Air Compressor question

[Threadkiller]

Just finally got around to hooking up my Cambell Hausfeld 60 gallon compressor. I also put on their ball valve drain kit.

I know compressed air gets hot in the act of compressing it. When I go to drain the compressor using the ball valve, the air/moisture will freeze and stop the draining, itll eventually melt and drain and then freeze again and so on. Is that normal? It never happened on my craftsman 30 gallon oilless compressor. Thanks!

 

[nehog]

Post a picture of the drain setup.

 

[Threadkiller]

its this little guy

"Kit includes: 1/4" 90° street elbow, 3/8 (M) - 1/4" (F) NPT reducing bushing, 1/4" x 8" pipe ******, 1/4" (M) x 1/4" (F) ball valve, PTFE tape

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Yes it is normal.

 

[kbs2244]

If you drain at a lower pressure it may not happen.
Try letting the tank pressure drain down a bit before you open the moisture drain.

 

[zkling]

A bigger ball valve or insulating the ball valve would probably solve the problem.

 

[Durka]

Not sure how it could be freezing; -it's too warm in NY for any of that to happen. How is it freezing?

 

[GYPSY400]

Not sure how it could be freezing; -it's too warm in NY for any of that to happen. How is it freezing?

It freezes when going from high pressure to low pressure rapidly.. happens all the time with my impact wrench. It could be 100° out, and the case still develops frost.

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk

 

[Threadkiller]

Thanks for the replies guys. I just wanted to make sure I didnt have too much moisture in the garage or something. And now I know why it freezes. This forums awesome.

 

[Threadkiller]

If you drain at a lower pressure it may not happen.
Try letting the tank pressure drain down a bit before you open the moisture drain.

I usually open the drain at the top and the ball valve together. I will try opening the top until it closes then opening the bottom. Thanks!

A bigger ball valve or insulating the ball valve would probably solve the problem.

I thought about getting a bigger ball valve, I just never have because home depot over here doesnt have much in the way of conversion sizes, so I would have to get it online. I just havent gotten around to it.

 

[Durka]

It freezes when going from high pressure to low pressure rapidly.. happens all the time with my impact wrench. It could be 100° out, and the case still develops frost.

Huh, thanks! I didn't know that could happen.

 

[GRX]

Huh, thanks! I didn't know that could happen.

Yup. Same reason a propane tank gets cold when used. Also roughly how an A/C system works. Substances absorb or radiate heat as they are compressed or released.

 

[Bob C]

Just slightly crack open the ball valve. it is not necessary to open it full flow.

 

[The Cobbler]

the rapid expansion causes the air to cool and then freeze. enlarge the valve & pipe & it won't happen as bad

 

[LS6 Tommy]

It freezes when going from high pressure to low pressure rapidly.. happens all the time with my impact wrench. It could be 100° out, and the case still develops frost.

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk

Same thing as carburetor icing.

Tommy

 

[Trey T]

Must-watch video. This dude has a 80gal compressor full of water.