Sunday, Jun 23, 2013 at 15:53
Peter, Having given the lesson on compressed air/condensate behaviour, maybe now I could suggest a simple effective arrangement for you.
As already expressed, the water in vapour form in the delivery pipe will remain in vapour form until cooled somewhat. So if you are using a flexible hose as your delivery pipe rather than say copper tubing, then condensation will not take place until the vapour-laden air reaches the receiver and cools sufficiently. The condensate will collect in the bottom of the receiver and can be conveniently drained from the bottom by means of a manually operated drain dock. This will not need to be frequent given the relatively small amount of compressed air you will be using.
Small automatic drains are not easy to come by at a low price and also can be unreliable. They operate by means of a float in a chamber rising to open a very small valve. The available energy is low and sticking can occur.
If you go this way position both the air inlet and outlet at the top of the tank (they can share the same connection) and the drain at the bottom of the tank. The manual drain valve does not have to be right at the tank, it can be further down the drain pipe. Ensure that the hose from the compressor rises continually to the tank. Experience will teach you how often you need to drain.
Any small amount of condensation which may form in the delivery hose when the compressor is idle will quickly be evaporated by the hot delivery air when the compressor next starts and carried to the receiver.
Of course, having the compressor above the tank is ideal but the arrangement described above will work quite
well provided that you ensure that the air cools but little before reaching the receiver.
How can I be sure about this?
Well, I've had a lot to do with providing clean dry air to industrial instruments and controls.
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