Hello all, I recently got a small air compressor(small, but suits my needs) Something i have wondered about is do i need an in line water separator? If so can anyone recommend a good one? i do oil my tools before i use them. Otherwise are there other ways to avoid water getting to my tools? Am i worrying more than i need to? Thanks in advance everyone. - Jake
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Water seperator for compressor?
- Thread starter 88jake150
- Start date
timboammons
Member
Any time you can remove moisture from your air line you should do so. I use eastwood brand on all of our air lines, for plasma cutting, to die grinders, impacts etc.
Cyberbear
Well-known member
Water is harmful in most air supply systems and should be removed as effectively as possible. Removing water vapor from the air before it reaches the regulator is also very important. The negative effects of water in the air line will become evident over time.
Too little information . . . .
. . . . . . . . Is "small" compressor . . pancake / 2 gal single tube / 30 gal ??
. . . . . . . . Are "tools" . . . . grinder / sander / air ratchet / air impact ??
These used every day 8 hrs or occasional homeowner use ??
. . . . . . . . Is "small" compressor . . pancake / 2 gal single tube / 30 gal ??
. . . . . . . . Are "tools" . . . . grinder / sander / air ratchet / air impact ??
These used every day 8 hrs or occasional homeowner use ??
sberry
Banned
See if you have a problem before you panic. There should be a filter anyway and put a few drops in the tool after the fact. Listing location and climate helps but millions of these are in use without additional equipment contrary to the internet.
Think this is a commercial outfit?These used every day 8 hrs or occasional homeowner use ??
myredracer
Well-known member
Yes, you need a water separator. A good plan is to cool the air before it gets to the separator and the common and least expensive way is to use 25' or more of copper piping or a radiator/condensor mounted on the compressor or wall. For a production shop you'd be looking at a refrigerated dryer ($$).
I just installed a cooling/filtering setup. Did tons of research and found that there is no single "go to" website for info. on all this stuff. I initially bought an IR ARO water separator and did not like it when I opened the box. Kinda cheap looking and small. Returned it and got a Devilbiss #130041 that is larger and more substantial. I also bought an auto drain for the Devilbiss unit. Got both on Amazon as they were the cheapest.
For ordinary home shop use, a smaller water separator is probably just fine. Just need to drain it regularly.
Depending on what you are doing, you may also want to look into further filtration and a desiccant type air dryer.
Devilbiss: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001WAH7US?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00Devilss
ARO: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200392575_200392575
I just installed a cooling/filtering setup. Did tons of research and found that there is no single "go to" website for info. on all this stuff. I initially bought an IR ARO water separator and did not like it when I opened the box. Kinda cheap looking and small. Returned it and got a Devilbiss #130041 that is larger and more substantial. I also bought an auto drain for the Devilbiss unit. Got both on Amazon as they were the cheapest.
For ordinary home shop use, a smaller water separator is probably just fine. Just need to drain it regularly.
Depending on what you are doing, you may also want to look into further filtration and a desiccant type air dryer.
Devilbiss: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001WAH7US?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00Devilss
ARO: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200392575_200392575
I've been wanting to build a franzinator, but still haven't gotten around to it. so what I do is keep a cheap blow gun on the farthest and lowest line. if I am worried about moisture, I spray the blow gun and all the musty smelling damp air that collected blows out...that's about it...never had any trouble with moisture ruining any tools, and my plasma cutter works just fine (though it does have a water separator on it)...I know there is still moisture being generated but doesn't seem to have caused any problems in 15 yrs...YMMV