Stupid Air Compressor Drain Modification

[nova_robotics]

Here's a stupid little addition to extend the life of your air compressor. Just remove the drain valve and attach a few pieces of plastic pipe/tubing. That way you have a little reservoir (the volume of the pipes) to hold condensation and prevent corrosion in your tank.

[DIYer]

Thanks nova_robotics! We've added your Compressor Drain Modification to our Air Compressors category,
as well as to your builder page: nova_robotics's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Compressor Drain Modification by nova_robotics

tags: air compressor, drain

[Hans Pearson]

I like the idea, it can also allow you to lead the outlet to somewhere convienent and save you scratching around under the receiver to find the tap.

[nova_robotics]

I like the idea, it can also allow you to lead the outlet to somewhere convienent and save you scratching around under the receiver to find the tap.

That was the original intention. I was going to connect it to a solenoid valve and plumb it outside. Then the PLC in my shop could periodically drain the tank. But I'm very, very lazy.

[Jon]

Congratulations nova_robotics - your Compressor Drain Modification is the Homemade Tool of the Week!

The simple mod wins it this week. Pipe/tubing as a reservoir is clever, and this modification is reminiscent of the classic "one weird trick" internet ads:



Some more good builds from this week:

Fluid Transfer Pump by 737mechanic
Wood Sealer Recipes by Mazay
Tap Handle by Retro Steam Tech
Bandsaw Fence Modification by SculptyWorks
Bandsaw Circle Cutting Atttachment by rgsparber
Belt Sander Angle Stand by rendoman
Lawnmower Trailer by theeddies
Hand Drill Press by fergiomaria
Multifunction Jigsaw Cut Guide by Didpoolhall
Edging Clamp by orioncons36
Assorted Woodworking Hacks by Junkyard
Portable Bandsaw Mount by orioncons36

nova_robotics - we've added your tool entry to our All Homemade Tool of the Week winners post. And, you'll now notice the wrench-on-pedestal award in the awards showcase in your postbit, visible beneath your username:



You'll be receiving a $25 online gift card, in your choice of Amazon (US-only), PayPal, or bitcoin. Please PM me your current email address and award choice and I'll get it sent over right away.

Nice work!

[Moldyjim]

We had something like this, but the exhaust went out the side of the building into the alleyway.

It just "happened" to be the area that we had issues with transients using as a toilet and as a place to shoot up drugs.
We had to clean the area a lot less after the first few times it went off randomly. (wink)
Just a coincidence, I swear!

[Unkle Fuzzy]

You can get a kit that senses pressure drop when the unloader opens and it burps the drain every time the compressor cycles.

[Moldyjim]

It was more fun to do it manually...

[NortonDommi]

It was more fun to do it manually...

Yep, that sudden face full of crap from blow-back when you crack the valve too fast....
I fitted a needle valve and on humid days I can leave it just slightly open for a drip every few seconds. Truck air tanks often come fitted with dump valves to drain water with a nice little lever on them that with a hole drilled can be connected with a cable to a remote. They close when the lever is released.

[tlnixon]

I have a ball valve on mine, but never thought puting the tubing between the tank and valve. I have some PEX pipe that I'm going to use and run it through the wall to the outside to drain.