Where air is used for paint spraying, enameling, food agitation and related processes, water and/or oil cannot be tolerated. Nor can particles of grit or scale. In instrument air systems, water will tend to cling to small orifices and collect dirt, leading to erratic operation or failure of sensitive devices.
When water gathers at low points in pipelines, it reduces the air-carrying capacity of the line. Eventually, airflow over the water will propel the water along the line, touching off water hammer and potential damage from a high-speed slug of water entering a tool. In cold weather, accumulations of water may freeze and burst lines.
While there are a variety of options for compressed air system drainage, properly installed drain traps are the key to removing liquid continuously and automatically without wasting air or gas. To learn more about Armstrong compressed air drain traps, including pneumatically operated traps, go to the menu on this page.
