Gas Booster questions - ScubaBoard

I need to make my gas blending more efficient. Currently I am PP blending nitrox & CF filling Trimix. I am not pleased with the CF method for various reasons.

A gas booster would solve some of the problems with the CF & PP blending. I know next to nothing about boosters other than the theory behind how they work.

There are practical questions I have regarding their use. One of the boosters I am looking at has a volume of 6.2 in3/cycle. Generally speaking what is the cycle rate of such a booster?? 1 cycle per second?? If it is 1 cycle/sec I come up with about 4.5 scfm for the booster, which is adequate for me, I think.
http://www.steammachines.com/ae2-Haskel.asp This one is $ new.

Does this booster seem adequate for filling say 3 or 4 sets of double 100 FT3 tanks a few days each month & maybe 15 80FT3 nitrox bottles per week?

Thanks in advance...
Does anyone have any better suggestion as to the type/model pump in this same price range? Any ideas where I can get one? Its the method I set up about 9-10 months ago with pressure regs on the He & O2 bottles.

I have yet to be able to get the flow rates to be consistent. The percentages just fluctuate. When I make a change in the regulator pressure the resulting % takes several minutes to show up on the He & O2 meters.

You helped me a LOT with this when I set it up & your help got me as far as I did get...but the lag time between changing flow rate & the resultant indication on the meters causes me to run around like a ckicken with its head cut off.

The other thing is...last week I was filling 6 sets of double 120's and the compressor got hotter than I was comfortable with....If not for the compressor getting so hot I would consider trying to tweak my system.

Uncle Pug--thanks again for your help last year when Scott Klopin & you helped me set this up. OK... now I remember... CF = CB
Jim, I know that Omar was toying around with analyzing pre-compression... and it is true that post compression analysis has a lag time of several minutes... but... once you get it set up it shouldn't fluctuate back and forth... it will change with the fill pressure but you can allow for this.

I have tape on my ball flow gauges marked with the starting points for the various blends I want. I might waste a little gas just to make sure that it is where I want it but once set I rarely adjust.

What I have found is that ambient temp seems to affect where I must set the ball on the tape to begin with. So I fudge one way during the winter and another during the summer. Where you live that shouldn't be a problem.

I try to make the dial-in setting by bleeding off enough gas to get xxxxpsi (whatever is the median pressure between start and end) on the manifold so that during the fill, mix variation from low to high pressure will offset itself.

Nitrox is a snap. Trimix takes a little fiddlin' since increasing the HE requires you to also increase the O2 and the same with decreasing either.

As for compressor heat... I can't remember what compressor you ended up with but I have a fan blowing on the front of my RIX. I am waaay past the projected run time for changing out my 3rd stage rings (all I pump is nitrox or mix) and I attribute that to the extra cooling fan.

Some days I am filling two sets of dbl 104s and the bank of three 250cf (psi) and the temp never goes up beyond what I can touch the first stage cylinder head with my finger... this is my scientific test for okey dokey status.

Questions???

Gas booster pumps are essential devices for many industrial applications, including enhancing gas pressure for specific processes. Installing and using these pumps correctly ensures efficiency and safety. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the installation and use of gas booster pumps.

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Understanding Gas Booster Pumps

Gas booster pumps are used to increase the pressure of gases in various systems. They are vital in industries such as manufacturing, petrochemicals, and medical gas supply. These pumps work by compressing gas from a lower pressure to a higher pressure, making them ideal for applications requiring a consistent and reliable gas flow.

Pre-Installation Preparations

Before installing a gas booster pump, it is crucial to undertake several preparatory steps:

1. Read the Manual: Thoroughly read the manufacturer's manual to understand the specific requirements and features of your gas booster pump.
2. Site Assessment: Ensure the installation site is suitable, with adequate space, ventilation, and structural support.
3. Safety Checks: Verify that all safety standards and regulations are met, including checking for potential hazards.

Installation Process

Positioning the Pump

Select a location that allows easy access for maintenance and is close to the gas source. The area should be free from moisture, dust, and extreme temperatures.

Connecting the Pump

1. Gas Inlet and Outlet Connections: Connect the gas inlet to the source and the outlet to the system using appropriate fittings. Ensure all connections are tight to prevent leaks.
2. Power Supply: Connect the pump to a reliable power source, following the electrical specifications provided by the manufacturer.

Testing the Installation

Once connected, perform a series of tests to ensure the system is functioning correctly:

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1. Leak Testing: Use a leak detector to check all connections for gas leaks.
2. Operational Test: Run the pump and observe its performance, ensuring it reaches the desired pressure without issues.

Using the Gas Booster Pump

Starting the Pump

To start the gas booster pump, follow these steps:

1. Check Connections: Ensure all connections are secure and there are no visible signs of damage or wear.
2. Power On: Turn on the power supply and gradually increase the pump's speed to the desired level.

Monitoring and Maintenance

Regular monitoring and maintenance are crucial for the efficient operation of your gas booster pump:

1. Routine Inspections: Regularly inspect the pump for any signs of wear or damage.
2. Filter Changes: Replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer to prevent blockages.
3. Lubrication: Ensure moving parts are properly lubricated to reduce friction and wear.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Understanding common problems and their solutions can help maintain your gas booster pump:

1. Low Pressure Output: Check for leaks or blockages in the system and ensure the pump is operating at the correct speed.
2. Overheating: Verify that the pump is not operating beyond its capacity and that the cooling system is functioning correctly.
3. Unusual Noises: Inspect for loose parts or debris in the system and ensure the pump is properly lubricated.

Safety Considerations

Safety should always be a priority when using gas booster pumps:

1. Protective Gear: Always wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses, when operating or maintaining the pump.
2. Emergency Procedures: Be familiar with emergency shut-off procedures and have a plan in place for handling gas leaks or other emergencies.

Conclusion