Product category:
Airline equipment, filters, drains and traps, control systems, etc.
News Release from: Parker Domnick Hunter | Subject: Internal float drains
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 11 October 2005
Change those float drains annually
A word of caution for companies planning annual maintenance programmes - do not forget to change internal float drains - or condensate might get back into the system.
Domnick hunter has a word of caution for companies planning annual maintenance programmes - do not forget to change internal float drains annually Coalescing filters are usually fitted with a condensate drain as standard; the most common type is an internal float drain
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 23 Aug 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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Drains effectively remove excess moisture that collects in the bottom of filters and forms an oily, corrosive and acidic condensate mixture that needs to be removed so that it is not re-introduced into air lines which would cause downstream equipment performance problems and quality defects.
Float drains operate by continuously opening and closing to allow liquid condensate to leave the filter.
As the only mechanically operated component of a filter, drains are prone to malfunction over time.
What is more, because drains are in constant contact with aggressive condensate, over time in-built strainers become blocked resulting in a greater risk of failure to open or close.
If drains stick in the open position, valuable compressed air leaks out along with the condensate, resulting in wasted energy, reduced system pressure and inadequate air supply for the operation of essential tools and machinery.
Should they stick in the closed position drainage performance suffers as condensate collects in the bottom of filters until it reaches a level where it is re-entrained and passed downstream, where it contaminates processes.
These problems can be simply avoided by replacing internal float drains once a year.
The ideal time is along with annual filter element changes.
Replacements are relatively inexpensive given that this preventative maintenance approach saves businesses considerably in the longer term by avoiding more costly problems.
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