Drain Air from Compressor at night?

[D4B]

Today's stupid question:

Please advise. The manual supplied with my new Clarke 14cfm 100L compressor advises that
the air should be emptied from the tank every night before leaving it.

Trouble with that is it then takes ages to refill next time you want to use it. What do other
compressor users do?

I used to work in the parts dept of a garage, I don't remember the guys there ever draining the air out before they went home.

Cheers Steve

 

[rtbcomp]

I just let a quick burst out to drain the water, although I reckon you're better doing this in the morning when it's all cooled down & condensed out.

 

[Rig Pig]

It will last longer if you drain the water out of the tank regularly. I don't bother emptying my air receiver every evening.

 

[normspanners]

just fit an auto timed drain. second burst every 4hrs

 

[PSweeney]

I leave mine filled but I have drop legs to drain out moisture from the supply and drain the compressor prob once a month

 

[normspanners]

[QUOTE[I have drop legs ]/QUOTE]
I used to suffer with that its moved up little since I got older.

 

[D4B]

Thanks for all the replies, gives me some idea what others do now

Cheers

 

[D4B]

I just let a quick burst out to drain the water, although I reckon you're better doing this in the morning when it's all cooled down & condensed out.

The owners manual under "Draining Compressor" just says to make sure it is switched off before draining water....

So it's ok to switch the power off, and drain the water while the tank is at full pressure then?

scared to crack open the drain valve atm

 

[Rig Pig]

It's best to have pressure in the tank to sweep the water out, the water in the tank can be a bit rusty so don't drain it on or near anything that may stain but it's a bit of a non event you just get a hiss of water and air.

 

[normspanners]

Always do mine whilst switched on as said you need some pressure to force the water out but the worst is the gooey oil film that sits on top of the water and comes out last, which can block the drain if not forced through.

 

[DanielW]

This has always intrigued me as to why the compressors don't have a half tank plastic shell in the body to stop rust forming on the bottom,or is that pointless?

 

[rtbcomp]

It would cost more. You'd have to use a paint or something like that to slosh around in the tank after it's been welded up.

If you're really worried you can get stainless steel tanks

http://www.airlines-pneumatics.co.uk/product.asp?ProductCode=S02010525

 

[D4B]

Always do mine whilst switched on as said you need some pressure to force the water out but the worst is the gooey oil film that sits on top of the water and comes out last, which can block the drain if not forced through.

Hi Normspanners,

yet my instruction book says drain it while switched off.....

Thanks for all the replies

 

[rtbcomp]

It doesn't matter whether it's switched on or off, as long as there's pressure in the tank it will expel any water/emulsion.

 

[normspanners]

yet my instruction book says drain it while switched off....

probably to cover themselves for the numptes that might put their finger in the air stream out of the drain tap and inject themselves with air/dirty water/oil (not a good idea!!)

 

[rtbcomp]

probably to cover themselves for the numptes that might put their finger in the air stream out of the drain tap and inject themselves with air/dirty water/oil (not a good idea!!)

That could still happen with it switched off and under pressure.

I think the biggest danger would be getting long hair &c sucked into the fan blades on the pulley, this could easily happen if you're kneeling down or bending over the pump to reach the drain cock. If it's not actually running when the drain is open it could start up when the pressure drops if the mains is switched on.

I've actually fitted a hosetail in place of the drain tap with a ball valve on the end of some flexible pipe.

 

[D4B]

Cheers will give it a go....

 

[normspanners]

I think the biggest danger would be getting long hair &c sucked into the fan blades on the pulley, this could easily happen if you're kneeling down or bending over the pump to reach the drain

VV
Not for ME it couldnt.

 

[brightspark]

what can sometimes happen is get a few rust flakes or dirt stuck in the drain off cock and u open it and nowt comes out . so then u pressurise it and all of a sudden it blasts clear hits the floor and splatters up in your face s,,hit oil and water under pressure so realy its not a good idea from a safety point of view

 

[rtbcomp]

If the cock is open and you start the compressor you have ample opportunity to stand clear.