"I have water in my lines"

With the arrival of spring, the heat and humidity return and with it comes the increase of water condensation problems in the compressed air system. Why does this happen?

It is important to know that the air drawn in by the compressor is the same air found in the factory with its humidity percentage. This explains why there is a significant increase in problems related to condensation during the summer months. As the air is compressed and its temperature rises (by compression), the concentration of water in the form of steam is also increased. It is by cooling the air in the compressor tank or in the distribution network that condensation forms and water appears.

There is no need to remind you that water is very damaging to your pneumatic tools and even more so to the many pneumatic controls found on almost every machine in your factory, not to mention all the problems caused by spray guns in your finishing department.

How to fix this problem?

For starters, the compressor should be operated in a cool and dry area to prevent excessive temperature differences between the air in the tank and the air in the factory.

Additionally, it is imperative to install an automatic drain on the tank to remove the water that forms in the reservoir and thus prevent this moisture from re-entering the distribution system. A filter at the outlet of the tank is useless, because there is no water accumulation on that part.

Ultimately, there are numerous ways to help you minimize or eliminate water in the distribution system. Installing an after-cooler on the compressor, adding a refrigerant air dryer or installing a silica gel filter dryer are only a few examples. Obviously, the choice will depend on the degree of efficiency required and on your budget.

Contact our representatives for judicious advice that will meet your needs.

Bruno Chabot
Pneumatic specialist