Moisture in your compressed air system can be a major issue, leading to potential damage to your equipment, costly downtime, and reduced efficiency in your operations. If you’re dealing with moisture in your compressed air, don’t panic. Start by checking these three critical components of your system:
1. Moisture Separator in the Compressor (After the Air Aftercooler)
The moisture separator plays a crucial role in removing water from compressed air before it travels downline. After the air is cooled by the aftercooler, a significant amount of moisture condenses and is captured by the moisture separator. In fact, around 70% of the moisture drops out at this stage!
What to check:
- Moisture Separator Drain Functionality: If the drain in your moisture separator isn’t working properly, the captured water has nowhere to go. Instead of being removed from the system, it will be pushed down the line, causing moisture problems throughout your plant.
Maintenance Tip: Regularly inspect the drain for blockages or malfunctions to ensure it’s operating efficiently.
2. Dryer Performance
Your air dryer is another line of defense against moisture in your compressed air system. The dryer’s job is to remove any remaining water vapor that the moisture separator didn’t catch.
What to check:
- Is the Dryer Running? Ensure that your dryer is functioning correctly. A simple oversight, like forgetting to turn it on, can lead to significant moisture issues.
- Dew Point Check: The dew point is a key indicator of how well your dryer is performing. If the dew point is too high, it means that moisture is still present in your compressed air.
- Dryer Drain Functionality: Just like with the moisture separator, the dryer’s drain needs to be in top condition to prevent moisture from building up in your system.
3. Inline Filters
Inline filters are your final safeguard against moisture and contaminants in your compressed air. These filters catch any remaining water and particles that might have made it past the separator and dryer.
What to check:
- Filter Condition: When was the last time you replaced your inline filters? Over time, these filters can become clogged, reducing their effectiveness.
- Drain Functionality: Ensure that the drains on your inline filters are working properly to prevent moisture from being reintroduced into your system.
4. Air Receiver Tank
Your air receiver tank can also be a source of moisture if it’s not maintained properly. Over time, water can accumulate in the tank, leading to moisture problems throughout your system.
What to check:
- Drain Installation: Make sure your air receiver tank has a drain installed.
- Receiver Drain Functionality: Regularly check the drain to ensure it’s working and removing any accumulated moisture.
Still Having Issues?
If you’ve checked all of these components and you’re still experiencing moisture in your compressed air, it might be time to call in the experts. At Air Compressor Services, we’re here to help you troubleshoot and resolve any issues with your system. Contact us today, and let’s keep your operations running smoothly and moisture-free!