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Water vapor is the enemy. It gets inside your pneumatic tools and rusts them from the inside out.
You know this, which is why you invested in a water separator. It acts as a water trap to remove this humidity.
I’ll be discussing where to install your water separator on your air compressor. When you are running hard lines in your garage or shop, you want to get it right.
A lot of enterprising folks like to build a DIY water separator, but I am personally a fan of the multiple off-the-shelf options.
Also, don’t forget to use a little compressor lubricant on your tools to further protect them from humidity.
Water vapor is the enemy. It gets inside your pneumatic tools and rusts them from the inside out.
You know this, which is why you invested in a water separator. It acts as a water trap to remove this humidity.
I’ll be discussing where to install your water separator on your air compressor. When you are running hard lines in your garage or shop, you want to get it right.
A lot of enterprising folks like to build a DIY water separator, but I am personally a fan of the multiple off-the-shelf options.
Also, don’t forget to use a little compressor lubricant on your tools to further protect them from humidity.
Where to Install Oil Water Separator on Air Compressor?
- If possible, install the oil water separator 20 feet from the air receiver tank to allow the air time to cool and condensate. Mount it to the wall for stability. Install a shut-off/ball valve prior to the separator in case maintenance is needed in the future.
- Install the water separator and filtration system as close as possible to the point of use.
- Observe the direction of airflow printed on the top of the device and install it so the air flows in the correct direction.
- Tighten connections to their recommended tightness. Do not over-tighten.
- Install Air Dryers further down the line, in sequence, after the Water Separator
Small garages will often install the separator and regulator right next to the compressor. This is suitable but is not the most ideal setup.
Where to Install Water Separator on Air Compressor With Overhead Reel Design?
The water separator needs to be installed before the hose reel. Often hose reels are mounted on the ceiling for easy work bay access. If the separator is also installed on the ceiling, it makes it difficult to reach the drain valves.
Instead, find a place within easy reach to install the water separator system. From there, run the compressed air lines up to the ceiling and into your hose reels.
This is usually suitable to keep your air dry while still keeping the drain button conveniently located for frequent draining.
You’ll thank me later.
Where to Install Water Separator on Spine Design Air Compressor System?
The Spine design is the most popular air compressor piping. It relies on a central compressed line of copper pipe, ABS, or PVC plastic pipes run down the center of the garage or workshop.
Drop lines are then run off of the central line as needed to power tools and equipment.
In order to protect your tools, you will want to install the water separator prior to the first drop line. This will ensure that the entire spine is protected.
Where to Install Water Separator on Loop Distribution Air Compressor System?
A Loop distribution uses similar piping systems to the spine configuration with two distinctions. First of all, it is generally run around the outside perimeter of the workshop. This tends to work well where there are a lot of individual workstations that drop lines need to be pulled off of.
Second, no hard angles are used on the main line. Soft, curved angles are used, protecting as much of the pressurized air as possible from pressure drops.
As with a Spine design, a loop distribution system should have all filters and separators installed prior to the first drop line.
What Is a Water Separator?
A water separator removes water from compressed air. Air compressors work by compressing atmospheric air. The compressor “squeezes” naturally occurring humidity out of the air as water during this compression process.
We want to remove this moisture from the air compressor system before it corrodes your tools, or ruins the item you are painting.
A water separator is a device that prevents any moisture from getting inside the compressed air system. But that’s not all it does. It also stops solid particles, like dust, from getting in, so you will always have a supply of clean air.
How Does a Water Separator Work?
A water separator removes liquids from the air either with a coalescing element or through centrifugal force.
The centrifugal method is the most popular and affordable. The cap of the filter is designed to drive the airflow down into the bowl. As the air compressor forces the air into the bowl, it moves in a spinning pattern, forcing any water or particles larger than 5 microns out of the airstream.
This fluid then collects at the bottom of the bowl for drainage.
A Coalescing filter has an element that the pressurized air moves through. This element or filter cartridge traps dirt, water and oil. The liquids gather together at the base of the bowl. Coalescing filters are generally more effective but need the filter changed every 2000 hours.
Air Dryers are used to remove even more water vapors. A Dryer can exist in several types but are generally more expensive than what a small mechanic’s shop wants to invest in.
- Refrigeration – These dryers use refrigeration to cool the air line down to near freezing. As the air cools to 37 degrees Fahrenheit, the low dew point draws the moisture out of the compressed air.
- Membrane Dryers – Membrane dryers use longitudinal fibers of the membrane to drop the pressure. This partial pressure drop removes the moisture, which is then removed with purge air.
- Desiccant Dryers – These adsorption dryers are fairly affordable and are sometimes used alongside water separators for added drying. They use desiccant beads to trap even more moisture, and are popular for automotive painting.
Do I Need a Water Separator For My Air Compressor?
It really depends on how much you plan on using your air compressor. The average homeowner who is only airing up their car tires does not need a water separator.
For myself, I run a lot of pneumatic tools. I use a water separator on my air compressor to protect my tools from damage.
Generally, these water separators are sold as an aftermarket items. There are several brands available, from cheap Chinese imports for $20 to $150 models from Ingersoll Rand. Considering that these separators will be under high pressure, I prefer a model that uses American branding. I figure there is less chance of it exploding under higher pressure if the parent company is based in the United States, where lawsuits are common.
The Importance of a Water Separator on Your Air Compressor
It is important to install an oil water separator to keep water from damaging tools and products. If water vapor is not removed from the air stream, that water will be deposited on any surface it comes into contact with. A Water separator is one of your most essential tools in combatting humidity.
When using pneumatic tools, water will enter the tool, causing it to suffer corrosion and shortening its life. A water trap system of some type is needed for optimal performance.
When painting or sandblasting, water will combine with the paint or the sand, compromising the end product. The last thing you want is to invest hundreds of dollars in high-quality automotive paint to ruin it with atmospheric water.
Water separators also help remove other contaminants, such as oil, and dust particles.
In more humid climates such as Georgia and Louisiana, it may make sense to invest in a multiple-stage water oil separator.
How Often Do I Need to Drain My Water Separator?
You should drain your water separator before it gets two-thirds full. I find that an empty separator tends to work better, and I drain mine every time I use my air compressor. It’s one of those super-satisfying tasks, and it’s not like you can drain it too often.
I know some of the more busy shops invest in an automatic drain that auto drains the filter daily on a timer.
Ultimately, it comes down to how much you use your system. Keep an eye on it to determine when the water separator needs to be drained, and remove the water and debris that accumulates near the bottom.
Furthermore, your air compressor tank should also be drained every week. We have an article on that, over here. Regular maintenance is key to maintaining the air compressor receiver tank and your compressed air system.