A compressor works the same as any other device. Periodic maintenance is required to make sure it is operating properly. Draining the moisture from the compressor tank is one of the more crucial suggestions. This is due to the fact that when air is pushed into the tank, the air’s moisture content is also introduced. No of the size of the machine, you must drain the moisture out lest it interferes with the air compressor’s operation.
Steps for Draining an Air Compressor
Here are the procedures to take in order to empty an air compressor correctly.
1. Switch the compressor off
make sure it is switched off to begin with. To make sure the unit is totally off, turn the switch to the off position and disconnect it.
2. Let Go of the Stress
You must lower the tank’s internal pressure to less than 10 PSI. To accomplish this, pull the ring on the ASME safety valve. Make sure you are wearing safety glasses before pulling the ring because the released air may stir up dust or other objects. Up until the PSI reaches 10 or the tank is empty, keep tugging on the ring.
3. Turn the Drain Valve off.
The moisture buildup inside the tank can now be released. Find the tank’s drain valve, which is often located at the bottom of the tank. Once you’ve located the drain valve, open it to allow moisture to escape. To make sure that all of the moisture within is expelled, you might need to tilt the tank back and forth.
4. End the Drain Value.
Close the drain valve once all of the moisture has been released. Make sure it is tightly closed. You can turn the air compressor back on to pressurize the tank if you’re planning to use it right soon. If not, pressurize it on the day you plan to use it again.
The steps are explained in the following video.
How Frequently Should I Drain?
It should ideally be drained after each usage. Make careful to drain the air compressor if you used it during the day before you leave that evening.
But draining the air compressor once each week is a more sensible course of action. For instance, light use might refer to the intermittent use of an air compressor for impact wrenches or nail guns. However, emptying at the end of a workday will keep your compressor running for a long time in cases of high use, such as spray painting.
What Takes Place If the Air Compressor Isn’t Drained?
You run the risk of inside rust buildup that will corrode the metal if you don’t drain the tank. Rust will eventually cause the tank’s integrity to be compromised, and when it is under pressure, it will explode. Instead of blowing up like a bomb, the tank will instead blast outward at its weakest spot.
Your ears could be damaged by the loud boom, but more crucially, the quick surge of air could spread tiny metal particles from the tank around the room. Depending on where they impact, such particles could result in anything from a minor irritant to a far more serious injury.
Make careful to drain the tank every day when it is in use to prevent all of this. It will prevent internal rust from forming and safeguard the tank, which safeguards you and everyone nearby, by removing the moisture.
