Users of compressed air tanks should determine the appropriate exhaust interval based on ambient air humidity and temperature, as well as the necessary air consumption. This is divided into two categories: before and after the dryer. Air tanks after the dryer generally do not require drainage because the dryer has already dried the moisture. However, air tanks before the dryer and those in the air compressor system without a dryer must be drained periodically.
Manual Drainage
When using manual drainage, it is advisable to drain wastewater every 12 hours during spring and autumn until the water is completely drained. In rainy weather, high temperatures, or when the air compressor operates at intervals of less than 30 minutes, it is recommended to drain wastewater every 8 hours.
Automatic Drainage
When using automatic drainage, the drain valve should be checked every two weeks to ensure it is functioning properly. The service life of the drain valve is generally 3-5 years; it should be repaired or replaced promptly when it reaches the end of its service life.
Draining the air receiver tank is an essential part of air compressor system maintenance; otherwise, problems such as tank corrosion, reduced tank volume, and frequent air damage can occur.
1. Corrosion
Never forget to drain water from the air receiver tank. Outdoor air is generally humid, and the air coming out of the air compressor contains a lot of moisture. The warmer air molecules collide with the cooler tank walls, forming water that drips down the tank walls. Water molecules in compressed air usually contain a certain amount of acidic or alkaline molecules. If this water doesn't accumulate at the bottom of the tank for a long time, it will cause corrosion, significantly reducing the tank's lifespan. Therefore, the air receiver tank should be drained regularly.
2. Reduced Air Quality
If water accumulates and isn't cleaned regularly, the water level will rise, causing the air receiver tank volume to decrease, affecting the stability of air production. It will also carry a large amount of water vapor to the electrical terminals, inevitably affecting the quality of the compressed air. Some precision pneumatic valves have high requirements for the moisture content of the air. Therefore, increased moisture content will lead to rare and very thorough damage to sensitive pneumatic devices.
3. Damage to other equipment
If water is not cleaned up for a long time, the water level will rise to a certain height, causing water to enter the oil separator, dryer, and compressor of the air compressor system. Excessive water in the oil will cause the lubricating oil to emulsify, resulting in poor lubrication of the compressor host and causing air compressor system failure.