Anyone who works with air compressors knows that condensation is unavoidable. While the amount of water produced may not seem like much, it can be enough to corrode valuable compressor parts and drive up your repair bills. Installing a condensate removal system can help preserve your equipment by eliminating water before it can cause extensive damage.

A Guide to the Condensate Removal System

What Is Condensate?

Condensate is simply the moisture present in the air, which collects into droplets when the temperature drops or the air pressure increases. As air pressure inside the compressor goes up, moisture is basically squeezed out into droplets. Cooling equipment in the air compressor contributes to the issue by drawing more moisture out of the atmosphere.

What Are the Dangers of Condensate?

After continuous operation, condensate can collect in the aftercool, moisture separator, and the piping. Unless it’s regularly dried out or removed, the moisture can quickly cause corrosion, ruining valves, connectors, and other compressor parts. It can also introduce particles of rust into the airstream, which could contaminate sensitive projects.

How Do Condensate Removal Systems Work?

Condensate removal systems come in a variety of designs, each of which could be ideal for different applications. Most systems start by separating the condensate from the air stream, which is usually accomplished by a sudden change of velocity. As the air moves, a fluid trap collects the heavier condensate, which drops to the bottom.

To release the condensate, many simple systems feature manual release valves. These require the operator to open the trap and release the stream of water before the interior pressure gets too high. Others have automatic valves, either operated by mechanical devices or electronic sensors, that release the condensate when it reaches a certain level.

As one of the industry’s leading compressor parts suppliers, Parts Engineering Company offers an extensive inventory of OEM products to businesses across the country. Whether you use compressors to clean the shop or power major industrial machinery, you can rely on their friendly team of experts to help keep your valuable equipment running. Visit them online to browse their selection of compressor parts today, follow their Twitter for more professional advice, or call (877) 797-7326 to place an order.