An air compressor works by sucking air and squeezing that air into one chamber meant to hold smaller volumes.
No matter how dry, the atmosphere will always contain a percentage of water vapor. So the fact that these machines are in contact with water is unavoidable.
The water buildup in compressors will cause them lots of trouble. That is why various tools, such as grinders and paint guns require a water separator.
We assume that you have enough information about the compressor, but the installation is what gives tough times.
So, Where to install a water separator on an air compressor? It is what we will discuss in this article.
Where To Install Water Separator On Air Compressor?
The pressure gauge in the compressor has a hose pipe. You must mount your separator between the pressure tank and the hose pipe connector.
Read more: How To Measure Air Compressor Hose Size?
Water separators are devices that remove moisture from compressors. They prevent liquid, vapor, or solid particles from entering your compressors and maintain clean air supplies.
This device is also known as a filter dryer that extracts approximately forty percent to sixty percent of moisture from the air.
This filter draws vapor from the air vent by centrifugal force. Hence, the critical goal of the tool is to filter the water vapor from compressors and offer dry and clean air.
Is It Worth It to Install One?
You can see water streams come out of pressure hoses when you pull the trigger on the air hose. It results from the moisture that builds up inside compressors.
The air compression process will generate heat. When compressing, any moisture that exists in the air will convert into vapor.
When the compressed air goes through a long hose, the vapor will cool down and turn into water.
When installing this separator into compressors, this tool will collect water. Otherwise, compressors will spray liquid particles you do not intend to get.
As a result, we recommend installing this tool to keep your compressors safe from moisture.
What Happens If You Do Not Install One Water Separator?
By now, you should know the use of the separator for compressors. So what happens if you don’t install it?
Here are some good reasons to want to install a filter dryer for your machine.
- Compressors will spray out water particles if you do not install a separator.
- If you do not use this device, the dust particles generally found in the air will remain in one of what compressors produce.
- Besides ruining your work, The water and dirt also cause the compressor to get stuck.
- The filter will increase the effectiveness of compressors.
- The moisture can enter your tools and negatively affect their machines internally.
How to Mount the Filter Dryer in a Compressor?
It is an effortless process. You have to replace the hosepipe (which is connected to the compressor tank) with your separator.
The Separator comes with two connectors on the left and right sides.
You will need to attach one side to the coupler of the pressure gauge’s coupler. Then connect the other end to the hose pipe’s T-head using one coupler.
It is essential to fix them in a place using Teflon tape and thread sealant for a solid bond and prevent any air leakage.
But before installing the separator, it is essential to unplug your air compressor and turn off power connections.
You will have to install your filter with your compressor’s pressure gauge.
For optimal performance, it is best to put the filter at least thirty to fifty feet away from your compressor nozzle. This will ensure the following two things:
- It gets rid of the maximum moisture from the air.
- It allows compressed air to cool down until it approaches the separator. Then the filter can gather the moisture in the air.
Aside from the one canister separator, it is easy to find a two-canister filter on the market. The two-canister filter is more effective than the other.
It can collect approximately 90% of water vapor and contaminants in the air. Thanks to that, you will gain moisture-free and drier air from the machine.
How to Maintain the Separator?
Like other machinery and tools, you must take care of your separator regularly and adequately.
It is essential to occasionally drain the water that has been gathered through the process from the canister.
In most cases, filters come with a clear canister, allowing you to see how much water has collected.
The filters may feature a drain valve or other system, allowing to drain out the excess moisture easily and quickly.
You should drain out the water as soon as it hits 2/3 of the tube. Frequently monitoring is essential when you work with your compressor too often.
Additionally, if you are in one of the humid areas, you may desire to dehumidify the air entering your compressor.
If you don’t release the water timely, it will cause a watery stream inside your compressor when pulling the compressor handle/trigger.
It means the water will return to the system and sabotage all your efforts.
FAQs
Does My Compressor Need a Separator?
Many people believe that separators are absolutely mandatory for applications.
Without these tools, water moisture will cause damage to your machines’ system, and your air tool is mounted at the end of the line.
If water accumulates inside your compressor, it may cause corrosion, resulting in the flaking of pipes and contaminating the system in the end.
How Can I Keep Water Out of My Compressor?
It is impossible as moisture is one of the inevitable byproducts of compressions.
So instead, you can limit it as much as possible by investing in air dryers and separators.
Also, you can drain the air compressor tank frequently after every use. Water can damage your system, so it is essential to control it.
What Is The Job Of Separators
As their name suggests, separators separate the moisture that comes in with the air in your compressors.
This device prevents any moisture from getting inside your machine. But that is not all it does.
This tool also stops solid particles, such as dust, from getting in, so you will always have a clean air supply.
What Problems Can Moisture Cause?
There are some issues that moisture in your compressor can cause, including:
- Corrosion will happen
- Look out for the water hammer effect
- Moisture leads to poor lubrication
- Water can cause blockages in the control lines
The Bottom Line
The compressor is more prone to damage than any other machine.
It is the primary source of dust and moisture accumulation that makes it explode or cause regular maintenance.
So to avoid these conditions, it is essential to install water separators in it. Despite being one of the essential parts, compressors do not come with it.
That means you will have to purchase one separately to keep your equipment and tools in the best condition and extend their lifespan.