Auto drain for air compressor

[LinuxMercedes]

Hello,

I've got an air compressor setup and I'd like to be able to have it automatically drain so I don't have to drain the tanks and crawl around on the floor to open the drains. I don't use it every day, so an electronic auto-drain seems like overkill for what I need.

I found something on Harbor Freight that opens a valve when the compressor stops filling the tank: http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...ies/automatic-compressor-drain-kit-68244.html

I like that, but I've had terrible experiences with HF and air compressor accessories. Is there some other source for something like this?

Thanks!

 

[2004f550]

this is what i use a bit more pricey but it works http://www.summitracing.com/parts/dvr-130512/overview/

 

[Provincial]

The HF unit and others like it rely on the high pressure cut-off switch sending a shot of air to the unloader when it shuts off the motor. The drain valve taps this shot of air to cycle the unloader. Many of the higher priced compressors use a different type of unloader that won't trigger this type of drain valve.

 

[royesses]

The HF unit uses an o'ring without support to seal the pintle valve. It works ok below 120 psi, but my 155 psi compressor instantly blows the o'ring out. Not a good way to do things.
Many guys use a drain valve from an 18 wheeler that has a cable so you can stand up and drain the tank.

 

[Jawn]

I just put a ball valve on a 6" pipe sticking out, I can open/close it with my foot. Not automatic, but cheap and easy.

 

[PT Doc]

I just put a ball valve on a 6" pipe sticking out, I can open/close it with my foot. Not automatic, but cheap and easy.

The standard for ease and simplicity. 90 degree out the bottom of the tank, appropriate length pipe and ball velvet at the end. If you plan this right the ball valve lever will be at the front of the compressor. This is how Quincy does it.

 

[Robert Hall]

I found one on eBay for about $90. It's been on for a year now, doing great.

 

[bluebolt]

The standard for ease and simplicity. 90 degree out the bottom of the tank, appropriate length pipe and ball velvet at the end. If you plan this right the ball valve lever will be at the front of the compressor. This is how Quincy does it.

That's how I do it, my lever is on the side and has a hose that vents outside. I give it a quick vent before and after every use.

 

[EdT]

I have one of the HF auto drains on my CH compressor and it has worked fine for about 10 years. My compressor only goes to 120PSI so there may be a problem with higher pressures as noted above. I think I paid <$10 for it so I couldn't go too far wrong.

 

[marinusdees]

Find a solenoid valve with a 120v coil. Put it on the drain. Plug it into a cheap 24 hr timer switch to bleed for 15 minutes. A ball or other valve can minimize the bleed rate. Foolproof, relatively cheap. If you can't drain outside put a small container under drain for oil.

 

[rice rocket]

15 minutes! Talk about a waste of energy.

 

[aussiek2000]

Our compressor has something similar to the HF piece, but it was made by the compressor MFR. It runs dozens of times daily and I've never seen anyone drain the tank nor us have any water issues.

 

[coonhunter]

we use a couple different types at work, the first is made by new jersey meter co:
http://www.njmeter.com/condensate-drain/

we have had more success with the condensate handler from drain-all
http://www.cdivalve.com/products/condensate-traps/drain-all

All that being said, I have 5 800hp compressors at work and they produce a LOT of condensate (200+ gal / day), so these solutions may be a little overkill for you. At the house, I use a ball valve and just drain manually.

 

[Danglerb]

I'm surprised nobody has come up with a cheap rework of the HF, but nada. HF less than $10, but only works below 120 psi, then a jump to stuff around $100. I paid $180 for my Craftsman compressor new with a kit of air tools, no way I pay half again for a drain valve.

 

[PT Doc]

Manual ball valve for the win.

 

[2oolhound]

Install and ignore -

http://store.norgren.com/us/en/detail/17-016-107/drip-leg-drain

EDIT -

I hadn't had coffee yet, by drain I assume you meant purge the water or condensation from the tank but some folks also refer to drain as bleed the air out of the tank.

This unit drains water as it accumulates out it's bottom but I still use a valve in line past it to bleed all compressed air at the end of the day. It is out far enough to operate with my foot easily.

 

[pepi]

I'm surprised nobody has come up with a cheap rework of the HF, but nada. HF less than $10, but only works below 120 psi, then a jump to stuff around $100. I paid $180 for my Craftsman compressor new with a kit of air tools, no way I pay half again for a drain valve.

Everybody knows that compressor is throw away anyway, however if you did go auto drain you could move it to any compressor in the future.

Hello,

I've got an air compressor setup and I'd like to be able to have it automatically drain so I don't have to drain the tanks and crawl around on the floor to open the drains. I don't use it every day, so an electronic auto-drain seems like overkill for what I need.

I found something on Harbor Freight that opens a valve when the compressor stops filling the tank: http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...ies/automatic-compressor-drain-kit-68244.html

I like that, but I've had terrible experiences with HF and air compressor accessories. Is there some other source for something like this?

Thanks!

Here is an auto drain, Moisture Minder, I use and recommend. There is a video out there showing how it works if interested you can find it, the link I list it the best price you will find it.

http://www.rite-products.com/Moistu...N-152-0000-300-PSI-14-NPT-Ports_p_800394.html

I have it installed for 2 years, the advantage is that no electric wiring needed,works at the beginning and end of the of the cycle. Works on all compressors high end or not, a pressure change is a pressure change and that it the trigger to dump for the valve.



Also take note it can be mounted anywhere, not so with any other

 

[cashishift]

manual ball valve for me.

 

[Nak]

Try a bendix dv2? I think that's the one. Haven't worked on air brakes for years and years so I'm not positive of the model. It is just a spitter valve for an air brake system. Cheap and easily available. 1/4" pipe threads and all.

 

[AP514]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/pneumatic-d...262?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20e901421e

If you are in no hurry I got mine for 35 bucks shipped...but no brass adapter/screen

 

[marinusdees]

Only if you leave the bleed rate valve wide open. Why would you do that?? OK, set the timer for 1 second. I practiced dentistry for 30 years and we tried a number of auto drains. The type that worked off pressure change(diaphragm type) worked for about two years before getting full of crud. Cleaning was of limited use, didn't work well. For the limited life and when they failed gave no indication that they were not working. They were relatively expensive. Obviously, many ways to skin this cat, just my observations, not saying this is the best or only way.

 

[LinuxMercedes]

Thanks guys! I guess I'll go with a manual drain for now; I'm surprised nobody has copied the HF drain for ~$50.