Does it hurt to leave air in a compresser?

[automotive stud]

I alway have, but then someone who's knowledge is questionable told me I shouldn't. I don't want to wreck my new 60 gallon 7 horse job. I've got it sealed tight as a drum, it's held at 120 all week. It actually goes up to 135 but I used it a bit. Should I drain it if I don't plan to use it, or can I just leave it so it's ready when I am? Pressure won't hurt the valves or seals? I have a water trap and I always drain the trap and tank after extended use, or every so often.

 

[z28toz06]

I alway have, but then someone who's knowledge is questionable told me I shouldn't. I don't want to wreck my new 60 gallon 7 horse job. I've got it sealed tight as a drum, it's held at 120 all week. It actually goes up to 135 but I used it a bit. Should I drain it if I don't plan to use it, or can I just leave it so it's ready when I am? Pressure won't hurt the valves or seals? I have a water trap and I always drain the trap and tank after extended use, or every so often.

when you compress air you heat it up. That causes moisture. It should be drained if you arent going to use it for a while I believe.

 

[PAToyota]

I have an electric drain on a timer to drain moisture, so I just turn the compressor off when I'm not using it but don't drain it. After a couple weeks the automatic drain will have drained all the pressure out of it, but usually I'm using it every couple days and it is easier to start with some amount of pressure than wait for it to completely fill each time I use it.

In the winter, I don't get out there as much so I do drain it completely when I am done so that the moisture doesn't ice up.

 

[GShelton]

I think your advisor was taking the "Drain Daily" sticker the wrong way. You only have to drain the water on a regular basis.

I have a 5hp 60 gal compressor that holds air in it everyday and has for the last 15 years.

 

[wilbilt]

I worked in professional automotive shops for about 20 years.

"Draining the compressors" was a daily task with almost religious significance.

At the end of the day, the disconnects were locked out and the drain valves opened. Water would pour out by the gallons.

In the mornings, they were started and allowed to run for a few minutes with the drains open to purge any moisture that collected overnight.

This was a commercial setting, and required passing the state "pressure vessel" inspection every few years. Your mileage may vary.

At home, I always drain at least once a week. (5HP two-stage 80 gallon)

 

[Ign]

Yeah, drain THE WATER sure. But don't de-pressurize everyday. Leaving it pressurized won't hurt a thing, that's the idea. It would be more taxing on the compressor to ask it to fill 60 gallons right off the bat everyday.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Yeah, drain THE WATER sure. But don't de-pressurize everyday. Leaving it pressurized won't hurt a thing, that's the idea. It would be more taxing on the compressor to ask it to fill 60 gallons right off the bat everyday.

I second this, drain the water. No sense in depressurizing every day.

Charles

 

[tbob]

OK This is probably a stupid question. How to you drain air in the tank without losing pressure? What kind of setup do you use? Thanks Terry

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

OK This is probably a stupid question. How to you drain air in the tank without losing pressure? What kind of setup do you use? Thanks Terry

If your refering to the previous post (drain the water, no sense in depressurizing everyday)...
Then, every time you open the drain valve you will lose some pressure. as the water drains out, the air has a bigger space to fill, and pressure drops. When the water is all out, and the air starts coming out, you close the valve, and of course, as the water was leaving (if the compressor is on), pressure drops, and the compressor kicks on.
What I have done at the mechanics garage, is shutdown the compressor when draining, just to make sure I can hear for any air leaks, check the oil, etc., to make sure everything is in good working order.

 

[SteveL]

I wish I could get mine to hold full pressure for more than a day! I have a number of drops, 3 hose reels and about 100' of copper pipe in my system and I've had a hard time getting rid of all of the little leaks! Some are form the quick disconects and others are the threaded joints. Luckily, my solder joints seem to be OK. What's the trick to getting a system "air tight"???

 

[wilbilt]

I wish I could get mine to hold full pressure for more than a day! I have a number of drops, 3 hose reels and about 100' of copper pipe in my system and I've had a hard time getting rid of all of the little leaks! Some are form the quick disconects and others are the threaded joints. Luckily, my solder joints seem to be OK. What's the trick to getting a system "air tight"???

A spray bottle of soapy solution and patience.

I hate air leaks. Hoses and quick disconnects are always suspect.

I generally shut off the ball valve at the compressor when I want to save air. There is still a small pesky leak somewhere, and I suspect it only happens when the compressor is shut off and the lights are out.

I need to get out there with a flashlight and my spray bottle...



Seriously, I think it is the check valve at the tank inlet. I WILL find it, though.

Will

 

[PAToyota]

Same here, I shut off the valve at the compressor. The compressor usually kicks on for awhile when I open it up to the piping, but it is still a lot less work than filling up all the piping AND the 80 gallon tank.

 

[JCByrd24]

A good way to drain the water is to add a ball valve instead of the typical "petcock". A quick quarter turn and you're going full blast. A few seconds and the water is out and close it back up...I ran mine out from under the compressor on a short piece of hose so I can do it with my foot, which is 100x better then bending over and getting underneath do mess with the petcock. I also turn my compressor off and close the tank valve as others have mentioned.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

A good way to drain the water is to add a ball valve instead of the typical "petcock". A quick quarter turn and you're going full blast. A few seconds and the water is out and close it back up...I ran mine out from under the compressor on a short piece of hose so I can do it with my foot, which is 100x better then bending over and getting underneath do mess with the petcock. I also turn my compressor off and close the tank valve as others have mentioned.

Here is a pic of what I did for a compressor base and drain.

Charles

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=4246&d=1137985390

 

[Abe]

OT: I'm in love with that base setup. Nice work man.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

OT: I'm in love with that base setup. Nice work man.

Overkill, I'll admit, but I didn't want to drill the floor for anchors (I eventually expect to move it), didn't want to leave it on the pallet (too redneck), and I didn't just want to put it on the floor, (too unstable). I had the tubing, 2x3x.125 and just enough of it, so I bought the feet from MSC and cobbed it together. Drilled the holes in a drill press to make sure they were square. I'm not a good welder, but good enough that it won't come apart (a 4 inch Makita angle grinder helps me be a better welder for sure)

Charles