Are there auto/electirc air compressor tank drains that make sense?

[darkostoj]

Trying to figure out if I should add this to my tank setup at my shop.

I have a 50hp screw with a big surge tank that is used very seldomly. It is always on, and just turns on with demand.

I always love automating things, and wondering if anyone knows of one that works off a sensor or something that opens up "as needed" instead of a timer. There may be a month at a time where the shop will be empty so having something that drains every "x time" seems pointless.

I could just do a manual valve, but I just won't do it and forget.

 

[38 Dodge Coupe]

I have an older 60 gallon, 5hp IR dual stage air compressor that I added the qwork automatic timed drain valve to replace the manual drain valve. I wired it so that it has power when the compressor is running and set it for a 15 minute interval. It's been on the unit for about 3 years now and it works like it should.

 

[Sumboodie]

I have an older 60 gallon, 5hp IR dual stage air compressor that I added the qwork automatic timed drain valve to replace the manual drain valve. I wired it so that it has power when the compressor is running and set it for a 15 minute interval. It's been on the unit for about 3 years now and it works like it should.

It just time with power?... doesn't reset when power removed?

 

[darkostoj]

That would work well if the machine was turned on/off when used. But it never turns off

 

[ScaldedDog]

This may not help, but I have mine set to run for a couple of seconds twice in a minute every morning, 365 days a year. If Im really busy with it - rare - I'll manually drain it during the day. Many months it sees no use, but it drains anyway. It works great, and I never think about it.

Mark

 

[mm08822]

Add a second timer configured as an "Off-Delay" timer. This timer latches on when the motor runs and stays on until it times out. It starts timing down when the motor shuts off.
This timer energizes the existing timer/solenoid valve circuit that you currently have. Use an adjustable timer and you can let it run for as long as you want.......10 mins, 30 mins, 60 mins, etc.

 

[Bert_]

A one shot timer would be simple, if you are fine with it purging every time the motor starts.

 

[38 Dodge Coupe]

Just to clarify, I have mine wired so that the automatic timer only comes on when the compressor is running. You can still have power to the unit. When the pump shuts off once it gets to pressure so does the auto drain power.

 

[The Cobbler]

one of my projects in the large pile of things to do
I have Asco Red hat valves rated for 175# air & water . one N/O and one N/C . wire them to the pressure switch so when it's calling for pressure the valve at the tank ( N/C) is open, condensation runs through that and is stopped at the (NO) one which is closed.
once the pressure builds & switch shuts off, the valves reverse operation and the condensation spits out the N/O valve

 

[MichaelP]

My timer is set to run for about 3-4 sec 2-3 times a day or so. It's enough to keep the tank dry, yet not a big deal in terms of air loss.

I could've set it to run once after hours, and it'll be sufficient. If I drain it manually, how many times a day would I do it?

In your case it could be once a week or so. In the worst case scenario, your tank will hold some water for a week and then for a few weeks it'll be dry.

Unless I can somehow tie it to the process of refilling the tank as 38 Dodge suggested, I'd prefer timer to any kind of sensor that sooner or later will malfunction. Doing it in a semi-manual manner (remotely activating electric valve) is another viable option.

 

[BillK]

There may be a month at a time where the shop will be empty so having something that drains every "x time" seems pointless.

I must be strange but there is no way I would leave a compressor of any type powered up in a shop if I was not going to be there for a month. What happens if something breaks and you get a leak ?? Does it run for a month until you are there again ?

 

[stonesfan68]

Yes, they are called no-loss drain valves. Your compressor service provider should have them available.

They will save you a lot of money by not wasting the air that you’ve paid to compress with that 50HP motor.

Sullimax No-Loss Drain Valve

 

[racecougar]

...there is no way I would leave a compressor of any type powered up in a shop if I was not going to be there for a month. What happens if something breaks and you get a leak ?? Does it run for a month until you are there again ?

Agreed.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

https://www.beko-technologies.us/en-us/products/condensate-technology/condensate-drains/

I have one on our shop compressor and has operated flawlessly for over 20 years.