The end result is that the water vapor in the air compressed into the tank increases in relative humidity so much that the water vapor quickly condenses into free water in the bottom of the compressor tank. Get ready for a surprise! The stuff that flows out of your tank will be water yes, and it will also contain residue of compressor oil, perhaps a smidgen of tank rust, all spiced with whatever dust migrated into the tank through the intake filter. If you do not drain that water it starts filling the tank, and at the same time, could start rusting the tank from the inside, depending on the tank inner coating that is applied to the interior of the tank at the factory.
Your home air compressor – no matter how big or how small, how old or how new – has some form of drain valve. Air compressors are basically motors that pump air into a tank where the air accumulates and gains pressure. Once the water is flowing out, carefully tilt the air compressor so the drain valve is facing straight down.
You may now wonder how regularly you must drain your air compressor to stay safe. For the air compressors with a side drain valve, you need air pressure to drive the water out. Some Measures To Follow While Draining Your Air Compressor Ensure that the compressor is unplugged from the power source.
You can drain it manually or use an automatic drain valve for air compressor. If you have removed the whole drain valve, use new thread tape over the drain valve to prevent a leak when you reinstall it in the air compressor. Always keep a pan or bucket below the drain valve to collect the drained water from the air compressor tank.
Having an automatic tank drain can be very beneficial, especially if your compressor is used for larger industrial applications where you might be too busy to drain the compressor tank with timed water purges. Mainly, an automatic tank drain allows accumulated moisture to escape with each burst of compressed air, instead of needing to drain the tank manually. “In other words, you’ll no longer need to worry about moisture building up inside of your air compressor: the Zijia ½” automatic tank drain will do all the work for you! and help extend the life of your expensive air compressor.
how to drain air compressor tank Related Question:
How often should air compressor tanks be drained?
It is recommended that you drain your tank daily, whether it is manually or automatically. Water build up in your tank can cause the bottom of your tank to rust forcing you to invest in a new tank. If you find yourself forget about draining your tank, you should look into purchasing an electronic drain valve.
Do I need to drain my air compressor?
Even if your air compressor’s pump cycles only a handful of times per day, you should drain your compressor tank every other day or several times per week to prolong its operating life and to protect your pneumatic devices and equipment.
What happens if air compressor is not drained?
When air compressors run humidity in the air they compress condenses in the tank. The resulting water sits in the bottom of the tank until it is drained. When not drained regularly the tank will rust from the inside out, when the tank is weakened enough it will often fail catastrophically.
Can an air compressor tank explode?
Yes, air compressors can blow up. Air compressor explosions are most commonly caused by substantial corrosion of the compressor tank. Excessive condensation leads to corrosion, and you can avoid this outcome by monitoring and servicing the compressor and its auxiliary components.
Is it OK to leave an air compressor pressurized?
Leaving an air compressor pressurized does not have any immediate bad effects. Most compressors are designed to tolerate pressurization for a day or two without the tank suffering a catastrophic failure. Doing so has a major drawback. A continuously pressurized tank will weaken its seal.
Why should water be drained periodically from a compressor tank?
By draining your tank completely on a daily basis, you will be actively preventing the effects of corrosion and prolonging the life of your air compressor.
Where will you find the drain valve for each air tank?
The drain valve will always be on the bottom of of the air tank. That is, at the bottom of the largest part of the air compressor, if it’s not clear which part the tank is.
What is an air tank drain?
Answers. Allow rain water to enter the tank. Are used to drain water and compressor oil from the air tank.
What are the two types of air tank drains?
Each air tank is equipped with a drain valve in the bottom. There are two types, manually-operated, by turning the quarter turn or by pulling a cable. You must drain the tanks yourself at the end of each day. And the truck equipped with an automatic drain, the water and oil is automatically expelled.
Should you drain air tanks?
Draining your air tanks is a very important part of truck maintenance because it helps to prevent freezing in your air lines and all of your valves.
What is the minimum amount of times you should drain air tanks?
If using air tanks with manually operated drains, how often should you drain the tanks? Explanation To prevent the build up of oil and water in a vehicle’s air tanks, manually operated air tank drains should be used at the end of each day of driving.
How do you release pressure from air compressor?
The first step is to make sure your compressor is turned off. This could be unplugging it from the outlet or just making sure the switch is in the off position. Next, reduce the pressure in the tank to under 10 PSI. To release pressure, pull the ring on the ASME safety valve.
How does an air compressor drain valve work?
As water builds up in the tank, it flows into this housing. The rising water level causes a float inside the housing to rise. Upon reaching a pre-set level, the float triggers the drain to open, and the water drains out. Some compressed air is lost with this type of valve.
Can a rusted air compressor tank explode?
Rust. If the tank is not drained daily, liquid can accumulate in the bottom of the tank over time. This liquid can corrode the bottom interior of the tank, eventually leading to the air pressure inside rupturing the weakened metal and causing an explosion.
Are air compressor tanks safe?
Air compressor tanks may look good on the outside, but unseen interior damage can pose serious dangers. If in doubt, replace your unit. When replacing units, always dispose of them properly.
