When an air compressor tank gets blocked, the air pressure in the system drops. This can result in loss of pressure and damage to the equipment. Sometimes, drain and dry valves may also fail to drain the excess moisture from the system.
Air compressor tank draining is a vital task that needs to be completed regularly to ensure the safety of the compressor and its users. When the tank becomes full, it could pose a risk of injury to the person using it or damage to property.
It is also important for air compressor owners to drain their tanks regularly, as doing so ensures optimum performance and extends the life of the compressor and its components. We will talk about how air compressor tank draining is carried out and why it is carried out, along with some tips on how you can carry out this important task yourself.
6 Easy Steps About How To Drain An Air Compressor Tank
Air tanks must be drained of water accumulated due to condensation or sudden temperature changes, which can be done by turning the drain valve counter-clockwise. To drain the air tank, use a float-operated valve or a timer-controlled valve.
These valves are commonly used to drain the air tank and release water. The after-cooler on an air compressor is the first place where water will collect and must be drained manually or through an automatic drain valve. Draining excess water from the system is important to maintain the longevity of the system and keep moisture out of the compressed air supply.
1. Turn The Air Compressor Off
When draining the air compressor tank, it’s important to turn it off and unplug it in order to ensure that it is completely off. Additionally, it is essential to make sure the drain valve is closed and turned counter-clockwise to prevent air pressure from escaping when the compressor is turned off. To drain the tank, you must also check that the valve mechanism is closed to prevent air from escaping once the water has been drained.
2. Open Safety Valve And Release Pressure
To drain an air compressor tank, the safety valve at the bottom of the tank must be opened. This valve allows pressure to be released safely without releasing air into the air compressor. To drain the tank, it is crucial to drain water out of the tank before turning on the air compressor.
Different types of valves are available for draining tanks, ranging from float-operated valves to timer-controlled valves. Some valves have built-in safety features that help prevent overfilling or overpressurization. In addition to valves, an air compressor pressure switch control valve can also be used to reduce the release of pressure from an air compressor tank.
3. Place Container Under The Tank
To drain an air compressor tank, a container must be placed underneath the tank to collect the water. Common drain valves are located at the bottom of the air compressor tanks and must be opened to allow the water to be released. It is important to start the draining process by turning the drain valve counter-clockwise to fully open it. After all of the water has been removed, the drain valve should be closed by turning it clockwise to prevent air pressure loss.
4. Locate Drain Valve And Open It
To drain an air compressor tank, you must locate the drain valve and open it. The drain valve is typically located at the bottom of the air compressor’s tank. To drain the tank, open the drain valve by turning it counterclockwise. Allow the drain valve to remain open until all water has been removed from the tank.
Different types of drain valves are available, such as float-operated, timer-controlled, and zero-loss valves that automatically stop when water is removed from the system. Once all water has been removed from the system, close and secure the drain valve to prevent any air from entering or escaping.
5. Tilt Air Compressor And Remove The Remaining Moisture
To drain an air compressor tank, start by turning the drain valve counter-clockwise to open. After all the water has drained out, close the drain valve and use the valve mechanism to open it and release the water via gravity. Next, pressurize the air tank on the day that the air compressor is going to be used.
This will help ensure that there is sufficient air in the tank for operation. When draining an air compressor tank, it’s important to take care not to overfill it, as this can cause damage or harm to the air compressor.
6. Close Drain Valve
An air compressor comes with drain valves located at the bottom of the tank. These valves must be opened fully to drain the air from the system and must be closed to prevent air pressure loss when the air compressor is turned on.
After draining the air, the drain valve must be closed to ensure that the compressed air system is properly sealed and no longer susceptible to leaks or damage. These drain valves are used in all areas of a compressed air system, including compressors, dryers, receiver tanks, and inline filters. These valves ensure that the water being used to fill and drain the system can always be replaced without any loss in efficiency.
Why Should You Drain An Air Compressor Tank?
Draining the water from the air compressor tank can help prevent corrosion of the tank and other issues related to water accumulation. It is also important to drain the water from air compressor tanks when using air tools or equipment with a water intake.
Otherwise, water buildup may damage these items and cause them to malfunction. Water accumulation can also damage components inside an air compressor, causing it to become less efficient and wear down more quickly.
If left unchecked, the accumulated water may damage the compressor or cause it to explode. Draining the water can also reduce wear on the tools and equipment powered by the compressor unit.
Tips For Maintaining Your Air Compressor Tank
Air compressors need regular draining to avoid rusting, and it’s important to drain them daily to prevent this from happening. You can use a Ball Valve Tank Drain Kit to make this job easy and hassle-free. These kits include a swivel elbow, valves, and rubber washers that help you easily drain the air compressor tank without creating any mess. Besides, they are durable and reliable, ensuring years of use without fail.
Additionally, they come in different sizes and shapes to suit various needs, making them ideal for all types of air compressors. Before purchasing a suitable drain valve for your compressor, ensure that it is certified by an authority such as the Underwriter’s Laboratories.
This will ensure that it has been tested for safety and durability. Finally, choose a drain valve designed for your air compressor and follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure optimum performance and longevity.
Benefits Of Draining An Air Compressor Tank
Draining air compressor tanks is an essential part of maintaining a compressed air system. However, it’s important to use the correct drain valve for your specific application. The different types of drain valves include float-operated, timer-controlled, and zero-loss valves, each with its unique features and benefits.
The float-operated drain valve allows water to be drained by turning a knob on the bottom of the valve clockwise until the water stops draining. When water stops draining, the valve can be turned counterclockwise to close completely.
This type of valve is convenient as it allows water to escape quickly without having to turn a dial or handle it too many times. As the name suggests, a timer-controlled drain valve requires a manual reset after a set period of time before water can drain again.
This type of drain valve is beneficial in applications with variable water supply such as pool pumps and watering systems. Finally, zero-loss drain valves are designed specifically for air compressor systems and help prevent moisture buildup inside the tank after the water has been drained. To properly drain an air compressor, the valve must be turned counter clockwise and all of the water must be removed before it is turned clockwise to close the valve.
Conclusion
Air compressors are vital tools in any tradesperson’s arsenal. You can use them to pump air into tires, fill vehicle tires, and perform countless other tasks. However, they may not be as smart as you think. It is important that you drain your air compressor tank once it is full of air.
This helps the tank protect itself from getting damaged by overfilling and ensures efficient operation. If you drain the tank regularly, it will ensure the longest lifespan for your air compressor.
Frequently Asked Questions
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