Best Auto Drain Water Separator?

[slash007]

I don't see a recent thread discussing this, so figured I would start one. I have tons of water in my air lines even though my compressor is always auto draining. I just installed a Razor and noticed that it had 2 water separators on it that auto drained, so it make me want to install some around the wash. Especially right before my tire shine controls as I'm constantly having mac valves leak air due to the water. I did install a simple one that I had, but draining it is not fun, so I wanted to get opinions on a great auto drain model that wouldn't break the bank. Thanks.

 

[MEP001]

I've had good luck with Norgren auto drain separators, but I haven't been able to find any to buy.

Another option is multiple water traps in the plumbing, basically several up and down loops with a drain valve at the bottom of each, and you could use solenoids on a timer as an auto drain. I've done it with copper pipe, and it works, I just used ball valves and drained the traps once a week.

 

[DiamondWash]

I have this auto-drain water separator from KR for the airline on my Razor I also have the same one for my SoftGloss.

Water Separation Unit | SMC Pneumatics | AMG450C-N04BC

SMC AMG450C-N04BC Water Separator is for applications where water need to be removed, but the air does not have to be as dry as when an air dryer is used.

www.kleen-ritecorp.com

 

[slash007]

Been reliable I'm assuming? What's that large hole on the front? Viewfinder? Also, are you using the 1/4" or 3/8"?

 

[DiamondWash]

The thing in the front is a window so you can see the amount of fluid inside, mine is usually halfway full before it drains itself. I'm using the 3/8" model and I reduced the output to 1/4" so I could attach the airline's.

 

[Earl Weiss]

Water Separation Unit | SMC Pneumatics | AMG450C-N04BC

SMC AMG450C-N04BC Water Separator is for applications where water need to be removed, but the air does not have to be as dry as when an air dryer is used.

www.kleen-ritecorp.com

The 2 -4th Section here has automtic drains. McMaster May have other brands as well. https://www.mcmaster.com/compressed-air-filters Sorry link takes you to main page. Click on Brand an review specs for auto drain.

 

[slash007]

Thanks guys. I am having lots of water issues and wanted to try installing some of these around the wash. Should I try air dryers as well?

 

[Greg Pack]

If you're going to try a refrigerated dryer I would probably not bother with the multiple drains unless you're still having moisture issues.

 

[wash4me]

It’s very likely if you run a copper pipe out of the compressor to the ceiling of the equipment room and then back down just the blow down on the bottom of your compressor tank will be sufficient. This will allow condensation to form inside the pipe and drain back to the compressor tank.

 

[wash4me]

An idea that I have not tried but feel like it would work is to get a heat Exchanger and run your incoming water supply to the car wash through that on one side and have the air on the other side. This would promote condensation because of the cold water. Again letting it drain back to the tank

 

[Rudy]

My moisture problems were eliminated after I installed a heat exchanger between the compressor and the tank. A fan was installed on the back side of the heat exchanger, and runs whenever the compressor runs. The hot compressed air enters the heat exchanger, and any moisture condenses out the bottom as it gets cooled. A water separating air filter is then installed on the output of the heat exchanger, and collects the condensed moisture. An automatic drain periodically dumps the water.

Here's a link to the heat exchanger I used:

B&M 70274 B&M SuperCooler Oil Coolers | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - B&M SuperCooler Oil Coolers with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Fluid Coolers at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

Here's a link to a previous discussion on this forum (the pictures no longer post.....):

Removing Air Line Moisture

I've had my air operated diaphragm pumps "ice" up from time to time on really busy days. After a lot of research, I thought I'd share an Intercooler that I've added to my compressor. Unlike a tank drain, the moisture is removed BEFORE it enters the tank. You see, hot air can hold much more...

www.carwashforum.com