The RIX Model SA-6B is a lightweight, portable, oil-free, three-stage, axial piston air compressor designed for high-pressure applications, primarily for filling SCUBA (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) cylinders. It is also suitable for other applications requiring reliable service and pure air compression, such as filling portable breathing systems for Fire Departments and Rescue Teams, with capabilities up to 4500 psi.
Function Description:
The compressor operates as a three-stage reciprocating air pump utilizing an axial piston drive. All bearings are sealed, and the piston rings are made of filled PTFE plastic, ensuring oil-free compression and eliminating the risk of introducing carbon monoxide or other harmful contaminants into the air stream. It is crucial to locate the air inlet upwind and as far as possible from engine exhaust or other sources of contaminated air.
The compressor is furnished with interstage and final moisture separators to remove condensed water. These separators also contain screen filters to trap particulate contaminants down to 25 microns. Pressure relief valves are strategically located after each stage to prevent over-pressurization of the system. An optional high-pressure shutdown switch is available to automatically stop the compressor when the discharge pressure reaches a preset point, adjustable from 1500 psig to 4500 psig.
The compressor can be supplied as a bare pump or as a package with either an electric motor or a gasoline engine drive. The driver and compressor are coupled by a V-belt pulley drive and mounted on a frame.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Power Required: 5.0 brake horsepower (HP) electric motor or 8.0 HP gas engine recommended.
- Pressure:
- Maximum: 3600 psi (standard relief valve setting); 4500 & 5000 psi available.
- Normal Operating Pressure (in relation to final discharge pressure):
- 1st Stage: 80-90 psi (for 3300 psi final), 90-100 psi (for 4500 psi final)
- 2nd Stage: 450-500 psi (for 3300 psi final), 550-620 psi (for 4500 psi final)
- 3rd Stage: 3300 psi (for 3300 psi final), 4500 psi (for 4500 psi final)
- Capacity: 5.5 Standard Cubic Feet per minute.
- Speed: 1500 RPM at Compressor.
- Piston Size:
- 1st Stage: 3.0" Dia.
- 2nd Stage: 1.25" Dia.
- 3rd Stage: .56" Dia.
- Stroke: 1.25"
- Cooling: Forced air fan.
- Compression Type: Oil-free.
- Environmental Characteristic: Designed to operate at ambient temperatures up to 120°F and relative humidities up to 90 percent. All components are anodized, plated, or painted to resist corrosion.
Usage Features:
- Safety Precautions: Emphasizes extreme care when filling high-pressure containers, recommending placement behind a barricade and submerging cylinders in water to reduce temperature and explosion risk. Operators must follow instructions for starting, stopping, and maintenance, ensure pure air inlet, never remove safety guards, and never operate with a popping safety valve. System pressure must be relieved before adjusting the pressure switch.
- Controls and Indicators:
- Filling Hose: Equipped with a pressure bleed screw and gauge to measure cylinder pressure.
- Moisture Separator Drain Valves: Located between second and third stages and at final discharge, used for draining condensate and relieving pressure. Should be drained every half hour of use.
- Pressure Relief Valves: Protect against over-pressurization after each stage.
- Pressure Control Switch (Optional): Manually adjustable (1500-4500 psi) to shut down the compressor at a preset discharge pressure. Adjustment must only be done when the compressor is off and pressure is relieved.
- Gasoline Engine Drive Operation:
- Fuel System: Includes a six-gallon gas tank with a fuel level indicator, disconnectable fuel line, fuel pump and filter, carburetor, and throttle control. Uses regular grade gasoline (four-cycle engine).
- Lubrication System: Engine crankcase has an oil sump with a dipstick; oil level should be checked frequently.
- Starting Procedure: Involves pumping the primer bulb, closing the choke (fully for cold, half-way for warm engine), setting throttle to half-speed, and pulling the recoil starter firmly and rapidly. Choke is gradually opened after starting.
- Compressing Air: Compressor starts simultaneously with the engine. Third stage piston may knock initially until sufficient back pressure builds up. Increase engine speed to maximum for filling.
- Shutdown: Push and hold the stop button until the engine stops. Close SCUBA tank valve, open moisture separator drains, and bleed screw on the filling yoke.
- Securing Equipment: For storage longer than a month, run gasoline out of the carburetor to prevent varnish formation.
- Electric Motor Drive Operation:
- Set-up: Requires proper electrical connections and grounding by a competent electrician. Motor rotation must be counter-clockwise when viewed from the sheave end.
- Pre-Start Check: Verify wiring, check compressor rotation (briefly start and stop), and ensure no pressure by opening separator drain valves.
- Starting Procedure: Push the START button. Compressor fills the SCUBA tank until manually stopped or the pressure switch set point is reached.
- Shutdown: Push the STOP button, close SCUBA tank valve, open separator drains and bleed screw.
Maintenance Features:
- Scheduled Maintenance (Table 4-1):
- Engine Oil Level (25 Hrs.): Clean and top-up as necessary.
- Engine Oil Change (50 Hrs.): Use high-grade detergent oil (SA 30, SA 20, SAE 10W-30 depending on temperature) meeting API MS, SD, or SECC requirements.
- Engine Air Cleaner (50 Hrs.): Disassemble, clean element in kerosene or liquid detergent, squeeze dry, saturate with light engine oil, and reassemble.
- Rod End Bearings & Thrust Rider (25 Hrs. or 2 months): Lubricate using RIX P/N 45-110 special TFE resin lubricant. This grease is not suitable for oxygen compression.
- General Inspection (50 Hrs.): Check for leaks, loose parts, and dirt accumulation. Repair leaks and clean surfaces to improve cooling.
- Corrective Maintenance:
- Drive Belt Adjustments: Proper tension yields 1/4 inch deflection with 6-8 pounds applied at midspan. Adjust by loosening engine/motor mounting bolts and sliding the unit. Ensure correct sheave alignment.
- Thrust Plate Adjustment: Important for smooth operation. Adjust to minimize travel of the thrust rider at the spring end (should not exceed 0.020"). Lubricate thrust riders and bearings.
- Engine/Compressor Speed Adjustment: Adjust engine speed to 3600 RPM for 1500 RPM compressor speed.
- Assembly Techniques: Use Teflon tape on tapered pipe threads (avoiding the first two threads). Lubricate O-rings (except piston expanders) with Dow Corning High Vacuum Grease (RIX P/N 45-403) or similar breathing air system approved lubricant.
- Cleaning Parts: Parts in contact with the air stream should be cleaned with 111 Trichloroethane or detergent and hot water. Petroleum products are prohibited. Cooling surfaces should be kept clean.
- Piston Repair (First, Second, and Third Stage): Involves disassembling, inspecting compression and rider rings for wear/damage, and replacing if necessary. Third stage floating piston can be removed by pushing out or using shop air.
- Rod End Bearings: Require periodic lubrication. Replace if play exceeds 0.030 inch.
- Cylinder Heads: Service involves removing, cleaning, and replacing gaskets, O-rings, valves, and valve seats if worn or damaged.
- Cylinders: Can be extracted for inspection of bores for pits or scoring. Apply high-temperature heat-conducting grease between cylinder liner and housing during reassembly.
- Drive Belts and Sheave: Remove belts and sheave for head servicing.
- Troubleshooting: A detailed chart provides probable causes and remedies for common issues like slow pumping, relief valve leaks, excessive vibration, overheating, and excessive noise.
- Recommended Spare Parts & Tools: Lists essential parts for maintenance and repair, including piston assemblies, rings, expanders, grease, filter elements, and V-belts.
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