compressor drain question?

[nandomart]

I have Campbell Hausfield compressor from Lowes. It is the 5hp 80gal compressor. I plan on installing the HF auto drain kit (http://www.harborfreight.com/automatic-compressor-drain-kit-46960.html )..after some googling and reading various reviews I figured this may be a simple solution. Also if it doesnt work $10 isn't something that will break the bank.I am planning on doing the install based on this write up:
http://www.paragoncode.com/shop/compressor/
My question is...my compressor as 2 drain outlets, a bottom one and one on the side....where should I install this auto drain kit? Is the bottom the primary or is it the side one...or do both perform the same function?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Pro-Painter]

bottom is drain, side is for air discharge

 

[nandomart]

Pro Painter appreciate your input..however this compressor has a side drain as well as a bottom drain. It is clearly labeled drain.

 

[Rickochet]

You will want to drain the lowest point of the tank to remove standing water.

 

[Zrexxer]

Pro Painter appreciate your input..however this compressor has a side drain as well as a bottom drain. It is clearly labeled drain.

It's called a "bucket-high" drain. It has a tube going to the bottom of the tank, so it drains from the same level as the one in the bottom of the tank. Six of one, half a dozen of the other. Champion plumbs their factory drains to the bucket-high outlet, if that tells you anything.

 

[nandomart]

Zrexxer...based on what you have explained to me..the best place for the auto drain would be the bottome correct?

 

[Pro-Painter]

thats nifty, Ive never seen a side drain before. my bad.

I still say that the bottom is the better because I don't see the tube system being too reliable

 

[nandomart]

No problem Pro...Zexxer explained the way it works..but he confused me with these comments:"Six of one, half a dozen of the other."

If the top drain siphons the bottom part of the tank to drain it then the auto drain will go into the bottom..just trying to confirm that is the way this system works is all.

 

[Zrexxer]

If the top drain siphons the bottom part of the tank to drain it then the auto drain will go into the bottom..just trying to confirm that is the way this system works is all.

It doesn't siphon. The tank is under pressure, it will drive any water higher than the level of the opening tube out the side drain regardless of elevation.

 

[nandomart]

Well since you seem to know alot more about this system than I do can you tell me where you would place the auto drain...I maybe making this more difficult than what it is....but obviously I'm not understanding.

 

[Zrexxer]

Here's a fast-n-nasty MS Paint drawing that shows how the bucket high drain is situated: The red is copper tubing, the blue is well, water. Where you drain it depends on whether you want to get the water out 3 inches from the floor - a permanently plumbed installation, for example, or whether you want to drain into a bucket and dump it manually.

 

[nandomart]

LOL That clarifys it for me...it appears that no matter where I put the auto drain it will empty the same water. As Pro stated there is less room for error on the bottom. Zexxer I really appreciate you taking the time to illustrate this and the patience to explain it.

 

[Lightfoot]

i took the cheap butterfly factory drain off of mine, put a brass 90 in its place, screwed on a 1/4 turn brass ball valve. Now i drain it everyday with a flick of my foot. 6 bucks total.

 

[premierplayer]

i just took the cheap butterfly factory drain off of mine, put a brass 90 in its place, screwed on a 1/4 turn brass ball valve. Now i can drain it everyday with a flick of my foot. 6 bucks total.

dit toe

gravity *****, I'd go with the bottom, this would also eleminate any sediment/corrosion blockage issues that may happen with the tubing.

Check the HF directions

 

[Lightfoot]

dit toe

or dat toe, either one

 

[Davefr]

On mine I connected into the bottom of the tank and ran a 3/8" - 1/2" I.D. pipe to the front of the compressor and ended with a ball valve.

If I don't get around to draining it frequently the condensate will end up in the drain pipe vs the tank.

I've read that the HF auto drain system is ****.

 

[nandomart]

Just confirmed HF auto drain is ****!!will need to get a new unloader and unloader hose for the compressor now!!!!

Connected the auto drain and when the air compressor kicked on it woulnt blow anything out. When the compressor shut down the valve would stay open..took it apart and it appears it blew the oring..will exchange to more and see if i have any better luck..if not will spend the money on a good brand.

 

[Vicegrip]

I went through this with the HF auto drain. I too gave up. I purchased an electric ball valve type. I leave it on timed and can call a drain cycle myself to check the output for water from to time.

 

[lametec]

I've read that the HF auto drain system is ****.

It is.

...

 

[94yj]

i use this one on my quincy 325 and it works great and cheap and they can be found at all large truck dealers or a truck parts shop

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...akeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en