Help me plumb my compressor!

[kidatari]

I found a compressor setup with a 5HP dayton motor, 60gal tank, and the below compressor pump, which I just found out to be a Dresser compressor. While piecing it all together, I ran into a question.

What is the port with the red arrow sticker pointing to it supposed to be plumbed to? I think that it's supposed to be tee'd into the unloader valve, but I'm not sure.

Anyone know?

Thanks in advance for your help!

- Josh

 

[walrus]

I think that is the unloader valve?, Isn't that a check valve above that fitting?

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Thats a centrifugal unloader valve. You can leave it open, or you could run a line from there to a pneumatic operated tank drain valve, which is probably how it was plumbed originally. When the pump stops turning, the unloader dumps the air out this fitting, the air pressure passes down to the tank drain, and the pressure opens the tank drain momentarily. There is an orifice in the tank drain so the pressure bleeds off after a few seconds and the tank drain valve spring loads shut.

Your choice, leave it open (might add some sort of muffler to it), or.....

install a tank drain valve like this

http://www.aircomparts-air-compressors.com/tank-drains-automatic-pheumatic/

http://www.aircompressorsplus.com/automatic-drains.html

Charles

 

[nate379]

That arrow is the crank rotation I would imagine. Common to see that on pumps I've worked on.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Indeed, this pump almost for certain has an oil pump, and thus, the pump must turn in the proper direction. Run it backwards and it won't last long.

Charles

 

[kidatari]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Of course, I get my compressor setup complete tonight, and I find out that the 60gal horizontal tank is leaking Lovely evening.