Condensate Drains and Why You Need Them

Many users of compressed air systems don’t fully realize the implications of disregarding condensate drains. Though compressed air condensate is usually just condensed water, it may contain trace amounts of oil, particulate matter, and other contaminants—any of which can be detrimental to equipment and processes.

condensate-drain

To avoid unnecessary maintenance and ensure optimal productivity in your system, you need to use condensate drains on your air receiver tanks, aftercoolers, dryers, filters, and other essential components. Using these devices will ensure the containments are removed from your system ensuring a longer operational life of your equipment.

Avoiding Condensate

Condensates are produced due to cooling of the compressed air after compression. This contaminated moisture is most commonly found within your piping and storage vessels before compressed air treatment such as dryers. Condensates build up in your system over a short period time, and that accumulation can cause a multitude of problems that include poor system efficiency, accelerated corrosion of vital distribution systems and excessive wear of associated equipment.

Regardless of what type of system you’re using or where it’s situated, condensates are inevitable and must be removed; suitable products are available to alleviate further accumulation.

Types of Condensate Drains

At Compressed Air Systems, we offer a wide selection of condensate drains to meet any of your various needs.

Eco-Drain Series Drains products can detect when condensates are present in your system thanks to capacitance sensors; condensates are automatically discharged in large volume, which also helps prevent emulsification. These drains are only actuated when condensate is present, helping you save valuable compressed air. The Eco-Drain Series offers products with varying compressor, dryer, filter, pressure, and temperature capabilities.

Mechanically Actuated Drain Traps discharge oil saturated moisture from your system automatically and can be used with intercoolers or aftercoolers, drip legs, receiver tanks, separators, and other components. These products are compatible with synthetic lubricants and are available in various materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, and polycarbonate.

Automatic Magnetic Drains are useful for many applications due to their large capacity (up to 500 gal/h) and corrosion-resistant external and internal parts. Automatic Magnetic Drains do not require electrical power to operate and have an extended service life.

Timed Electronic Drains operate on user-defined time increments whether condensate is present in your system or not. Our timed electronic drains use mesh strainers to prevent large particles from obstructing the valve orifice; these drains can be mounted horizontally or vertically and utilize higher-grade H coils for added high temperature resistance.

Compressed Air Condensate

kaeser-eco-drain-seriesCompressed air condensate is a byproduct of all compressors. It is a mixture of mostly water with ambient particulates, airborne hydrocarbons and traces of compressor fluids that have been concentrated during the compression process.

This type of oil-water mixture may be classified as hazardous waste, and federal and local environmental laws regulate the discharge of untreated compressor condensate.  Condensate management systems offer a reliable and economical method of oil/water separation to comply with environmental regulations.  Click here for more details.

Find the Right Condensate Drain Today

The experts at Compressed Air Systems can help you choose the right condensate drain for your specific application. Contact us today to find out more about our condensate drain products and how they can help you avoid complications of condensate buildup.

For questions about condensate drains or any of our products, don’t hesitate to contact us anytime.

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