Condensate Drains: Ways To Deal With Air Compressor Condensate

Removing condensate is extremely important for maintaining the appropriate air quality level in air compressors. Condensate is the moisture that collects out of the air compressor as the air is cooled. It is crucial that this byproduct is removed from the compressed air system, due to the damage it could cause to the entire machine. Any moisture in the compressor system could lead to the growth of rust or mold in the compressor or piping. It could also damage equipment, tools or accessories connected to the compressor. Additionally, because it can be carried in the air flow, condensate may reach and ruin any products that are being manufactured. There are multiple ways to remove condensate.

With manual operation, the operators manually open valves to discharge condensate. This method depends on people opening valves at the appropriate time for the necessary amount of time. It also leads to excess loss because air escapes when the valves are left open to drain the condensate.

Level-operated mechanical float traps use a float connected by linkage to a drain valve that opens when an upper setting is reached and closes when the drain is emptied. This convenient method is best suited for a fully-attended powerhouse operation with scheduled maintenance. However, it is more prone to blockage from the condensate, as well as getting stuck in open and closed positions.

Next, there are solenoid-operated drain valves that can be used to manage the condensate. These valves have timing devices that can be set to open for specific amounts of time at pre-set adjustable intervals. This is a very convenient method. These valves also require strainers to reduce contaminants. Contaminants could potentially block the inlet and discharge parts of these devices.

Finally, zero-loss traps are considered to be one of the most reliable ways of getting rid of condensate. These traps have a float or level sensor that operates an electric solenoid or ball valve to maintain the condensate level in the reservoir below the high level point, or a float activates a pneumatic signal to an air cylinder to open a ball valve through a linkage to expel the condensate in the reservoir to the low level point. Basically, this method wastes no air and is very reliable.

Obviously, there are many methods to deal with air compressor condensate. Removing condensate is a very important part of air compressor maintenance and upkeep. As long as you remove it, your compressed air system should stay in great shape!