In-line air filters/water separators.

[a.pengue]

Hey guys, im starting this thread because ive done much searching, on this site and on others, about the effectiveness of inline water separators for air tools.
Ive seen threads where a 5micron filter is recommended, and others where a 0.1 micron is used.
Im getting a new impact wrench, and am going to use it daily and my garage just has.. water in their airlines. They dont care about their setup and they have an old setup as well. So I guess my question is.. how well DO these water separators really work? they seem like theyre generally priced between $10 - 100$

like this one for example: http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/sgt99000.html
I know that it might work, but i dont know if it will remove at least 90% of water. Im not looking for any desicants or filters or water separators to install at the base of all connections - the compressor. That is out of the question for me.
What in-lines do you use?

 

[930dreamer]

If your not allowing the air to cool before trying to filter the water out it's not going to work well. If all you have is air line, use as much as possible to cool the air, then use the small filter.

 

[Vinko]

I've got filters just before all my drops. Combination filter/regulator. By filter I mean "water separator", but I don't know if the industry makes a distinction between the two or not. I got the Parker-Watts models. 1/4" inlet and outlet. I'd like to upgrade them to something a little more stout, though they've held up in a pretty heavy environment of constant impact and die grinder use for a while. Got them from McMaster-Carr.

 

[930dreamer]

I re- read post. If it's for work location, piece together a water seperator that you can quick connect to the air line you use. If there is no water removal at the shop you need it for your tools. I got all of this off ebay for about $30.

 

[MattT]

Ive seen threads where a 5micron filter is recommended, and others where a 0.1 micron is used.

The filters solid particle micron rating doesn't noticeably affect water removal. Might be some theoretical difference but I haven't seen it. Skip the inline contraption and get a quality filter with autodrain. If you can't easily QC it into the shop air mounting it on your cart is a good spot if you use a cart.

 

[a.pengue]

Thank you for your responses.
dreamer- that would be a cool setup for me at a nice price. I unfortunately cant have anything wall-mounted because i am ALWAYS alternating between different automotive lifts at my work, so it has to be pretty portable and quick connect. I know the inline stuff does not work as well as the filters/regulators you would mount on the wall, so im wondering if its worth it to just install a milton auto-drain filter right at my air-hose. It might not be vertical so probably won't perform as well, but what kind of performance change are we talking about here? Im just afraid ill spend good money on good regulators and filters, and wont be able to properly use them and have them effective.

 

[78Bird]

Perhaps install one to the back of a tool cart so you can attach your air, then run a hose to your tools out of it.

maybe even with a little hard line to create a trap to catch any liquid water coming to you through the lines. Perhaps in one side, over to a T that drains down and loops up to a filter/regulator and back to where you attach a line for the tools. That would catch and allow you to drain 95% of any liquid water and let the filter get any that's left. This should get the moisture down to where the tools can tolerate it.

That whole contraption could be bolted to a panel that mounts to the back of a mobile tool cart and setup with connections to plug and play at any station you move to.


The shop should have a better setup than that, they are ruining their (YOUR) tools.

 

[930dreamer]

Perhaps install one to the back of a tool cart so you can attach your air, then run a hose to your tools out of it.

maybe even with a little hard line to create a trap to catch any liquid water coming to you through the lines. Perhaps in one side, over to a T that drains down and loops up to a filter/regulator and back to where you attach a line for the tools. That would catch and allow you to drain 95% of any liquid water and let the filter get any that's left. This should get the moisture down to where the tools can tolerate it.

That whole contraption could be bolted to a panel that mounts to the back of a mobile tool cart and setup with connections to plug and play at any station you move to.


The shop should have a better setup than that, they are ruining their (YOUR) tools.

I think you nailed it.

 

[porcupine73]

I use the Craftsman little filter regulators. I don't usually see any water collecting in the bowl. I don't use my compressed air setup super often, but it also has a Wix aquacheck in the line so that might be helping remove the moisture. My line also goes through about 40' of 2" black pipe before it goes to any of the drops so that might be helping keep the moisture down.

 

[a.pengue]

yeah sounds like a good idea to mount a little setup on my cart. It would be pretty practical and efficient.

 

[a.pengue]

what im actually planning on doing is attaching a mini, flat metal wall bracket on it, and glue some super super strong magnets on it with industrial glue.. i dont know what glue it is but its damn strong. then i can just stick that onto the lift pillars and work from there! sounds like a plan. i ordered a milton coalescing filter

 

[MattT]

what im actually planning on doing is attaching a mini, flat metal wall bracket on it, and glue some super super strong magnets on it with industrial glue.. i dont know what glue it is but its damn strong. then i can just stick that onto the lift pillars and work from there! sounds like a plan. i ordered a milton coalescing filter

Coalescing filter is for oil removal. You want a regular filter.

And great idea mounting it on the cart 78Bird

 

[vssjim]

The Wix Filters Aquacheck line of filters are very good

 

[a.pengue]

any idea what kind of air tool oil to use? they recommend lightweight air tool oil.. they advise not to use marvel air tool oil.. and im guessing it has to be detergent free as it (foams up and gums up the inside of your tool). what a headache!

 

[JASTECH]

Yes the cart is excellent for him! I also use a whip with inline oiler connected to impact/rachet. Also different colour hose for oil free so no accident while priming or just blowing off vehicle ect.. They make coupler/male connection matched set in 3 colours to keep accidents down. JM2C

Thanks, JASTECH