 μF is suitable. The capacity of the starting batteries in this case should be in the range from 70 to 100 μF. Basic criterion – speed dial engine speed. The breakdown voltage of all capacitors must be at least 300V. For better cooling, an impeller of six blades is installed on the electric motor shaft self-made. Using a V-belt drive with a speed reduced by three times, rotation is transmitted to the compressor eccentric from the electric motor.
Reducing the power consumption of the drive, and thereby facilitating its operation, can be achieved by redesigning the compressor. To do this, instead of a standard head equipped with only two exhaust valves, it is necessary to install a duralumin plate on four valves (two inlet and two exhaust). The compressor is connected to the transfer case and receiver using pipelines. They are made of aluminum with a bore diameter of 6 mm. It is secured with standard aircraft fittings, tees, elbows and union nuts with bushings. The transfer case can also be made independently.
To do this, take a block of aluminum with a one-sided blind longitudinal hole with a diameter of 10 mm. The receiver tube will be connected to it through a fitting. You also need to make three more holes: one on the side and two on top. A pressure gauge is installed in one upper hole, and in the other safety valve. It should be adjusted to a maximum pressure of 4 kg/cm2 (4 atm). A pipe for compressed air outlet is mounted in the side hole.
Classic layout of components and parts
This arrangement is used in all domestic household devices. A large and voluminous receiver is used as a base for components and parts. It is also used for motor-compressor pairing. An empty cylinder from under liquefied gas for 50 liters. This cylinder is designed for 16 atm.
Stage I
The remaining propane is removed from the cylinder; to do this, the valve is unscrewed, the cylinder is placed “on its butt”, and above it is a reservoir of water. Using a thin rubber hose with a metal tube at the end, the balloon is filled with water. It displaces gas and all kinds of liquids contained in propane from it to make it possible to detect gas leaks. Removed from the cylinder support ring. First, you can saw it crosswise, and then bend the edges until they break off along the weld. This procedure will make the product look more aesthetically pleasing.
Stage II
Before you start welding work, the balloon must again be placed “on its butt” and filled to the top with water. The vapors that are generated during welding will cool as they rise through the water. A supercharger should be placed on top of the cylindrical, horizontally located receiver. It consists of paired motor-compressors on a sub-motor frame made of a 30x30 mm angle, a relay, a starter and a terminal block are also placed there. A handle is welded on one of the edges; it can be bent out of water pipe 20 mm in diameter, this will help in moving the unit.
To do this, you can also place the chassis, install a drain in the form of an inverted letter “P” under the handle of one edge, and a similar one on the other edge, but with a chassis. The first is made using a steel angle 30x30 mm, the second (additional) is made from an angle 40x40 mm. Crossbars and corner brackets designed for holes for the wheel axles should be welded to it along the edges. On inside brackets, it is necessary to weld M8 nuts, with their help the axles are fastened from identical M8 bolts.
Stage III
A hole with a diameter of 6 mm is drilled on the side of the cylinder. An inlet fitting in the form of a small piece of pipe with a diameter of 10 mm is welded to it. One of the outlets of the tee is attached to it using a hose, the other two outlets are connected by similar high-pressure oxygen hoses to the outlet pipes of all motor-compressors. At the connections, tees, hoses and fittings are tightened using clamps.
To remove water and oil from the cylinder during use, it is necessary to weld a short threaded fitting onto the tip at the bottom of the cylinder. A hole is drilled in the wall along the inner diameter of the pipe, and the fitting itself is “plugged” using a screw-on plug. The brass valve on the cylinder needs modification, so a hole must be drilled at the base of the part and an M14 thread cut into it. The pipe should be screwed in there, and a pressure gauge should be attached to it with a special nut. The second pipe must be screwed into the outlet of the valve, and then the consumer hose must be connected to it.
A homemade compressor, in particular its electrical part, in this case consists of a starter and starting windings taken from a washing machine, a shutdown relay and a terminal block for connecting wires. The latter can be taken from fluorescent lamp daylight. All of the above is mounted on a board made of five-millimeter PCB and mounted on the top of the cylinder. One end of the board must be supported on the stick of the motor-compressor frame, the other on another support post welded to the surface of the cylinder.
Power is supplied from a household AC network (voltage 220V). The electrical circuit and separate starters, depending on the amount of compressed air consumed, make it possible to turn on both motor-compressors or one of the two simultaneously. It will allow you to create a high-quality and durable unit with your own hands. Below, the diagram shows a compressor with a valve from the liquid cooling design of the Moskvich car instead of a valve.
The car is a device for mechanical compression of gases, which generates an air pressure at the outlet that is greater than atmospheric pressure. By pumping air into the combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine, the compressor increases engine power by increasing the efficiency of fuel combustion. Fuel mixture When the supercharger is running, it contains more air, which makes it easier to ignite and releases more energy during combustion. In the course of research, it was found that the engine adds 46% of power and 30% of torque to the latter - this device is so important!
This device is used as power supply for pneumatic tools
An air compressor is installed not only in cars with internal combustion engines - this equipment is used to power pneumatic tools in industry and other industries. The main operational characteristics of an air compressor are operating pressure and capacity in liters of air per minute.
