Help identifying mystery part

[grouchyturtle]

These photos are of a Nuvair compact 3.5G. Can someone tell me what this part sticking out of the top of the cage, that the fill hose is connected to is?

It's some sort of ball valve, possibly an OPV? But there's no reference to it in the manual. Also none of the photos on Nuvair's site show this part on any of their compressors. In their photos the fill hose appears to be attached directly to filter cylinder, housing, holder whatever it's technically called.

So I guess the question is, what is it?
And is it even necessary or more so should it even be part of the chain on a compressor used for breathing air.

I'm in the process of removing the cage and turning the compressor into a pseudo portable. So, I guess I need to either find a way to mount this part, or remove it, if it shouldn't be there.

I'm going to ask Nuvair too, but they're pretty slow when it comes to responses.

 

[grouchyturtle]

FYI - If it helps, this was originally a paint ball compressor. According to Nuvair all I needed to do was change the filters, oil, and hose to use it for scuba.

 

[Zodiacdiverdave]

Remove it. It is a charing valve for paint ball fills. Connect your scuba charging line to the PMV which is the first gold valve attached to the filter housing.
Very Important, drain all pressure from the filter housing first!

ZDD

 

[grouchyturtle]

Thanks! That's pretty much what I figured. Would have been nice if Nuvair told me it needed to be removed, when I sent them the photos before buying the unit.

Crap! Not going to work, unless this is what you meant?

That first fitting is a different thread. You can clearly see it's a different size from the photo. Also looking at the tape there, it's probably just pipe thread and not a compression fitting.

So, I'd have to either attach the elbow to that fitting, or judging from the photos in the manual, order the correct part from Nuvair. Would be nice if they'd actually respond. Gotta love how companies only respond if there's a big sale involved these days. Got a big old estimate on parts from them, but no answer to this question?

 

[rcontrera]

You don't need to remove it if you don't want to. It is a shutoff valve that includes an automatic bleed. Once your tank is full, you shut the tank valve and then the handle returns to center and bleeds off the pressure in the hose. If you don't want it. I will take it and offer you something in return. Drop me a note if you are interested in doing some trading.

 

[grouchyturtle]

Actually I already have it connected like in that third photo, which is how Nuvair said it should be connected. Finally talked them yesterday afternoon. Apparently they never got my first email. Craig was very happy to spend some time on the phone with me answering a bunch of questions. Once again, sorry about the trash talking. Rough week, with a lots of un-returned calls and emails...on other things that are more important right now than a few compressor parts.

The valve is already on ebay, since I don't need it.