Compressor recommendation

[manni-yunk]

I am looking for a Compressor that is portable, able to fill (top off) several sets of doubles in between dives, preferrably gas(not electric), available with auto moisture drains, and capable of using a Nitrox stick.

Will the Bauer Oceanus fit this need?


Any other recommendation? Seems most of the gas portables are not available with the auto drains.

Ive been looking into this for a while and every time I think I understand what is available - I get confused again?


Thank You for your help.

[CraigAClark]

The problem is the term "portable"! This generally means as light as possible and these machines are "bare bones". To have an autodrain, you need a power source to operate the solenoid and timer. Adding a 12v battery and on board means of recharging, along with the box for the timer, increases the bulk and weight of the unit. You might be able to squeeze this stuff onto a Bauer C-II/DV or M-II/DV frame, but not a chance on an Oceanis frame.

Personally, I would never add continuous blending, or membrane for that matter, to a machine that turns at such high rpm. IMO, it generates too much heat to be safe. Sorta like keeping snakes, its not if you get bit, its when you get bit.

Craig

[Lobzilla]

Is the compressor going on your new boat, the manni-yunk II ? If yes, you may consider driving the compressor with a hydraulic motor or via a clutch from your generator or main engine. The disadvantage of the portable gasoline-powered units is that their filtration system is very limited and you have to run them on the deck because of the air-cooled gasoline engine. Then you have to store them, pull them out again, etc.

Jim Shelden (frogman62) from sheldensportinggoods.com sells Walter Kidde compressors that are small, durable (they were built for Uncle Sam's airplane and missile systems) and go up to 5000psi. I already had hydraulic service on my boat and bought a Kidde from Jim and a small hydraulic motor from ebay. I am still working on the filtration system and plumbing but I can take some photos of my project once I am back home. With the right oil and the correct filter cartridge the Kidde compressors have been used successfully for continuous blending. Another option that should be safer for higher O2 content is the RIX SA-6. They show up on govliquidation.com and ebay now and then.

[manni-yunk]

Is the compressor going on your new boat, the manni-yunk II ? If yes, you may consider driving the compressor with a hydraulic motor or via a clutch from your generator or main engine. The disadvantage of the portable gasoline-powered units is that their filtration system is very limited and you have to run them on the deck because of the air-cooled gasoline engine. Then you have to store them, pull them out again, etc.

Jim Shelden (frogman62) from sheldensportinggoods.com sells Walter Kidde compressors that are small, durable (they were built for Uncle Sam's airplane and missile systems) and go up to 5000psi. I already had hydraulic service on my boat and bought a Kidde from Jim and a small hydraulic motor from ebay. I am still working on the filtration system and plumbing but I can take some photos of my project once I am back home. With the right oil and the correct filter cartridge the Kidde compressors have been used successfully for continuous blending. Another option that should be safer for higher O2 content is the RIX SA-6. They show up on govliquidation.com and ebay now and then.

Yes - but its not a new boat any more - Ive had her for 8 years!!!

I would love to see your photos. Ive looked for the RIX - SA-6, but everything I seem to find over hte last several months looks like its a bucket of crappy rust and over priced.

[CraigAClark]

From your initial post, I was unaware that you had an available power source. Setting up an auto-drain should be relatively easy.

Craig

[divingtactics]

Here is my Oceanus with auto drains set up. I had to have some custom adapters made, but no problems otherwise.

When I pulled the compressor down recently to fully service it, I was surprised that it had an oil pump.

I've used it for nitrox blending with no problems to date.