The following types of air compressors are distinguished:
- Piston. Device with direct force transmission. During engine operation, the piston moves along the cylinder and compresses the air that enters the system. There are oil and oil-free piston blowers, the latter of which are widely used to power spray guns in the painting industry. Double piston air compressors are used in industrial purposes due to high performance.
- Rotary. Power is transmitted from the engine using a belt. Propellers with rotating blades compress the air inside the device and create. Rotary equipment is different high performance, good efficiency, low noise and vibration during operation. Air type oil is used sparingly and does not enter the compressed air. 380 V is especially widespread in production.
The blower can operate independently or using a receiver, which ensures an even supply of compressed air to the system. An air compressor without a receiver is less expensive and smaller, but is more susceptible to breakdown.
Can I do it myself?
Not everyone can make an air compressor for an engine on their own, and making modifications not provided by the car manufacturer can have an unpredictable effect on the operation. However, it can be assembled for a garage or auto repair shop - with the help of such a device you can quickly fill tires with air, create overpressure for spray guns and other pneumatic tools, as well as find other uses for the equipment.
A do-it-yourself compressor with a receiver will last significantly longer than purchased equipment, provided correct assembly from quality parts. This is explained by the fact that the master, who set out to make an air compressor with a receiver, makes it for himself, and for this reason he cares about quality. What parts are needed and how to assemble?
Assembling the compressor with your own hands
The main element of a homemade air supercharger is the propulsion system. Recommended for use in the refrigerator. It is notable for the presence of a start relay, which provides the ability to set and maintain a certain level of air pressure in the receiver. If you don’t have an old and unnecessary refrigerator at hand, you can find the unit at an industrial waste dump or from friends. Preference should be given to a refrigerator made in the USSR, since powerful and reliable compressors were used to produce Soviet refrigeration equipment.
The refrigeration blower has three tubes, one of which is sealed at one end. The rest are air ducts - one lets air in, the other exhausts. When further assembling the unit, it is important to understand in which direction the air flows circulate. To determine, you need to turn on the compressor for a short time and observe in which direction the circulation occurs. It is recommended to mark the “input” and “output” in different colors so as not to confuse them during assembly. An air check valve for the compressor will help prevent arbitrary changes in air direction.
In addition to the heart of the old refrigerator, to assemble a car compressor you will need:
- Air receiver ( good option is a fire extinguisher).
- Pressure gauge.
- Coarse fuel filter.
- Moisture separating filter.
- Air pressure control relay.
- Set of adapters, clamps, hoses.
- Toggle switch for 220 Volt voltage.
At various stages of assembly you will need: a base for installing the finished unit, wheels (can be taken from old furniture), paint, engine oil and anti-corrosion agent.
Receiver assembly
The compressor receiver is a durable container that contains air under pressure. The role played by the automobile air receiver– elimination of pulsations during air supply by the compressor, which is carried out by equalizing the pressure in the system. The secondary role of the receiver is the storage of inert gases or condensate.
The receiver capacity is absolutely sealed, and the required volume depends on the cyclicity of air consumption by the consumer and the performance of the air compressor. Using a receiver extends the life is often used in various fields, including painting work, industrial production and other industries.
An automobile air receiver can be manufactured in three ways:
- Carbon dioxide fire extinguisher. Well suited for long-term storage of gases under pressure up to 10 atmospheres, it has durable steel walls and is safe to use. A fire extinguisher with a volume of 5-10 liters is sufficient for the receiver. To convert the fire extinguisher into a compressor receiver, you need to remove the shut-off and starting device and put the prepared hose adapter on the hole. The container must be emptied and washed thoroughly. Next, the plumbing cross is installed and sealed. After this, you can use the manufactured receiver for work.
- Hydraulic accumulator. A more specialized device with a sufficient range of capacities. Disadvantage: low nominal pressure. Plus - suitable outlet thread. To use it as a receiver, you need to remove the internal membrane for storing carbon dioxide, and then connect the hose as in the example with a fire extinguisher.
- Oxygen balloon. Exceptional strength and air pressure of tens of atmospheres, but small capacity, inconvenient transportation and heaviness. To use, just connect the hose - the homemade receiver is ready for use!
A do-it-yourself air receiver can be made from any cylinder for storing compressed gases, but before use you need to make sure that the selected container can withstand the operating pressure of the future compressor.
Final assembly of the compressor unit
The compressor and receiver should be installed on one common base for ease of storage and transportation homemade equipment. The compressor from the refrigerator, found earlier, must be cleaned of rust (if any). Next, the oil in the air compressor is changed, since the old one has probably become unusable. You can’t pour any oil into an air compressor; if you don’t have a special compressor lubricant, you can use motor oil, synthetic oil, or semi-synthetic oil.
Install the compressor and receiver on one common base for easy storage and transportation The compressor is assembled in five successive steps, as follows:
- Place the refrigerator blower on the prepared base and secure with threaded rods. The receiver is installed in a vertical position and secured by folded sheets of plywood in the amount of three pieces with a hole for the cylinder. Wheels are screwed to the bottom of the base for easy transportation.
