Help With Air Regulators

[luvmyberetta]

I have a air ride project using two air tanks & I need to regulate the PSI in the second one. I'm running nitrogen now, but cylinders don't last long so I'm in the process of switching to compressors for better reliability. The first tank will control the air ride system. It's 12 gallons & will be kept at 180-200 PSI using two high output 12 volt compressors. That part of the system is no problem. Here's where I could use some advice. I have a small 1 1/2 gallon air tank I would like to "tie in" down stream & keep around 125 PSI to run two sets of air horns, tire filling, etc... & need an adjustable regulator that will automatically maintain the small tank's pressure when used. (The same way oxygen/gas regulators work.) Will a standard in line adjustable tool regulator available at Tractor Supply, Sears, or hardware store work or do I need something special? I'd really like to avoid having to spend big money on a third compressor for the 1 1/2 gallon tank. Thanks.

[Sam1]

It won't be an issue at all.  Don't you think it may be easier to run a splitter out the back of one of the 12 gallon tanks with a regulator on it and skip the third tank altogether?

[luvmyberetta]

6 hours ago, Sam1 said:

It won't be an issue at all.  Don't you think it may be easier to run a splitter out the back of one of the 12 gallon tanks with a regulator on it and skip the third tank altogether?

I'm just running two tanks. A 12 gallon & a 1 1/2 gallon. I was wondering if there was a special type of regulator that has to be used or will a standard tool regulator work. My local Tractor Supply has an adjustable Campbell Hausfeld air tool regulator for under $30. I may give it a try. I'm probably overthinking it, but I want to get it right the first time.

[peejman]

I think was Sam is getting at, and I agree, is you could ditch the 1.5gal tank and T off the outlet of the 12gal with a regulator dialed to 125psi to supply your horns, etc.  

 

[Sam1]

yeah thanks for clarifying, expect everything I post before 8am to be a product of a misread. lol  skip the tank altogether.  just adds an additional point of failure

[Sidecarist]

From a 23yr valve guy..... Just watch the max inlet pressure on that regulator. The cheaper ones can have a lower inlet rating of 150psi. If that one won't do it check with grainger or mcmaster carr. They should have one that will work for you. 

[luvmyberetta]

Thanks guys. You've given some options to consider. Will the 1/4" inlet/outlets give me enough flow? Part of the reason I was considering the secondary tank was so I could run 3/8" or larger airline split to power two pair of air horns. I found a Viair regulator rated at 200 PSI with a 0-220 PSI gauge that may do the trick if 1/4" will give me enough flow. http://www.viaircorp.com/product/pressure-regulator/

[Sidecarist]

The regulator will restrict more than the line. It should have a flow rating in the specs. If not then they may list the Cv (Coefficient of flow). If they give you the Cv I can calculate the max flow for you at any given pressure. 

Edited April 6, 2017 by Sidecarist

[peejman]

What's the SCFM rating for the horns?

Edited April 6, 2017 by peejman