Compressor filter / dryer without complicating things / question

[yzman720]

Ok I have read and read this super complex filtration and dryer designs.
I have a 5 bay shop. 3bays then an office in center then another 2 bays.
Let me be the 1st to tell you I know nothing about filtering or drying. I see all of these guys putting the filter next to or as close to the hose being used as possible. With my setup that just isn't possible. There are copper air lines everywhere and connection points for hoses everywhere. In my current set up (old service station) we are still running a 1950's 80 gal compressor with either a dryer or filter directly off of the compressor then the airlines being fed all through the 5 bays. I don't know if its a dryer of filter is just a can mounted directly to the compressor. My question is: Is there just a simple combo filter / dryer I can mount in the same spot? right next to the compressor and feed the entire shop lines? I realize I am asking the question here but honestly the current setup has worked for over 50 years. So can anyone recommend a quality combo filter dryer I can mount? I came across a newer Curtis 80 gal that I am going to replace the old one with and I just figured while I am installing it might as well get a new filter / dryer as well. Thoughts inputs?

 

[sberry]

If its working why mess with it? Hook up the new comp and carry on.

 

[yzman720]

If its working why mess with it? Hook up the new comp and carry on.

completely agree with your logic! The problem is the can that is right next to the compressor is so old I know its going to crumble for lack of better words when I install the new compressor

 

[donpauli2]

The purpose of the CAN by th compressor is to catch the first fluid. As it travels from there out the rest of the lines the piping cools the air down and moisture drops out into your hoses. That's why in a correctly designed system the service drops come off the top and have drain valves at the bottom which are lower than your connection fittings. Just sayin


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[redmondjp]

Does the filter/drier unit (whatever it is) that you have now have a drain petcock on the bottom of it?

Most of the low-cost driers are of the coalescing type, and those don't work well right at the compressor (air is too hot - the dryer relies upon catching the tiny water droplets in the airstream and this happens after the air has cooled off).

I'm with the poster above - I wouldn't worry that much about installing a new filter/drier unit with your new compressor. How is your existing tank? You could leave that installed, and run the new compressor output into it. This will really help to keep your air dryer.

The main thing is that you drain your compressor tank at least once daily, if you don't have an auto drain valve installed.

 

[yzman720]

Does the filter/drier unit (whatever it is) that you have now have a drain petcock on the bottom of it?

Most of the low-cost driers are of the coalescing type, and those don't work well right at the compressor (air is too hot - the dryer relies upon catching the tiny water droplets in the airstream and this happens after the air has cooled off).

I'm with the poster above - I wouldn't worry that much about installing a new filter/drier unit with your new compressor. How is your existing tank? You could leave that installed, and run the new compressor output into it. This will really help to keep your air dryer.

The main thing is that you drain your compressor tank at least once daily, if you don't have an auto drain valve installed.

Yes it has a drain petcock at the bottom. I would still like to install a new "can" right at the compressor like this one has. Any clue if it would be a filter or a dryer? I'm assuming its a dryer since it has a drain petcock at the bottom but not sure if I'm correct? What would be a good new one I can get. This old one I don't feel comfortable reinstalling.

 

[yzman720]

As previously mention the can is so old and decrepit I can't reuse it when it is disassembled.

I have decided to use this setup since the new filter should not be located directly against the tank. Is this setup ok if I just add a dryer where their separator is? I probably won't add a regulator

I have found this pic in several places but please don't laugh - I don't understand the 1/2" T at the beginning? What is the T for? if it is just hooking into your compressor at this point why is there a T and not a 90?

Any recommendations for a new good dryer?

 

[md21722]

The T represents your distribution line. This setup would be installed at the point of use, like a shop bay, not at the compressor tank. Parker, Milton, Wilkerson, or Speedaire rebrands are all fine to use. But as the other posters have already said, putting a filter/dryer at the tank does not capture as much water as farther out in the system. Some of them have float valves so they auto drain, but if dirt gets in the float it can be an air leak. Others only drain at zero pressure. Some have valves.

 

[yzman720]

The T represents your distribution line. This setup would be installed at the point of use, like a shop bay, not at the compressor tank. Parker, Milton, Wilkerson, or Speedaire rebrands are all fine to use. But as the other posters have already said, putting a filter/dryer at the tank does not capture as much water as farther out in the system. Some of them have float valves so they auto drain, but if dirt gets in the float it can be an air leak. Others only drain at zero pressure. Some have valves.

Thank you so much I did not realize this.
Well what about this setup then? And after the pressure regulator feed the rest of the shop?