Airlines in the shop

[P B G]

I was in a paint shop yesterday that had a novel idea for moisture trap, they make a zig zag out of metal pipe, down over up over down over up over down etc. About 5 downward legs, each of which had a drain valve. Asked the guy about it. He said that the air temp coming out of the compressor when in constant use was very high, allowing it to hold moisture, so the trap that he had right at the compressor didn't catch much water at all, causing his dryer to not work as well as it should. His solution is the additional zig zags of pipe which in effect lengthens the run before his dryer and he just cracks those drains a few times during the day. He claims his air to be dryer, and it only cost him about 20 bucks worth of stuff. Way cheaper than adding additional dessicant filters or what not, and quite compact.

Probably not an issue for most people in general use where the aircompressor gets a chance to shut off and the air cools in the tank before being used. If you wonder how hot the air is coming out of the compressor hold your hand over the aircompressors head, and note all the cooling fins.

Thought some of you might like this idea, particularly if you use sandblasters or other high CFM tools.

[Bill Hudson]

I was in a paint shop yesterday that had a novel idea for moisture trap, they make a zig zag out of metal pipe, down over up over down over up over down etc. About 5 downward legs, each of which had a drain valve. ...

That is my plan when I install my air lines. I originally saw this in a book I have and thought it would work well.

Bill

[P B G]

Well he has a positive review so it seems worth it, has to be the most compact, highest flowing moisture trap I've seen.

[daddydip]

Being it that running lines in my shop for the compressoor is on the to do list, this entire post is an excellent read. i doubt i would ever even consider pvc piping though. the wood working link was great!