How can compressed air lines be dried the best? An excessive amount of moisture in your compressed air system can be problematic for both the system as a whole and the applications that use it.
Lowering the air’s humidity as it enters the compressor is one method of reducing excess moisture in your compressed air.
In this article, we’ll discuss the best methods for removing moisture from compressed air, including:
The Cause of Moisture in Compressed Air Lines
Increase in Temperature
One of the most prominent triggers for excess water in pneumatic air lines is temperature increases. Water evaporation causes the air that your pneumatics rely on to become more humid as temperatures rise. People frequently claim that humidity rather than heat is the issue, and compressed air is no different from us in this regard. Also, keep in mind that only when air is compressed does the humidity of the air increase. Did you know that during the summer, a 25-horsepower compressor can discharge more than 18 gallons of water in a single day? Potentially, your system contains a lot of moisture.
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Rapid Temperature Changes
Rapid temperature changes in the air are another trigger. This may involve changes in the system’s internal temperature or variations in the temperature of the surrounding air where your operations take place. In contrast to the rest of the system, people frequently place air compressors outside or in a separate (non-temperature controlled) room. That compressor could transport hot compressed air into chilly air-conditioned indoor spaces during the warmer months. As the warm, humidified air travels through the cool, chilled pipes, condensation will inevitably result.
How to Remove Water from Compressed Air Lines
To remove the moisture that is present in pressurized air naturally, some sort of system or device is required. A drain valve on the tank or a four-stage air drying system are two of the many options available to remove water from your air compressor. It’s possible that you’re using compressed air lines for tasks that call for output air devoid of moisture. Any moisture present in this situation will have a negative effect on your business operations.
A simple air-drying setup is not necessary for some applications because they can tolerate a low moisture content. In order to avoid having water from the air compressor in your tank and lines, it is imperative to dry the air and release the water.
It provides 24 liters of water per day in addition to 20 liters of air per second from the compressor. It is usually necessary to remove the majority of that water in stages. An industrial air compressor, for instance, will move the wet and hot compressed air lines to an aftercooler, which will remove 15 liters of water, and then to a refrigerated air dryer, which will remove an additional seven liters. Another stage with a desiccant air dryer might be necessary to get the driest air possible.
There isn’t a single ideal solution for every dry compressed air application because there are many different ways that air compressors are put to use. Compressed air line is cooled using a variety of systems because cooler air absorbs less water. So that it can be gathered and drained, this enables water to fall from the sky.
How to Keep Moisture Out of the Air Compressor
Lowering the humidity of the air entering the compressor and positioning it in an area with lower ambient temperatures are two ways to reduce excessive moisture in your compressed air. Dryer intake air requires less effort from drying systems to lower air to the necessary dew point. To keep moisture out of the air compressor, maintenance is also crucial.
Compressor Room Environment
If the compressor is outside, there may not be much you can do to lower the humidity of the intake air (unless you can avoid creating air during wet weather). It will be easier to regulate the quality of the intake air if the compressor is indoors. Air-drying equipment won’t have to work as hard to maintain a cool, dry, and well-ventilated compressor room. Some steps you can take:
- To maintain cool temperatures, lessen moisture buildup, and avoid compressor overheating, ensure the compressor room has adequate ventilation.
- For better temperature regulation, think about insulating your compressor room.
- Make the compressor room a dehumidifier.
- Water shouldn’t collect on the floor near the compressor; fix leaks immediately.
Air Compressor Maintenance
You can prevent moisture issues in your compressed air lines by performing proper preventative maintenance. Steps to take include:
- Keep automatic drain valves maintained or drain the system as needed.
- Maintain all filtration mechanisms, and swap out intake and inline filters as necessary.
- Maintain the water/oil separator.
- Check to see if air dryers are functioning properly and perform all necessary maintenance. (Useful examples include regularly recharging desiccant dryers and checking the refrigerant in refrigerator dryers.)
- Check to see if the after-cooling system is functional and clean.
Conclusion: Keep Water Out of Your Compressed Air Lines
Designing a system to remove water from compressed air lines is not a problem that has a universal solution. Your system usage, the climate and environmental conditions in the area where you are located, and the indoor environment in which your system is installed and used will all have an impact on the best solution for you.
It primarily depends on the required dew point for your air. The first step in compressed air system design is to understand the purity requirements for your air. Compressed air testing can determine how much moisture, oil, and particulate is in your air and help you decide whether your current system is adequate for your needs.
FAQs
How Do I Stop Water from Coming into My Air Compressor?
The best way to prevent the accumulation of moisture is to equip your air compressor with a system that can separate water from pressurized air. If you regularly check on the system’s condition, a desiccant system will work.
Do I Need a Water Separator for My Air Compressor?
Oil/water separators are essential parts for compressed air applications because of regulations set by regulatory bodies like the EPA. It is detrimental to machine efficiency to leave air compressors without an oil/water separator, and doing so could cost you money in fines.
Why Does My Air Compressor Build Up So Much Water?
The amount of water produced by the compressors inside the compressed air system will increase when they operate in a hotter and more humid environment.