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Permalink Reply by Bryan SUlly on July 28, 2011 at 8:31am

I have been on jobs in the past where compressors did not get shut down until they broke down, or the job came to an end. One job in particular the compressors ran for 6 days straight. Granted that was a long time ago and safety standards have changed. Most companies nowdays require compressors to be shut down for refueling. So depending on tank capacity usually every 12-14 hours. However, there may still be companies that fuel running compressors or draw fuel from 55 gallon drums. Electric compressors would be a completely different story. They often run 24-7. I would think a run time of 24 hours would be a good start. Possibly add a reset feature for run times over that. Using the manufacturers guidelines for run times would probably be your safest bet.

 

A small portable unit that attaches to the dive rack or chamber may be a better option. Especially if it included a low pressure alarm. Good luck in your endeavors.

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Permalink Reply by Dave on July 28, 2011 at 3:38pm

At one major dive company a compressor was never sent offshore befor it had been run continuously for 50 hrs.  Don't remember if there was a shut- down schedule for running over several days.

Your product would also be useful in hazardous environments; for example diving next to a tanker which is venting tanks.(we used a client- supplied unit set up next to the compressor intake.). That only works if you catch the alarm in time and switch the diver to uncontaminated HP supply.

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