Hi Jay,
I think the first thing needed for pretty much any compressor installation is an automatic drain valve. ?As moisture (and oil) condenses and gathers on the interior walls of the compressor tank, the liquids run down to the bottom of the tank where one will find a conveniently located drain valve. ?It is so conveniently located that many of us forget to use it until there is a significant accumulation of liquid, at which point we have already ruined a finish we are applying, or already pumped water through several tools.
To help minimize the impact water and oil have on our tools and projects I installed an automatic drain valve in place of the not so convenient drain valve. ?There are a number of types and sizes available. ?Here is one I found on Amazon. ?Automatically draining the condensed moisture will reduce the need for an air dryer or desiccant moisture traps.
Good luck,
Alex
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On Jun 15, 2022, at 1:26 PM, jbowen@... wrote:
?Hi, I am using a 3.5HP Quincy Air compressor w/60 gallon tank in my home shop and looking at air treatment options. The compressor is primarily used for the CNC tool changer which has its own dedicated separator at machine, I also need air for pneumatic clamps on assembly table and pocket hole machine, I might use air for a paint gun later. Aside from filter and regulator what are you guys using for removing or preventing moisture from air lines? I don't think I need super dry air such as fine finishing I only need to ensure I don't push excessive moisture into pneumatic devices. There is a higher end separator for $900 water/oil/carbon/regulator or mixed review amazon models for $200 that might be good enough, or refrigerated air dryers at that same price of $1,000 or so for my CFM.? I like set and forget but I don't mind recharging beads periodically based on my use likely a long time between those intervals.
Compressor Link:
Dryer Link:
Jay Bowen
Cleveland
