Stupid question about portable air compressors

[domer911]

I think that this is most likely a stupid question...

My portable air compressor has a bleed valve that when opened, empties the tank of compressed air and equalizes the pressure. (They all do). Anyway, if instead of opening this valve, I bled the air through my coiled hose, doesn't this accomplish the same objective?

 

[cashishift]

I think that this is most likely a stupid question...

My portable air compressor has a bleed valve that when opened, empties the tank of compressed air and equalizes the pressure. (They all do). Anyway, if instead of opening this valve, I bled the air through my coiled hose, doesn't this accomplish the same objective?

well the tank valves are to both drain are, and more importantly water.

 

[csp]

If the OP is talking about pulling the pop-off valve, that isn't a tank drain.

 

[domer911]

If the OP is talking about pulling the pop-off valve, that isn't a tank drain.

I meant bleeding the pressure through a chuck at the end of the line. Does that accomplish the same result as opening the tank valve?

 

[domer911]

My issue is the tank is in my attic, and opening the drain valve isn't exactly an easy thing to do.

 

[AnthonyJ124]

Not the same thing, unless your bleed valve is at the bottom of the tank with the drain valve. If there's water in your tank, it'll be at the bottom, and that's what you really want to drain out.

 

[Bondo]

I meant bleeding the pressure through a chuck at the end of the line. Does that accomplish the same result as opening the tank valve?

Nope,... It won't/ don't drain the water outa the tank, which is really the only reason to drain it,....

I put a cable drain on some of my compressors, just so's I ain't gotta bend over to floor level,....

You could do the same, 'n let the cable hang down through yer ceilin',...

 

[csp]

It doesn't matter where you bleed the air out if your only intent is to bleed the air pressure off. The tank has no idea where the air is going or which hole it is exiting.

As said though, the water stuck in the bottom of the tank will not exit and it will prematurely rust out the tank from the inside out.

There's really no need to bleed the tank down either other than draining water. Leave it pressurized.

Edit: You can add fittings to that tank drain to relocate a valve to a location that IS convenient, as long as it's lower than the bottom of the tank. The fittings are standard plumbing NPT fittings.

 

[LB-1911]

My issue is the tank is in my attic, and opening the drain valve isn't exactly an easy thing to do.

Install on your tank for easy draining.

Cable-pull stop **** has a 5-ft. cable for opening and closing.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#drain-handle-stop-*****/=101uvll

 

[the gypsy]

While we are on the subject of bleeding the air through the drain, can someone tell me why some manufacturers do not put the drain exactly at the lowest point? The Makita I have, the drain is at a slight angle and slightly higher than the bottom of the tank. So if I don't angle it right the water will accumulate at the lowest point.

 

[domer911]

It doesn't matter where you bleed the air out if your only intent is to bleed the air pressure off. The tank has no idea where the air is going or which hole it is exiting.

As said though, the water stuck in the bottom of the tank will not exit and it will prematurely rust out the tank from the inside out.

There's really no need to bleed the tank down either other than draining water. Leave it pressurized.

Edit: You can add fittings to that tank drain to relocate a valve to a location that IS convenient, as long as it's lower than the bottom of the tank. The fittings are standard plumbing NPT fittings.

At the risk of further revealing my ignorance, my tanks are aluminum, and the tank manual suggests bleeding the drain valve after every use.

 

[domer911]

nvm. NOT aluminum

 

[LS6 Tommy]

While we are on the subject of bleeding the air through the drain, can someone tell me why some manufacturers do not put the drain exactly at the lowest point? The Makita I have, the drain is at a slight angle and slightly higher than the bottom of the tank. So if I don't angle it right the water will accumulate at the lowest point.

Many drain valves have a siphon tube that goes to the lowest point of the tank, so valve location is not critical.

Tommy

 

[csp]

the tank manual suggests bleeding the drain valve after every use.

Every manufacturer suggests draining the tank valve after every use. That's impractical however, and depending on your location, may not be necessary. Tank condensation in Florida is going to be much higher than in Arizona for example.

Draining it at any point other than the tank drain negates the purpose which is to remove condensation in the tank. The purpose is not to "equalize" the pressure in the tank to ambient conditions.

 

[domer911]

thanks gentlemen, I feel smarter and I have you to thank for that. In my world, the cable-pull stop **** is another project (lol) that I look forward to, only because I think I can actually handle it. Thank you very much again!

 

[the gypsy]

Many drain valves have a siphon tube that goes to the lowest point of the tank, so valve location is not critical.

Tommy

Like you said "many" doesn't mean all. I will verify again, but I am almost sure that if I don't tip the tank forward slightly the tank will not drain the little water thaty is in it.

 

[ford33]

After only a couple years of use my cable pull style drain valve would not open to drain the water. I removed it last week and found some gunk blocking the small orifice in the valve. I replaced the cable pull valve with a 1/8" NPT brass ball valve, 1/8" x 6 inch long brass pipe and a brass street elbow. Works well now.

 

[gregtwojeeps]

Every application could different for tank drains. Do whatever works for you and you can put some rubber spacers under your tank to get it to drain if needed. Although 60 PSI of air will move it on out.

 

[Dave in Mass]

Like you said "many" doesn't mean all. I will verify again, but I am almost sure that if I don't tip the tank forward slightly the tank will not drain the little water thaty is in it.

Mine is not exactly on the bottom either but I usually drain while there is still pressure in the tank so plenty of water comes out. I do usually tip it as well as I get closer to empty (air and water).

My guess is the main reason the drain is not on the exact bottom of the tank is solely for ease of use and accessibility to the drain.