Source for Compressed Air Tube Fitting & Valve Fiting

[Victor]

Hey,

I have a MES 40, and I'd like to use my air compressor to pipe a low volume of air into my smoke chamber to allow my AMNPS unit to perform better. I don't want to use an aquarium pump. I have intentions of running a tube down the chimney to the bottom of the cabinet. So, are there any forum members that are already doing this? And, where is a good source for an air compressor tube fitting and valve for this application? Additionally, what pressure range would suit this setup?

Victor

 

[JckDanls 07]

for that low of pressure you can just use 1/4" copper with compression fittings... Lowes/Homedepot will have everything you need...

 

[forluvofsmoke]

Is this an oil-less compressor that you intend to use? If not, I would steer clear of the whole idea altogether, and, even if it is oil-less, it may not be a suitable source for "clean" air. If it's not air which is suitable for breathing, you don't want to expose your food to it for long-term, either. Compressors get hot during normal operation (higher pressure generates more heat during compression), and this heat vaporizes lubricating oils...although it may be small amounts, they can cause respiratory issues if breathed into the lungs, or other health issues if ingested.

I was a breathing apparatus technician for many years when I worked as an industrial and petrochemical safety supervisor. To make Grade D (for SCBA) or Grade E (for SCUBA) breathing air, you need specialized air purification systems with filters and traps for removal of toxic vapors such as CO and CO2, and condensed liquids. The equipment we used to fill up to 4,500 PSI air cylinders has gotten pretty sophisticated, and very expensive...compressed air is nothing to mess around with when it comes to inhalation, or ingestion of possible by-products. Back when no-one knew what the cause was, people were dying from breathing compressed air in industrial and scuba diving operations...no joke.

From a safety stand-point, I'd go with the aquarium pump. Less expense, less bulk of equipment needed to make your AMNPS function satisfactorily, and, it won't add toxins to your food, as the mechanisms don't produce much heat due to operating at such low pressure.

1/4" copper tubing should be found at any decent hardware store, and this will be more than adequate to handle the chamber temps of your smoker. 1/4" should fit snugly over the aquarium pump's poly tubing for a quick and easy hook-up. If needed, you can flare the end of the copper tubing to help the poly fit inside the copper.

Eric

 

[daveomak]

What type of compressor do you have ??     If it has a sump with oil in it..... NO..... You can get oil mist into the food....

An aquarium air pump is designed to run for years for about $10..... no contamination.... 

Dave

 

[hkeiner]

IMO you really do not need to pump extra air in to the MES40 to get good results with the AMNPS. There are many happy AMNPS users in this forum that get good results without doing so. There are a few do's and don'ts though. I suggest doing a search on this subject and following the suggestions offered before trying the "compressor" approach. Just my opinion...

 

[Victor]

OK Fellas,

The reason that I was going to inject the air was to save kilowatts due to having the wood chip door open. And, I wanted to be sure that the AMNPS would operate well.

I have taken the advise submitted, and I have removed the wood chip tray and pulled the wood chip chute out about halfway. Todd, I simply would not use the MES 40 without the AMNPS that you have fabricated! Another pat on the back for your product. The AMNPS and the MES 40 has now truly made me a Lazy Boy cooker!

As I am typing this, I am smoking  a 16 lb. brisket, 2 racks of ribs, and will soon go out to put some spuds on. Man, is it looking and smelling good.

This is a great forum, with a user group that is very knowledgeable. I'll be spending some time here. Thanks all.

Victor