On 8/30/2010 1:42 PM, Michael Koblic wrote:
Since I started buying accessories for my compressor I have been
noticing that many leak. The last two were an air filter and a new hose.
The filter leaks just below the housing. The hose leaks at both ends at
the connectors. I should stress these are not leaks produced by myself
through adding connector hardware (all that is done with generous use of
Teflon tape - no leaks there!).

Admittedly the leaks are very small and detectable only with soapy
water. E.g. the two hose leaks did not drop the pressure in the 4 gallon
tank significantly over 3 hours.

I cannot imagine that leaks of that magnitude in a compressed air system
matter all that much (Propane, different story...:-). I am however
puzzled as to how common these occurrences are and how acceptable they
are considered by others. Are there differences in manufacturers?

Im assuming you are refering to the quick action air couplings.
I reckon as far as fittings go you get what you pay for ,cheap copies
of the more famous brands would probably not seal as good , I don't
really know .I have always used the brass Jamec type because of thier
smaller size , but industry here seems to changing over to the Nitto type.
Leaks just add wear and tear to your compressor ,as they cause your
compressor to cycle more often ,using more power or fuel .
In a large system like in a factory where they have large compressors
and every tool is airpowered leaks can cost a lot of money over a year.
I saw a system on an inventors tv show where a guy has invented a system
where the exhaust from air powerd tools is fed back into the compressor
, reducing noise and recycling the air.
I dont know how far he is down the track getting it developed , but I
would imagine it could be very cost effective over a period of time.


--
Kevin (Bluey)
"I'm not young enough to know everything."