So our compressor is pumping a lot of water into our lines at work, I was wondering which way to slant the lines we have mounted on the wall? Should they be tillted so the water runs back to the compressor or towards the end of the lines.
Most pitch the trunk line down toward the end of the run with a dirt leg on the end to catch the water. The air flow through the line helps move the water to where you can deal with it. Put a pet **** on th dirt leg to get the water out. Of course this ***umes the branch legs are coming off the top of the trunk line so the water can't fall down into a branch line.
I run a vertical line down every 6 or 8 feet and put a 1/4 turn on it to use as a drip leg. the more you can get the air cool the more it will separate the water from the air , I like to run my lines as big as possible to slow the air down ,cool it down and let the mooisture fall out . My air lines are 1 1/2 inch galvanised pipe. I don't know for certain that big pipes help but my wife thinks it does!!
coupla of things you should do regularly... drain the tank with the compressor on. this will "shoot" the water out the drain hole. let the air run a few minutes befor hooking up the hose.... you should also install a filter on the lines as close to the tank as possible and never leave the lines pressurized.... water in the lines will kill a compressed air system over time. water in the tank with actually rust it and water running through your lines, fittings and tools will ruin them.
Maybe this will help...I got this from www.sharpe1.com These are the people who make the spray guns...go to the site and click on "Ask Dr. Gun".....Tons of ACCURATE info on miosture control, proper air line materials and hook-ups and more...invaluable info....
Good stuff!! We're not running air tools at work (We use it for blowing off printer parts, water doesn't help!) so its not too critical but I can use this info for my own garage. Thanx!!!
Do what I just did and intstall an automatic drain valve. It installs in line at the tank drain and is similar to a float pump in a boat. When it senses water, it automatically purges the water in the tank until the valve is "dry." Getting the water out of your tank will vastly reduce the build up of moisture in the lines. It won't eliminate it, but will decrease it a bunch. For further drying, an air dryer could be added. The automatic drain valve was less than $20 at Grainger if I recall.
Here's a good tip my step dad taught me. When your'e going to paint or if you're doing something where you really don't want water in the lines, crack open your dirty leg just enough to let some air drible out. This way any excess water will flow out and there will be less of a chance of the line getting fluid in it. I also keep a separate hose to paint with. I also do this when I run my sandblasting cabinet to keep the media dry and things flowing nicely.
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