Easy access air drain on compressor

**Sgbarker** · Nov 18, 2019, 05:19 PM

It’s a challenge to get to the air drain on my air compressor so I made it easier. An auto drain would be nice but they’re a little spendy

**metal2** · Nov 19, 2019, 12:27 PM

thats a great Idea

**kngtek** · Nov 19, 2019, 05:43 PM

Originally Posted by Sgbarker

It’s a challenge to get to the air drain on my air compressor so I made it easier. An auto drain would be nice but they’re a little spendy

Great idea! I have a much smaller air compressor, but am negligent in not emptying it as frequently as I should because of lack of easy access to the water drain valve. Your idea solves the access problem.

**Frank S** · Nov 19, 2019, 05:52 PM

One of the main causes for compressor tanks going bad is the drains are so inaccessible most folks don't drain theirs regularly

**TrickieDickie** · Nov 19, 2019, 09:49 PM

I have never understood why the manufactures do not apply a coating on the interior of pressure tanks to prevent rusting.

**Frank S** · Nov 20, 2019, 12:23 AM

Originally Posted by TrickieDickie

I have never understood why the manufactures do not apply a coating on the interior of pressure tanks to prevent rusting.

yes you do. It is called dollar cost averaging for planned obsolesce.
If you make something that will outlast the compressor or you make a compressor which will out last the tank how can you expect to sell a new one tot eh same customer ever again.

**Sgbarker** · Nov 21, 2019, 08:10 AM

That’s a great question!

**NeiljohnUK** · Oct 1, 2024, 06:04 AM

Originally Posted by Frank S

One of the main causes for compressor tanks going bad is the drains are so inaccessible most folks don't drain theirs regularly

Even when accessible a lot of people just don't bother, in Academia CBA is all too common. We made a frame to tumble small lab 'silent' compressor tanks with s/s nuts as the cleaning medium to remove surface rust before treating and pressure (hydraulic) testing them. One was so full the compressor hydrolocked, even though the lab SOP specified the 1/4 turn valve should be opened and the tank drained daily.

Our main system compressor receiver, 9 feet long and 6 feet diameter has electric solenoid vales triggered by an internal float switch in the valves housing, as does every other drain from the compressor, the air passes through a drier so or dew point is ~-30°C as a lot of the kit it's used in/for is very moisture sensitive.