What is a compressed air condensate drain?
Condensate drains discharge the atmospheric moisture that accumulates in an air compressor during its normal operation. The goal is to remove as much condensate from the equipment as possible while maintaining maximum compressed air levels.
Does my compressed air system use condensate drains?
Yes, all compressed air systems installed in the United States do. Depending on its size, your system will likely include three to twelve drains.
How important are condensate drains to the operation of my compressed air system?
Condensate drains play a vital role in compressed air systems by releasing accumulated moisture and contaminants so the system can perform properly.
Condensate in the air lines degrades the quality of paint products and causes excess wear to production equipment. It also causes rust to build up, which, over time, will clog air tools and point-of-use equipment.
Choosing the right one for your system is key to optimizing both economy and performance.
How many types of condensate drains are there?
There are a lot of different styles, but all condensate drains fall into one of two main categories:
Electronic Timer Drains are preprogrammed to discharge condensate at regular intervals, making them a good, low-cost option for systems that produce small amounts of condensate gradually over time.
No-Loss Pneumatic Drains monitor condensate levels, discharging the liquid only when the reservoir is completely full. As a result, they are extremely energy efficient and waste little to no compressed air. This makes them ideal for systems with a wide degree of flow variability.
How do I decide what condensate drains are right for my system?
Selecting the proper drain size and type is key to keeping your air compressor functioning at peak performance. Many factors must be considered, including:
- Compressor size
- System pressure
- Frequency of use
- Contaminant levels
- Ambient temperature
- Humidity levels
If your system produces steady condensate in a relatively stable environment or low upfront cost is your main concern, a timer drain might be best.
If your system’s condensate production varies significantly over time, or you’re more concerned about energy and compressed air conservation than the initial cost, a no-loss drain might be just what you need.
Your Clean Resources sales representative can help you work through the options and select the ideal drain for your system.
Why should I purchase a Powerflow Electronics drain through Clean Resources?
With more than 40 years of experience, Powerflow Electronics has become the supplier of choice for all the world’s leading Compressed Air equipment OEMs. The form and function of Powerflow’s Solenoid Valve Drain Timer have become the industry standard in Solenoid Drain Timers.
Clean Resources uses Powerflow’s innovative condensate drains on our CRP and Super-Pak Oil-Water Separators. As Powerflow’s exclusive sales distribution channel in North America, Clean Resources is the only company that can size and supply Powerflow’s high-quality, high-precision products for your systems.
Where can I go for help specifying or installing condensate drains?
General information and specifications are available at CleanResources.com/drains.
You can also send us a message or call 800-566-0402.