Compressor in basement. Where h20 separator?

[dangdude]

I've moved my air compressor downstairs, and am installing the 3/4" rapidair maxline kit. I have 2 garages at ground level so there's a 6 feet of vertical maxline pipe going up to a maxline tee in the basement, with maxline pipe going horizontally into the foot of each garage, about 3 and 10 feet away. One garage only has a reel for tire fillups; the other will have impacts and rachets and maybe sandblasting but not painting.

Unfortunately, I know nothing about real air setups. Does an air separator need to be at the bottom of the vertical pipe where the compressor will connect, or one in each garage? I think I need a regulator in each garage. Do I need a dessicant dryer as well?

 

[The Cobbler]

air separator can be virtually anywhere in the system but the closer to your work is probably better .
desicant drier? what are you using the air for depends on how dry it should be

 

[Bricol]

I have two of these - one plumbed in permanently in the line in the garage, some distance from the compressor, and another ready to be connected into longer supply hoses at point of use. Never seen a sign of moisture at the outlet.

Dropout® Inline Water Separator for Compressed Air - PCL TIRE INFLATION

Exceptional compressed air quality guaranteed with this 1/2" Compact Dropout® inline water separator

www.pcltireinflationusa.com

In the UK, they are cheaper on Amazon - might be the same in the US.

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

At the “working end” is best.

 

[redmondjp]

And slope your piping system such that it preferably drains back to the tank, and/or to the downstream condensate trap leg where you should have a drain valve.

 

[mike93lx]

There is a common misconception that an oil/water separator is an optional add-on to an air compressor. The truth is, oil/water separators are not optional, but are mandatory for compressed air applications. ... The condensate that is produced is contaminated with the oil that is used to lubricate the compressor

It isn't mandatory. It may be highly recommended though.

Also, not all compressors are oil lubricated

 

[FredWanaker]

I'd put one near the take off point in each garage where you can keep an eye on it. Water vapor in the hose has to cool to become liquid water, so you want to be at least far enough down the line that has happened.

 

[engineer2]

I have my compressor in the basement as well. It's very handy to have some type of automatic water drain on the tank. Also add a manual drain so you can see if the automatic drain is doing its job.

An aftercooler is nice to have. Using a real air dryer depends somewhat on how humid it gets where you live. An inline desiccant drier is a good idea if you are going to do some painting.

The bonus of a basement air compressor is you home air conditioner has done some the moisture removal work for you. If you find water in your air lines or mist when you use an air gun, then you can look for better solutions.