All my dumb compressor questions

[streetglider]

I have been reading threads on here for several weeks and I think I have answered most of my questions with these few. I may have overthought the whole process but here goes, if you don't mind.

I bought a compressor that was used for about a year. First thing I did was drain it; there was water but not a lot. However, there are some small rust particles in the drain plug which makes it difficult to close all the way. I cleaned the bottom with a magnet but the rust particles are still getting in the drain plug thread. If I install an elbow and 6 In. ****** with a ball valve instead, will the water just collect in the elbow and back up into the tank? Can I just open the ball valve when I am releasing the air from the tank a bit to blow the water out?

What type of flexible hose can I use from the compressor to the filter/regulator? It is about 18 in. between the tank and wall and I am sure I will need a bit of a loop. Can I make one somehow or have one made? I have no experience with black pipe and thought I might need something more flexible due to the vibration.

I release the air from the tank at the end of the day since I may not use it for a week or two at a time. Is that what I should be doing? I plan on using a rapidair kit to a hose reel and two air outlets.

Thanks for the help.

 

[bsaint]

Do you have access to a 2nd compressor? I would reverse blow air through the drain.

 

[streetglider]

I do and I did blow air back through it but I think the rust particles just drain back into it with the new water.

 

[Dustball]

If I install an elbow and 6 In. ****** with a ball valve instead, will the water just collect in the elbow and back up into the tank? Can I just open the ball valve when I am releasing the air from the tank a bit to blow the water out?

That's how I have mine and it drains fine.

 

[Durka]

Your thinking straight about the tank drain. The larger the leg coming from the T drain the better. That's how you keep moisture from collecting at the bottom. - That's if you clean it out at the end of the day. You CAN get electric drains to do that for you , but there's not one I would recommend that won't become problematic in the future.
______________

Rapid air system, -nope, not unless I was using an after cooler with a compressor pushing enough CFM's to warrant an after-coolers restrictions. They cut right into pressure drop.

You can purchase black pipe kits that will give you the basics for ridding yourself of 70-95% of moisture as black Iron is the quickest way by far to knock down vapor. It does the same thing as an after cooler without the restriction.

Just make a simple loop...done!

Plenty of people on here can help with a Black Iron loop.

 

[larry_g]

For the flexible hose you can use hydraulic hose.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[streetglider]

Hydraulic hose sounds good, there is a local guy I use who can make one up for me. I will research the black iron some more.

 

[streetglider]

I added a 2 in. ****** to the drain to make that leg a bit longer. Do you think this layout will work for a black pipe install? I didn't want to run it all around my garage so I thought maybe this loop would be enough. Essentially it goes around the area I work in where my bike lift is.

 

[marinusdees]

I wouldn't release all the air, just turn off power to the compressor. If the pressure lasts, you have saved some energy.

 

[emanded]

On the first question I think the best solution is to install refrigeration dryer.