Compressor condensate management
Compressor condensate management
(OP)
I have a system involving two IR rotary screw compressors (non pressurized drains), a Zeks refrigerated air dryer (automatic internal pressurized solenoid drain), a Zeks coalescing filter (automatic pressurized drain valve), and air reciever (automated pressurized drain valve). Does anyone have any experience with no-loss drain valves, or have suggestions how I can tie all five of these devices into a condensate collection system without putting any back-pressure on the compressor drains?
Thanks,
Brian Knaebel
Thanks,
Brian Knaebel





RE: Compressor condensate management
By no loss drain valves, if you mean the electronic ones by level controller, they are good as long as they work. I have used many in the past which operate with just hissing sound and absolutely good. The moment they start giving problems, you have to replace them. The key is to protect them against debris and regularly clean the level control probes.
As far as the compressors are concerned, you can join the aftercooler drains by providing a U loop (if the drains are of no pressure type) and providing a common trap. However, it is better to go with different traps.
If your receiver is placed after the dryer, I don't see much condensate collecting in the receiver. You can do with a simple float type trap for this.
Had you placed the receiver before the dryer, you could have reduced the load on the dryer to good extent.