Is Compressed air safe?

[Guest]

Hi,

Its about time I cleaned the inside of my PC, as I've just started to notice build up of dust on my fans.

However, I've heard a lot of people say that cans of compressed air shouldnt be used as they contain some sort of moisture. I dont have a fancy air compressor, so cans are my only option.

Is that true? Are cans of compressed air safe to use? I'm quite paranoid about breaking my PC whilst dusting it!

Thanks

 

[angryprobe]

i use my own air compressor, and have used many a can of air. 4 things to keep in mind. try and keep can upright when using liquid only comes out when it is at an angle in my expierence, put something in fans (qtip/paperclip/etc) to keep them from spinning as it might create some sort of charge, do outside or well ventilated area as dust goes everywhere, and unplug power while cleaning and if you are worried let it sit a little to let it dry(30 mins will be more then enough). give her a scrub

 

[thx1138v2]

Yes, they are safe. They aren't actually air. They are a pressurized liquid chemical that expands very rapidly when allowed to reach ambient air pressure but you won't see a drop of liquid because it has already reached the gaseous state when exits the nozzle. The rapid expansion is what causes the can to cool when in use.

I used them for years and years without a problem but got tired of the expense so bought one of these:
Canless Air

 

[angryprobe]

Yes, they are safe. They aren't actually air. They are a pressurized liquid chemical that expands very rapidly when allowed to reach ambient air pressure but you won't see a drop of liquid because it has already reached the gaseous state when exits the nozzle. The rapid expansion is what causes the can to cool when in use.

I used them for years and years without a problem but got tired of the expense so bought one of these:
Canless Air

That is a cool little gadget, I just used an old scuba tank ($20), regulator, and the air compressor for my tools in the shop, Dehumidifier has not been necessary as of yet, but that thing is smaller/more compact. but too much $$ for this poor boy Those can of air have gotten outrageously expensive.

 

[thx1138v2]

Yes, they are safe. They aren't actually air. They are a pressurized liquid chemical that expands very rapidly when allowed to reach ambient air pressure but you won't see a drop of liquid because it has already reached the gaseous state when exits the nozzle. The rapid expansion is what causes the can to cool when in use.

I used them for years and years without a problem but got tired of the expense so bought one of these:
Canless Air

That is a cool little gadget, I just used an old scuba tank ($20), regulator, and the air compressor for my tools in the shop, Dehumidifier has not been necessary as of yet, but that thing is smaller/more compact. but too much $$ for this poor boy Those can of air have gotten outrageously expensive.

I had been using my air compressor with a moisture trap at home but this Hurricane is small enough to put in a tool box to take to clients' offices.

 

[giantbucket]

you only really need a moisture trap when using / spraying paints with a compressor. for blowing air across a part to clean it, straight connection is fine. after all, it's just the moisture that's in the air you breathe anyways - it'll disperse soon enough once it's blown out.

 

[thx1138v2]

after all, it's just the moisture that's in the air you breathe anyways

Moisture will collect in liquid form in the storage tank. If the compressor isn't drained every time it is used you can pick up moisture from the tank.