Why Care if There is Water in Your Compressed Air?

By: Bill Wade
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:20:46
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

The process of compressing air generates free water, and increases air borne water vapour. If you are not sure about why this occurs, take a look at the article on this site entitled "Why does water run out my compressed air line?".

So what is the problem with a little - or perhaps a lot :-) - of water coming down the compressed air line along with the compressed air?

A simple answer may be that it depends on what you are using the compressed air for.

The more complex answer follows.

For most applications, water blowing out the end of the air line with the compressed air is a problem.

If you are an air-brush painter, a micro-globule of water will land on your artwork, and prevent the paint from adhering to the surface. You end up with a fish-eye, or a lot of them, depending on how much water your compressor is generating.

Further, compressing air generates higher than normal water vapour content in the compressed air. When this air reaches a cool surface, the water vapour condenses into free water, making even more fish-eyes.

Air brush painters really have to get all the moisture out of their compressed air, both free flowing water and water vapour. For tips on how to do this visit ABOUT-air-compressors.com for much more information.

A lot of us do-it-yourselfers use compressed air to run air tools in our garages. The water in your compressed air will certainly coat the inside of the tool, and in time, rust it out. The life expectancy of the tool will be dramatically reduced when there is an air/water mixture running through the air tool.

Water will mix with your lubricating oil that you should be sending, with the air, through the tool. The water makes a sludge mix with the oil and any airborne debris (dust etc.) that comes with the compressed air. Then, when this sludge dries out between tool uses, the result might actually prevent the tool from working at all the next time you go to use it.

Hint: If the tool will not work when you are supplying enough air at the correct air pressure to run it (do please check these first) then sometimes a gentle tapping of the tool housing with a hammer might loosen up the vanes and allow the tool to run again. If this occurs, then once it's working again, flood the inside of the tool with lubricating oil through the air connection, and run it into a bucket until all the oil has blown through. This may clean it sufficiently to allow it to run again next time you want to use it. Failing that, it's time to take the tool to the shop for a stripping and cleaning, if you are not up to doing that yourself.

A few home compressed-air users may have built devices for their home or garage that use air valves and air cylinders to make them work.

Water flowing down with the compressed air will act negatively on both the air valves and the air cylinders.

With manual air valves the sticking can be overcome by exerting a bit more force on the valve handle. Not so with solenoid valves. These electrical devices shift the valve inernally with a magnetic coil or with pilot-air, and if the valve is full of gunk that came from the compressed air, it likely won't work when you want it to. Once again, may I suggest a gentle tapping, the failure of which will mean either stripping and cleaning the valve or replacing it.

Air cylinders come from the factory with permanent lubrication. Read "permanent" as lasting a long while, not forever. Regardless of how you define permanent, know that the factory lubrication will not last as long if you have water running in and out of the cylinder as it cycles. Eventually all factory lubrication will be gone, and excessive cylinder wear will result.

Do you care if you have water in your compressed air? For the life expectancy and operation of your compressed air devices, I think you should!

Bill Wade's experience in compressed air and other industries spans decades; from field sales positions through to the corporate presidential office. His sales agency represents a select group of industrial firms. Mr. Wade writes about all facets of compressed air at http://www.about-air-compressors.com

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Crafts category

  • The Best Gifts for Cross Stitchers - By: Joanne Jones
    Do you know someone who loves to cross stitch, but you aren't sure of what gift to buy him or her? Don't worry. Even if you don't know what supplies they already have, it's easy to get them a gift that they are sure to love. Here are eight great gift suggestions for anyone who cross stitches.
  • Preserving Cut Flowers - By: Timothy Spencer
    As much as we adore receiving a bouquet of flowers, we would love to enjoy these blossoms for a long time. We may not avoid fresh flowers from wilting but we can definitely prolong their vase life. This article shares some tips on how to extend the shelf life of a colorful bouquet of fresh flowers.
  • Traditional Scottish Gifts - By: Michiel Van Kets
    You might find plentiful of traditional Scottish souvenirs and gift ideas that spring to mind, but none will ever be as familiar as Scottish tartan.
  • Artwork and Handicfrafts from Tuscany - By: Michiel Van Kets
    Tuscany is a coastal town located on Italy's west coast. The town is a popular tourist destination attracting people with its religious and historical centres as well as delicious cuisine and fine wines and its stunning scenery.
  • Different Types of Quilts - By: Joanne Jones
    Do you have trouble figuring out what the differences are between the different types of quilts? Is so, here is a quick guide to the most popular types of quilt designs and styles out there.
  • Reuse Household Items - By: Lily Morgan
    Turning regular everyday household products into art is not as impossible as it sounds. In fact, it's a great way to reuse things that would otherwise end up in the trash. There is no limit to what you can do. The key to good craft work is to avoid placing any restrictions on what can realistically be accomplished. Make use of that junk you just never look at anymore before it finds its way to the garbage.
  • How To Create A Cross Stitch Journal - By: Joanne Jones
    Have you ever forgotten what supplies and patterns that you already own? Or how many projects are still waiting to be completed? Do you want an easy way to keep track of all the projects you have already finished? The solution is simple - create your own cross stitch journal.
  • The Best Gifts for Scrapbook Lovers - By: Joanne Jones
    Scrapbooking has become the latest craze in the crafting world. If you aren't into it, you probably know someone who is. So, what are the best gifts that you can give to a scrapbook lover? Here are the ones that make the top 8 list.
  • Tips for Encouraging Kids with Crafts - By: Lily Morgan
    When it comes to kids and crafts, often the first thing that comes to mind is the mess that often results. Allowing kids to get creative doesn't have to be messy and can in fact be quite the opposite. A little extra planning makes creative play fun while keeping it convenient and clean. Children should always be encouraged to use their imagination while furthering their artistic abilities. Parents need to remember that most of the learning kids do takes place while they are at play.
  • Diaper Cakes Are a Unique & Artistic Piece to Add To Your Next Baby Shower - By: Kimberly Green
    Whether you make it yourself or buy one ready-made these charming creative Diaper Cakes are perfect for baby related festivities.