The more the use of air compressors has grown, the more we are acquainted with the problems that come with them. An air compressor’s proper maintenance is necessary to continue working smoothly.
We need to care about many things while working on its maintenance.
One of these is draining it for the accumulated water collected in the tank with use.
If the water stays there, it will harm the tank, and its functioning will be impaired.
For this reason, it becomes important to take care of the water accumulated inside the tank.
Contents
Draining Air Compressor – An Introduction
The draining process of the tank in the air compressor is crucial because it is the vital unit in developing pressure.
It is better to keep the compressor clean and well-maintained so that its efficiency is not affected.
Because of its versatility and durability, a compressor finds more uses in the household and industry compared to other tools.
The potential of it is maintained if it is drained regularly. It is an easy process that needs an understanding of how water gets in and how to drain it.
Once you are clear about it, you will drain it and run the machine fully. Here it is discussed briefly.
How does the water get in?
The main question that comes to users’ minds is how water gets into the air compressor.
For this, there is a need to understand how the compressor works. The compressor sucks air from the environment for the compression.
This air is a combination of different compounds in the air. As we know that there is moisture in the air, and it enters the compressor when the air is sucked in.
It is moisture and debris, oils, and other particles that enter the compressor tank.
It remains there even after the air is compressed and used. The moisture turns to water, and other particles settle.
It means that they will stay there and create problems in the smooth functioning of the compressor if it is not cleaned.
The problems it can create are rusting of the machine, damage of tools, reduction in efficiency, obstruction of airflow, etc.
As a result, the machine won’t be usable after a specific period. It is recommended that the compressor be drained regularly for safe use.
Finding the location for the drain
The first step in draining water and other debris is finding the location of the drain.
Before that, you have to turn off the compressor so that it doesn’t harm you during the draining process.
As the air compressors must be drained, a drain valve is present on every air compressor.
The drain valve location is usually in the lowest part of the compressor. It is done to ensure that the draining process doesn’t prove problematic for the user.
This valve is connected to a line that is used for the draining. This line collects water from the tank and then drains it.
The pressure should be reduced to 10 PSI to ensure that it doesn’t harm the user.
The location and use of drain valves are quite easy. The process of using it to drain water is given as follows.
How to drain an air compressor?
The first step in draining the air compressor is turning it off. If there are any tools connected to it, you can remove them.
The next step is reducing pressure so that you don’t face any problem if the excessive pressure is reduced. Once it is done, place a bucket or any other container below the compressor tank to collect water.
The next thing you have to do is open the drain valve to drain the accumulated water into the container.
To ensure that all the fluid inside it is drained, you have to tilt the compressor a bit. Once you are sure that the process is complete, you have to close the valve. With this step, the process of draining is complete.
Final Thoughts
As said above, the process of draining the air compressor of water and other accumulations is important.
It would be best if you did it regularly, or it will cause harm to the machine. It not only enhances the efficiency of the machine but keeps it in working condition.
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