· 4 min read
Where the water comes from
Ambient air carries water vapour. Compression raises the temperature and concentration of that vapour; as the air cools in the receiver and pipe work, the water drops out as liquid condensate.
What it damages
Condensate corrodes receivers and steel pipe, washes lubrication out of pneumatic tools, carries rust to the point of use and ruins paint and coating work.
Controlling it
Drain the receiver regularly through the drain cock, fit a refrigerated air dryer sized to the compressor, and install water trap filters ahead of sensitive equipment. Force Air supplies all three.