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Author
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Topic: air compressor water buildup
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gene254
Journeyman Posts: 3
From:
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 01-02-2006 10:53 PM
  
I'm new here and am looking for a little info . . . I have a Craftsman 3hp, 15 gal, 150 psi compressor and am wondering if there is any add on separator that can be used to drain the water from the tank so that I don't have to open the valve on the bottom after each use so it doesn't rust out on me ???
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Ryan Wilke
Gearhead Posts: 2494
From: Stanton, Michigan 49707
Registered: Oct 2000
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posted 01-03-2006 08:13 AM
Gene, WELCOME TO M&M, DUDE!!  Draining the water AT THE TANK is the BEST way to ensure you're getting the water out of the bottom of the air storage tank. There are moisture separators available, however, most are designed to be installed down stream from the storage tank; to drain any moisture that may have collected in the piping system, not the tank. Unless you're humidity is VERY high (doubtful in Utah) or you are running ALOT of air thru your compressor, I'd guess you won't collect THAT much moisture. You may want to try this test: Run the compressor normally for a week, then shut it off. Let it set for about 10 minutes to allow any moisture inside the tank to settle to the bottom. Crack the drain valve to blow some air from the bottom of the storage tank - I'd bet you'll be surprised at how little amount of water you'll have collected. Now if you have your compressor mounted high or stashed in the corner, you may want to install a piped extension on the tank drain port, relocating the valve to a more accessible location. You may also consider having it piped to 'blow' into a lawnmower muffler to surpress the noise and moisture spray. Although I don't run my compressor every day, I only crack my tank drain once every 6 months. I figure my compressor will wear out way before my tank rusts out! Good Luck!
Ryan 
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gene254
Journeyman Posts: 3
From:
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 01-03-2006 10:34 AM
Thanks for the welcome and your response. I understand what you are saying but, the unit is new out of the box, got it this past Father's Day, and I have been draining rusty water out of it for a while now.(just recently thought to investigate online) While I was waiting for a response I did find some automated drain valves . . . http://www.jorc.thomasregister.com/olc/73512493/ead.htm and some more here . . . http://www.ecompressedair.com/drainvalves/economicdrainvalves.shtml Is there any chance you would know if this type of device is good to use as an automated drain for the air tank??? Thanks.
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bonfire
Journeyman Posts: 30
From:
Registered: Mar 2005
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posted 01-03-2006 03:13 PM
I used a $7 auto tank drain from Harbor Freight. Some of the hardware is a bit cheesy but is functional. Anything below 20 psi it opens the valve and drains the water. I've replaced the compression T fitting that came with it with a 'real' compression fitting, other than that, good as gold
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gene254
Journeyman Posts: 3
From:
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 01-03-2006 03:58 PM
Sounds good, sometimes I think I get a little too elaborate for my own good. I also found this webpage of someone that has a similar unit to mine, mine is vertical . . . http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/workshop/compressor/drain/ball_valve.htmI guess I needed a kickstart on this. After the holidays it's hard to get the brain in gear! Thanks for the input
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Ryan Wilke
Gearhead Posts: 2494
From: Stanton, Michigan 49707
Registered: Oct 2000
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posted 01-04-2006 10:47 AM
quote:
Originally posted by gene254:
Sounds good, sometimes I think I get a little too elaborate for my own good. I also found this webpage... http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/workshop/compressor/drain/ball_valve.htm
Yep, that setup makes it easier to access than beneath the tank. However, I wouldn't recommend the 90* ball valve, I'd go with a wheel-type handle valve. The ball valve style is too easy to bump or hook the hose on it which can accidentally open it to blow when you don't want it to blow! Good Luck!
Ryan
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