automatic compressor drains...

[Junkman]

Do you have an automatic compressor drain installed on your compressor tank? If so, what type and brand is it? I have not installed one yet, but do open the ball valve at the bottom of the tank on a regular basis..

 

[toms73novass]

I have the harbor freight auto one. The first unit I got was defective, the second has works well. I had to modifiy from the tubing that came with it. I used copper tube instead. No need to monitor it. It purges when the pump kicks on. If you don't run the compressor it doesn't run.

 

[SteveU]

I have one that came with the compressor, only thing I could find on it was ADV-1. These are sweet, never have to worry about water rusting the bottom of your tank out because you forgot to drain it. They do take a bit of getting used to as it sometimes blows off when you walk by the compressor doing other things if you leave it plugged in all the time.

 

[Piper]

I bought one that is a solenoid which has a timer attached to it. I can set it to open (purge) for 1 to 10 seconds, with intervals anywhere up to a couple of hours. I find this to work really well as in the summer the moisture accumulates pretty fast. Having it blow off on a regular schedule (vs when the compressor kicks in) seems to really handle the condensation well. I have the info at work and I'm at home now. If you're interested fire me a pm and I'll get it for you on Monday.

Piper

 

[bmwpower]

I have an Ingersoll Rand ADV. Just got it a couple of weeks ago. Steve is right, they take a little bit to get used to. It would help if the thing was plumbed to the outside, but then my neighbors might mind. Might not be an issue when I get a new compressor and put it in an enclosed shed attached to the garage.

Mine is set to the lowest length of time and longest interval.

It's nice to know that if I don't get into the garage regularly, I don't have to worry about draining the tank.

 

[Junkman]

I have an Ingersoll Rand ADV. Just got it a couple of weeks ago. Steve is right, they take a little bit to get used to. It would help if the thing was plumbed to the outside, but then my neighbors might mind. Might not be an issue when I get a new compressor and put it in an enclosed shed attached to the garage.

Mine is set to the lowest length of time and longest interval.

It's nice to know that if I don't get into the garage regularly, I don't have to worry about draining the tank.

I see that you purchased it on eBay....... how much did you have to bid to win????

 

[bmwpower]

I see that you purchased it on eBay....... how much did you have to bid to win????

$67.50 + $6 shipping.

I've been watching for several months and they seem to go for $60-80.

There are other kinds out there, too, that should do just a good a job.

 

[G M]

I have one off ebay too, paid like $45, since my compressor is in my attic I needed it. I also got a 3/4" electric solenoid valve for the airlines right at the tank. Both are hooked up to a switch at ground level, when I need air I turn the switch on, it opens the valve and the drain. Shut it off at the end of the night , keeps the air in the tank and shuts the airlines down

 

[bmwpower]

I have one off ebay too, paid like $45, since my compressor is in my attic I needed it. I also got a 3/4" electric solenoid valve for the airlines right at the tank. Both are hooked up to a switch at ground level, when I need air I turn the switch on, it opens the valve and the drain. Shut it off at the end of the night , keeps the air in the tank and shuts the airlines down

Nice. What is required for the solenoid? Do you wire it directly to 120v or do you need other components?

 

[Ramblur]

My buddy the x snap-on dealer gave me one, but I haven't even opened the
box yet. I'll take some pics when I install it,but probably too pricey to even
worry about.

 

[G M]

Nice. What is required for the solenoid? Do you wire it directly to 120v or do you need other components?

Just wire into 120 to energize it. They come normally open and normally closed so for this application you would need a NC Look on ebay for ASCO valves, check for the correct max pressure, voltage, NC or NO and the NPT size you need. I got my $600 valve off ebay for $10 brand new.

 

[bmwpower]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130101447880

Buy it now.

 

[Dave88LX]

Nice, I need to pick up one of these. I don't drain my tank nearly as often as I should, since it's a PITA to get to the compressor and get under it.

 

[atch]

i've been watching this since it started. i guess i'm just to lazy to crawl under there to drain the tank regularly; and too cheap to buy something automatic. so i just leave the existing valve cracked a hair. JUST A SMALL HAIR. just enough to barely hear it. i loose a scosh of air constantly, but it's taking condensation with it.

yeah, the tank's empty every time i want to use it. and i use a bit more electricity than i would otherwise. BUT my tank never keeps condensation in it.

 

[Jay H 237]

i've been watching this since it started. i guess i'm just to lazy to crawl under there to drain the tank regularly; and too cheap to buy something automatic. so i just leave the existing valve cracked a hair. JUST A SMALL HAIR. just enough to barely hear it. i loose a scosh of air constantly, but it's taking condensation with it.

yeah, the tank's empty every time i want to use it. and i use a bit more electricity than i would otherwise. BUT my tank never keeps condensation in it.

We did the same thing when I worked in a cabinet shop (woodworking). There was an 80 gallon Dayton that we always left it cracked slightly. The compressor was shut off every night. Never had to drain any water out of it the 4 years I worked there.

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

I have an Ingersoll Rand ADV. Just got it a couple of weeks ago. Steve is right, they take a little bit to get used to. It would help if the thing was plumbed to the outside, but then my neighbors might mind. Might not be an issue when I get a new compressor and put it in an enclosed shed attached to the garage.

Mine is set to the lowest length of time and longest interval.

It's nice to know that if I don't get into the garage regularly, I don't have to worry about draining the tank.

thats the one I have been using for several years never misses a beat. I say one the other day in a flyer for NAPA might check there for one. ED

 

[atch]

i've been watching this since it started. i guess i'm just to lazy to crawl under there to drain the tank regularly; and too cheap to buy something automatic. so i just leave the existing valve cracked a hair. JUST A SMALL HAIR. just enough to barely hear it. i loose a scosh of air constantly, but it's taking condensation with it.

yeah, the tank's empty every time i want to use it. and i use a bit more electricity than i would otherwise. BUT my tank never keeps condensation in it.

i forgot to mention that i put a shallow pan under the drain so the condensate drains into the pan and then evaporates.