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air lines
- Thread starter jawdoc
- Start date
Falcon67
Well-known member
The biggest problem in a compressed air system is moisture. Compressing the air heats it and as it cools in the tank and lines moisture condenses out. This gets pushed through the lines and end up in your tools causing damage. Water ruins paint jobs if it gets to the gun. Water clogs sand blasters. The more the compressor runs, the more water you're going to get. And it can be a LOT. The more you can catch at the tank (tank can be purged regularly) the less you have to deal with at the tool end. A smaller water trap at the point of use may catch the rest.
Air tools need lubrication and having a lubricator on the tool end extends tool life. You don't want oil in the air system because it will contaminate other processes that don't need it - painting, sand blasting, etc. So one good way to lube the tools is to use a water trap/lubricator at the tool end of the air connection.
Air tools need lubrication and having a lubricator on the tool end extends tool life. You don't want oil in the air system because it will contaminate other processes that don't need it - painting, sand blasting, etc. So one good way to lube the tools is to use a water trap/lubricator at the tool end of the air connection.
jdaallen
Well-known member
Wilkerson makes an Automatic drain that drains condensed water and oil from
a compressor tank. It mounts on the bottom of the tank and as the pressure rises and drops as you use the compressor, the automatic drain "spits" water and oil at preset pressure changes. I think mine is at 10 pound intervals. Works well and I don't have to remember to drain the tank.
a compressor tank. It mounts on the bottom of the tank and as the pressure rises and drops as you use the compressor, the automatic drain "spits" water and oil at preset pressure changes. I think mine is at 10 pound intervals. Works well and I don't have to remember to drain the tank.
Falcon67
Well-known member
That's a good solution. I use some brass tube, fittings and a 1/4" gate valve to purge my big tank once in a while. I just stuck a 1/4" tube out through the wall in back of the shop. Best time to purge is when the dog comes around back to check out what's going on in the alley. Great sport, poor dog.
I could add that since a good oiler/filter costs a bit, I put a quick connect on the unit so I can move it around the shop to where I might be working. I have a portable water trap/regulator and a water/oiler/regulator that can float around as I need them.
I could add that since a good oiler/filter costs a bit, I put a quick connect on the unit so I can move it around the shop to where I might be working. I have a portable water trap/regulator and a water/oiler/regulator that can float around as I need them.
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