Moisture buildup is a common challenge that significantly hampers performance and decreases air compressors’ lifespan. If moisture buildup is left unaddressed, it may result in costly repairs, downtime, and damage to connected equipment. Therefore, it is essential to remove moisture from an air compressor to maintain optimal performance and extend its lifespan.
In this comprehensive blog post on how to remove moisture from air compressors, we have shared various methods, to remove moisture from your air compressor. Stay tuned!
A] Why Moisture Accumulates in Air Compressors
Damp ambient air contains water vapour, which turns into water droplets when compressed and cooled. Although the elements of wet air are forced to shrink in volume during compression, they do not lose their water content. Since compressed air cannot retain its water content, it is released in condensed form, leading to moisture buildup in the air compressor. The extent of moisture accumulation depends on the percentage of water vapour present in the air. Additionally, factors such as the size of the air compressor, flow rate, and an increase in the temperature of its components contribute to moisture accumulation, ultimately deteriorating the air compressor’s performance.
B] Problems Caused by Moisture in Air Compressors
1. Reduced Equipment Lifespan
When dampened air enters and is released into the compressor, it changes the component’s properties over time, which further rust and corrode them. Corrosion degrades the metal integrity, eventually leading to a reduced lifespan of air compressors. Therefore, it is essential to remove moisture from compressed air to safeguard compressors and increase their lifespan.
2. Performance Issues
Compressors have to work hard to compress the moisture-contained air. It increases the pressure on the compressor, eventually affecting the compressor’s working ability. The decrease in working ability hampers quality air production, and corrosion contaminates the compressed air further. When poor quality and contaminated air is sent to the associated system, it damages the working components’ integrity and thus hampers the systems’ performance.
3. Damage to Tools and Equipment
Damp air is likely to coalesce dirt and debris, significantly affecting the compressor’s performance and causing damage. Accumulation and circulation of dirt and debris contaminate the air and damage the compressed air-regulated tools and equipment. Therefore, removing moisture from the air compressor is crucial to prevent tool and equipment damage as well as potential downtime.
4. Product Contamination
In industries like paint and food processing, the role of dry and contamination-free air is paramount. Since condensation of water causes air to contaminate, it also contaminates products that are being manufactured with the help of impure air. Therefore, it is essential to learn how to remove moisture from the air compressor to safeguard products from being contaminated.
C] Methods to Remove Moisture from Air Compressors
1. Using Water Separators
Water separators are essential for eliminating bulk water from compressed air. They work by creating a swirling motion that separates water particles. This method is commonly used with reciprocating air compressors to minimise water content before the air reaches other components.
2. Installing Aftercoolers
Aftercoolers cool down compressed air, causing moisture to condense and separate. These devices are particularly effective in screw air compressors used in industrial applications. Pairing them with proper drainage systems ensures optimal moisture removal.
3. Adding Air Dryers
Air dryers, such as desiccant or refrigerated dryers, are reliable for achieving low moisture levels. These are ideal for systems requiring extremely dry air, like those equipped with industrial air compressor filters for critical operations.
4. Using Drains and Drain Valves
Drains and automatic drain valves prevent water accumulation in tanks and pipelines. They work efficiently in both reciprocating air compressors and screw air compressors, ensuring continuous moisture removal without manual intervention.
5. Pipe Air Drying
Using drying pipes helps reduce moisture by allowing compressed air to cool naturally while travelling through the system. This method is cost-effective and complements other drying techniques in industrial air compressors.
6. Maintaining Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation around the compressor reduces the moisture-containing ambient air entering the system. This step is crucial for preventing excessive water buildup in air compressors and prolonging the life of the equipment.
D] Preventative Maintenance Tips
- Regular Inspection and Cleaning: Periodically check and clean moisture-removal components such as drains, separators, and air dryers to prevent blockages.
- Look for Signs of Corrosion or Moisture Buildup: Inspect tanks, pipes, and valves for rust or excess water to ensure optimal system performance.
- Replace Filters and Seals: Replace filters and seals as part of routine maintenance to ensure clean and dry air output.
- Monitor Ambient Conditions: Keep an eye on temperature and humidity levels in the compressor’s environment to reduce the likelihood of moisture entering the system and implement compressed air moisture removal techniques, if any.
- DIY Maintenance: Simple tasks, such as draining moisture and cleaning filters, can be handled without professional help. So, be sure to perform these intuitive DIY maintenance tasks to maintain moisture-free compressed air delivery.
E] When to Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, moisture issues require expert intervention. Consider seeking professional help when:
- Excessive water builds up despite regular maintenance.
- Filters and dryers fail to perform effectively.
- Corrosion or rust appears rapidly, indicating serious underlying problems.
Professionals can diagnose complex issues and implement advanced solutions like system redesigns or industrial-grade moisture-removal setups. However, a moisture-free air compressor not only eliminates compressed air moisture complexities but also ensures the longevity of your equipment.
Conclusion
Addressing and preventing the moisture in your compressor is crucial for maintaining efficiency and reliability. It is essential to ensure a moisture-free system to extend the lifespan of your equipment and leverage the peak performance for a longer period. However, oil-free air compressors are known to be effective compressors for handling damp air and delivering dry and contamination-free compressed air to critical applications.
Bimpex, a leading and well-regarded air compressor supplier, is praised for delivering moisture-free and oil-free air compressors for businesses tired of removing water from air compressors and want to get a permanent solution for this. If you are one of those, contact us today and get stress-free, long-lasting, and cost-effective compressors for your needs. Contact now.