The
compressor feeds air into a main tank, the main tank's
pressure is higher than the pressure required by any single
Pneumatic Animatronic. The main tank outlet should have an adjustable
regulator, which reduces the tank's pressure to that required by
the rest of the pneumatic system. On the regulator are two gauges
used to read both tank pressure and the output pressure of the
regulator.
The compressor's output line should be coupled with a filter/drier
trap unit which is designed to remove oil and any foreign
particles that may have been introduced by the compressor. It is
also intended to collect any water which condenses out of the air
as it passes through. (As the pressure and temperature of the air
drops when passing into this larger enclosure, water vapor passes
into its liquid state.) Water and debris - including tiny metal
particles shed by the compressor's mechanism - contribute to rust,
corrosion and wear, while oil causes deterioration in rubber
parts and seals. Thus, a filter can be important for reliable system
operation. These devices consist of a perforated cylindrical,
housed inside a glass or plastic cup which is often covered with
a mesh or cage to prevent injury to the operator in case the
enclosure shatters. At the bottom of the glass is a tap valve,
which may be opened during operation to expel water and oil.
The trap/filter are typically rated for pressures between 100 and
200 P. S. I. The unit should be checked regularly, and the excess
water must be bled off before it reaches the level of the filter.
In humid climates, this can occur frequently if the trap is small.
As air hoses run to multiple applications, they branch by means
of splitters and valves from the main line. The valves allow any
single Animatronic be shut off.
The master air storage tank at the compressor holds a surplus of
air as a buffer. At each Pneumatic Animatronic location a small
inline reservoir tank is installed nearby (within 10 feet or so).
This way air does not need to travel a long distance through a
restricted conduit to reach the Pneumatic Animatronic. Air flow is
slowed when it must travel through a long hose. Without
reservoirs, the Pneumatic Animatronic might work slowly and
unpredictably, especially if they are triggered often, or if
several devices are triggered at once
A secondary regulator is required at this point. The Pneumatic
Animatronic feed pressure must be limited to a lower pressure
than the reservoir tank feed pressure, as this is usually higher
than the Pneumatic Animatronic requires or can safely handle.
Spooky F/X Pneumatic Animatronics work on Ultra low air pressures
(as low as 20 PSI for many of our pop ups) for safety, efficiency
and slightly quitter operation compared to Pneumatic Animatronics
sold elsewhere.
Buy an electrically powered air compressor as gas powered
compressors are often much too noisy and the fumes and the fuel are hazardous.
We suggest getting an Oil-less and direct drive (not a belt drive) unit.
Oil-less compressors are more or less maintenance free and you do not have to
worry about keeping the compressor level or about leaking Oil.
The following suggested parameters are based on Spooky F/X Animatronics. Pneumatic Animatronics from other companies consume FAR MORE air and you should contact them for their recommendations.
JUST to run the one of our animatronics, you will need a compressor with at least a 2 gallon tank or bigger.
1/4 horse power or more and 1.5 CFM of air flow or more. Double this if you plan on 2 of our animatronics
triple for three and so on.
We have very AIR efficient designs. Other companies Animatronics require even MORE!
If you are running 3 or 4 Pneumatic Animatronics on a periodic basses (as most
Home Haunters do) a 3/4 horsepower compressor with a 10 gallon main tank should work
fine and you probably will not need to use reservoir tanks. If you are running 5
to 10 on a periodic basses you may need to use
reservoir tanks. If you are operating a large Haunted House with 300 to 700 people
a night and 4 or more Pneumatic Animatronics you will need at least a 1 horsepower
compressor with a 10 gallon main tank and reservoir tanks for each Animatronic
unit.
When comparing compressors it is best to use the Air delivery rate as a basses of comparison. The higher the CFM rating the better. Be aware that the CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) will vary depending on the regulated pressure as which it is operating. For example, a compressor that delivers 6.0 CFM when set at 40 PSI might only produce 4.8 CFM at 90PSI So when comparing ratings make sure the ratings are given for the same air pressure reading.
Don't use electric compressors with extension cords. Instead, use a longer air hose. Compressors use a high amount of amperage and can put too much of a strain on long extension cords.
Empty
the water from the tank after each day of use. This is to prevent the tank from
rusting.
Dangers in a Pneumatic system can come from:
· Poorly maintained compressor with a faulty relief valve
· Devices operated at excessive pressures which may cause them to explode
·
High pressure systems with bad connections or fittings, which
could allow
a hose to spring loose, jump around and hit a nearby person
· Electrically related heat from power cables or from too little air circulating around the compressor.
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