An air compressor works in the same way as any other equipment. It requires periodic checks to ensure that it’s in good operating order.
Draining the water from the air tank is among the crucial recommendations. So, you must know how to drain air compressors.
We have compiled manual and mechanical methods in this article. Let’s get right into the details!
Why Should Drain Air Compressors?
Water vapor is abundant in the air at all times. Therefore, when you turn on an air compressor, it heats up.
As a result, the moisture does not condense into liquid water. When you turn it off, though, it cools down.
Because the pressure increases and the temperature drops, the vapor is readily condensed at this point. This water settles in the pump tank, causing the following problems:
Air Volume Decrease
The tank capacity will reduce gradually if water deposits in the air compressor. Consequently, if you want immediate assistance, the air compressor will not offer it since it is complete with water rather than air.
Rusting
Rusting requires two agents: oxygen and water, both of which are always available inside a compressor tank.
If you don’t galvanize the air compressor or have no protective coating of paint, they will readily come into touch with it.
Bursting
The design of an air compressor tank is that it can withstand the pressure it can create. However, if the rusting continues for an extended period within the tank, the wall becomes thinner.
Therefore, the compressor tank’s durability will be reduced, and it may explode.
Disturbance With Air Equipment
If a paint sprayer receives water rather than air, the outcome will be a combination of paint and water, resulting in inconsistent painting.
When water is introduced into an air tool, it decreases its effectiveness and may cause damage. It also causes a problem when it comes into contact with the liquid in air equipment.
Step-By-Step Guidelines: How To Drain An Air Compressor?
Draining air compressors isn’t a difficult task. Your compressor will function as the new one and last a lifetime if you follow a few easy instructions. Draining can be done in two ways: manually or mechanically.
Let’s have a look at the instructions in this video or each approach separately:
Method 1: Drain An Air Compressor Manually
Here are the procedures for draining an air compressor effectively.
Step 1: Locate The Drain Valve
The drain valve is usually located at the bottom of an air compressor. It may be on the sides in a few uncommon cases.
Though the side valve is easily accessible for opening and closing, it is inefficient for thoroughly draining the water.
The side-valve locates in such a way that water may discharge using air pressure. You can’t drain with this structure if there isn’t enough air pressure.
In addition, the positioning on the side might cause rust to block the aperture. It stands to reason to get an air compressor with a base drain valve.
Step 2: Open The Valve
If the valve is at the lowest part, it will instantly release water once you open it. If you don’t want to dirty up your floor, place a pan beneath to catch the leaking water. Allow all of the muck to drain out by tilting the tank.
Air pressure is required to push the water out of air compressors with a lateral drain valve.
Run the compressor to get some air pressure going, then turn it off within a few minutes.
When you open the valve, you’ll notice that the air compressor begins to force water out. To capture the muck, have a container nearby.
Step 3: Close The Valve
It would help if you closed the drain valve once you had drained the air compressor. Before shutting the valve, it’s a good idea to apply thread tape.
There’ll be no leaks as a result of this. Run the air compressor and inspect for leakage with a cleaning solution (water and soap) and the drain valve connection.
If the soap liquid bubbles, use a wrench to tighten the drain valve. With soapy water, test for an airtight connection once again.
If you notice a leak, disconnect the valve, apply additional thread tape, and tighten it up again. If the leak persists after this procedure, replace the valve.
Method 2: Use An Automatic Electrical Drain
Draining the air compressors at frequency is a nuisance for many of us. As a result, a mechanical automatic drain valve is a popular option. Once you have a massive compressor, this function is convenient.
Immediately remove your old manual valve and exchange it with an automatic drain valve. You must also select the schedule at which you must drain your compressor.
Set a timer on your compressor to empty once a day if you use it frequently.
A 12v power supply is required to operate the mechanical drain valve. You should also set the timer according to how often you use it.
Remember to have a pan nearby to capture all the water drained and dump it before it overflows.
How Often Should You Drain Air Compressors?
For the compressor’s effectiveness and durability, you should empty your air tanks regularly. How hard you use it will determine the length of time it takes to deplete the air compressor.
After a few hours of constant use, give it a break and empty the tank. If you’re not a technical person, though, you should drain it once you’ve done the day’s tasks.
Because there will be no liquid in the tank, it’ll be free of all tasks. Because this task is not a complex operation, you strongly suggest that you drain your compressor daily.
Remember to empty it once a week. However, if you forget to drain correctly, you may choose automatic draining.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions we have collected while researching this field, which will benefit you.
How To Set Up An Automatic Drain Valve With A Timer?
You will need a knob to set the timer, and by rotating it, you will be able to turn the gadget for draining. Set the timer for hours, weekdays, or weeks. We recommend that you empty it once a day.
During operation, it will open the drain valve, release water, and then close it again. Remember to maintain a pail or bucket beneath the drain valve to catch the water you have emptied from the air pump tank.
How To Keep Water Out Of The Compressor?
Although you cannot prevent a small quantity of water from developing in your compressor, there are techniques to reduce the amount of water that will build in the reservoir.
Eliminate the water droplets from within the tank using a drier.
However, it will not eliminate the moisture from the air created when you’re using the air pump when doing.
You may buy various dryers, including refrigerated air dryers that function similarly to air conditioners.
You may also get one with a dryer, which cleanses the compressed air before absorbing the moisture. A pipe system is another dryer; it connects to the airlines and removes any water inside.
Why Does It Make So Much Water?
An air compressor can endure a tremendous amount of force. They must be constructed from specific elements to do so.
The tank features a moisture-resistant covering on the interior. It implies that any water that forms within the tank will be prevented.
The heat inside the tank will cause moisture to develop at the bottom, which will fill up more every time you are using it. If you do not maintain your compressor correctly, this may lead to corrosion.
Conclusion
Air compressors are convenient to operate, but you must maintain them properly or give you some issues. So, please read this article to know how to drain air compressors before it creates corrosion.
Thank you for reading!