Check out some similar questions!

Solarrigger2000 · Jun 27, 2008, 05:12 AM

Hello,
For one of my experiments I will end up breathing air from an air compressor (After it has been partially decompressed) and I had two questions.
1. Is there anything in an air compressor that would make the air that comes out of it unsafe for humans to breathe.
2. Could there be any ramifacations from pressurizing the air around a human to about 20 psi? ( Thus pressurizing the human )

Thank you
P.S. I am the human!

J_9 · Jun 27, 2008, 05:13 AM

It may just freeze your lungs up.

Solarrigger2000 · Jun 27, 2008, 05:15 AM

Originally Posted by J_9

It may just freeze your lungs up.

So it could kill me?

J_9 · Jun 27, 2008, 05:17 AM

Let's just say that this is not a very smart experiment. I would nix it if I were you.

tickle · Jul 2, 2008, 11:23 AM

I think that is just about the dumbest experiment I have ever heard of.

What do you hope to accomplish by doing so?

KISS · Jul 2, 2008, 11:42 AM

Your basically diving. I don't know what depth 20 PSI is. You also have to know if your using PSIA or PSIG. I would assume gage pressure rather than absolute. The bends may be possible.

2) Oil contamination of the air is possible depending on the compressor.

I don't think it's a safe experiment especially raising the pressure to a little over 2 atmospheres.

tickle · Jul 2, 2008, 02:14 PM

HI, Keep, ai r compressors drive power tools and perform other functions, say in an auto body shop. You are right about the oil contamination because in most shops, if its done properly, there is a filter-regulator-lubricator on line(after),( if my memory serves me right, my husband used to service Quincy Air Compressors in Michigan), the air compressor, so there is a certain amount of a low contaminant oil in the air delivered by the air compressor because air tools have to have lubrication.

I don't think he has this type, but just the same, if he does, he will experience a mind blowing minute, especially if he does it with an air nozzle attachment.

KISS · Jul 2, 2008, 04:13 PM

Yep, lubercation and moisture removal is essential for many power tools.

My uncle was a diver and had his own compressor to fill the tanks. Probably to 1500 - 3000 PSI. Also had to keep the tanks cool. I think the compressor was gas powered too.