- Install the compressor and check valve for the air compressor into the air intake hole. For convenience, you can use a rubber hose.
- At the outlet pipe of the supercharger, install a water separator through a hose - it can be taken from a diesel engine. To prevent the hose from breaking under pressure, it is necessary to strengthen the connection with automotive clamps. A moisture separator must also be installed at the inlet of the gearbox - a device for decoupling the pressure in the receiver and the compressor. The outlet pressure pipe is connected to one of the ends of the water cross.
- Install a relay on the top of the crosspiece to regulate the pressure, and a pressure gauge on the free end for control. All joints must be firmly reinforced with fum tape and tightened with clamps to prevent failure.
- Using a 220 Volt toggle switch, connect the mains phase to the compressor output. Insulate the contacts with electrical tape or dielectric casing.
After connecting the equipment to the network, the oil-fired air compressor can be considered assembled. You can plug the device into the network and check its functionality.
What problems can await during assembly?
Auto air compressors are simple devices in terms of design and operation, but during self-assembly You may encounter the following problems:
- Oil supply to the wrong hole. Due to the presence of several tubes in the supercharger, it is possible to get confused and pour oil into the wrong hole. To prevent the problem, oil must be poured into either of the two inlet tubes - the outlet tube is excluded.
- Small diameter of the receiver inlet. If using a standard cylinder thread is not possible, attach the element using flux. The final design can withstand pressure of 5-6 atmospheres.
- Incorrect connection of blower tubes. In order for circulation in the system to occur smoothly and in one direction, you need to install a check valve on the compressor yourself. It will prevent possible problems and will ensure stable operation of the supercharger.
Try to assemble the oil supercharger with your own hands in full accordance with the instructions, recommendations and safety rules. In this case, there will be no problems with the operation of the equipment.
Setting the required pressure
A motorcycle air compressor or car supercharger must be properly prepared for first use. To get started, you need to set the pressure mode using a relay. The adjustment is carried out using two springs - the large one sets the minimum pressure, the small one sets the maximum. The first contact of the relay is connected to zero, the second is attached to the supercharger.
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When using the equipment for the first time, monitor the pressure gauge readings - the relay should turn the supercharger on and off when the lower and upper limits of the set pressure are reached, respectively. After final adjustments, you can paint the homemade supercharger and continue operation.
A garage compressor is a necessary piece of equipment for your garage. With its help, you can paint a car, inflate tires, and supply air for operating pneumatic tools.
To do this, they are subject to certain requirements in order to create the required air flow with the required pressure. This article explains how to make a compressor for a garage.
Features of using the compressor
An air compressor is always needed in the garage. It can be used both to blow away dust from the surfaces of parts processed with abrasives, and to obtain excess pressure in pneumatic tools.
Often the working life of a compressor is necessary to paint a car, which imposes certain requirements on the air flow created:
- The flow must be strictly uniform without any impurities in the form of drops of liquid, oil or suspended solids. On a freshly applied paint coating, graininess, cavities and shagreens occur due to the penetration of foreign particles into the air stream.
- Uneven flow of the mixture leads to paint drips and dull spots on the enamel.
- Branded air compressors, produced by industry, have all the functions for such a process, but are quite expensive.
- Not inferior to professional ones, you can create a model of the product yourself or use a garage compressor from a refrigerator.
- In this case, excess pressure occurs in the device for containing compressed air, which is called a “receiver”. The air flow can be pumped manually and mechanically.
- Manual feeding saves money, but at the same time a lot of energy and effort is spent on controlling the process.
- These shortcomings are eliminated with automatic injection, but in this case the oil in the air pump is replaced manually.
- Then the compressed air is uniformly supplied through the outlet fitting to the actuators.
How to make a simple compressor from a refrigerator
The simplest compressor for the garage can be made from an old refrigerator.
To make it you will need to purchase:
- Air filter from a car, designed for different pressures. Its price is quite low.
- Plumbing bypass valve, which can be restrictive and disruptive, combined with check valve six atmospheres.
- Any plumbing hose that can withstand more than six atmospheres.
- Chinese pistol without pressure gauge.
- Any capacity storage cylinder. The larger it is, the less often it will need to be turned on.
- From copper tubes, connecting communications or hoses of any formation.
Tip: The cylinder is an accumulator for storing air. As work progresses, the pressure will decrease, which is not very important when inflating tires, where no more than three atmospheres is sufficient. But for pneumatic tools this will be insufficient and critical.
Instructions for manufacturing the device are as follows:
- The tank is being assembled. Its device includes at least three pipes:
- input;
- day off;
- to drain condensate. The element is installed after mounting the container strictly at the bottom so that the liquid can be drained without problems.
- The problem with the compressor may be that it will spit out oil, so you need to close the outlet pipe so that it is directed straight up.
- The hose to the tank should go in the same direction.
- The intake pipe is bent upward and equipped with a short rubber tube; it is attached to its end air filter from the car.
- A reverse water bypass valve is placed between the cylinder and the compressor, which prevents air from escaping back, and is the simplest indicator that the pressure has reached a given value. When it reaches six atmospheres it will begin to hiss, which means it is time to turn off the compressor motor.
