Re: lubricant for Balston air dryer pistons.
I've been getting about 3-5 yr per cleaning using stopcock grease, about the same as a genuine Balston rebuild, with our greasy compressed air.
While you have the valve unit apart, measure the O-rings and stash some new ones near the dryer. I needed them around year 15.
The rude surprise is when the Prestolok fittings start to leak. (The o-rings in them harden). Like console fans, you can do the first few singly. But plan to order a whole set and replace them all.
-- Roger
Roger Kautz
Principal Research Scientist
Barnett Institute of Chemical and Biological Analysis
Northeastern University, Boston MA
-------- Original message --------
From: "Shore, Jay" <Jay.Shore_at_SDSTATE.EDU>
Date:04/15/2015 2:16 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: ammrl_at_ammrl.org, Michael Strain <mstrain_at_uoregon.edu>
Subject: Re: AMMRL: problems with Balston air drier
This happens to us when the pistons in the little black boxes get wet.
If you take apart the little black boxes, which are behind the blue piece
of metal, and dry and lubricate the pistons, it should take care of the
problem. Make sure to note the orientation of the pistons. I am not sure
why the best lubricant is.
I helps.
Jay
________________________________________
From: Michael Strain <strain_at_mango.uoregon.edu>
Sent: Monday, April 13, 2015 5:20 PM
To: ammrl_at_ammrl.org
Cc: Michael Strain
Subject: AMMRL: problems with Balston air drier
Our Balston 75-20 air drier has been trouble-free since it was first
installed in 1996, but has recently started to exhibit ominous
behaviors... funny air noises when the columns switch and significant
pressure drop on the output during the cycle (85psi --> 60 psi).
Has anyone had (successful) experience in repairing these units?
Recommended replacements?
Thanks,
--Mike
-----------------------------
Michael Strain, PhD
Director, CAMCOR NMR Facility
University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1253
mstrain_at_uoregon.edu
541-346-4605 office/lab
541-556-4077 mobile
http://nmr.uoregon.edu
Received on Wed Apr 15 2015 - 15:27:27 MST