Here are the 7 best methods to properly drain truck air tanks. We have explained all the procedures in this step-by-step guide.
How often should truck air tanks be drained? You should daily drain the truck air tanks by switching off the compressor, release the pressure, locate the main valve, and remove the moisture.
The blockage of the air compressor directly affects the efficacy of the brake as well as the engine. So, this process is required to increase the life span of the machine.
How often should truck air tanks be drained?
In this article, we have explained proven methods to drain truck air tanks. Before going into the details, let me explain the basic working mechanism for this.
Truck Air Tank Working
The air compressor works by compressing air into a small volume, and the compressor does this process at high pressure.
- The air is compressed 12 times than normal atmospheric pressure.
- This pressurized air cannot hold much water.
- As a result, water vapors condense into a liquid; thus, the blockage can directly affect the air compressor’s efficiency.
The maintenance is a necessary process to increase the lifespan of air compressors.
It also has checking of air level in tanks, which directly affects air compressor efficiency.
Manual method to drain the truck air tank
This process includes three necessary steps:
Compressor Settings
The first step involves switching off the compressor. The unit should be unplugged to maintain a zero-energy state.
Pressure Release
The second step is the reduction of air pressure below 10 PSI. This can be done by pulling the ring on the safety valve of the tank.
While doing this, it is essential to wear eye protection since the debris may enter the eyes during pressure release.
Draining Air tank
Locate the main valve situated at the bottom of this part. As it is located, remove the moisture entirely by tilting the tank. After fixing the tank properly, close the valve, and usually use the compressor.
Now, the tank can be adjusted to the factory setting of pressure after following this procedure.
The compressor becomes energy efficient as there is no water pressure in it.
However, it should be kept in mind that this procedure does not remove the water in the vapor state. However, it prevents excessive liquid from building in the tank. This is a must if you are adding a truck engine in a boat.
Working with an open Drain Tank
Sometimes it is excellent and handy for the situation to work with an open drain in the air compressor. It prevents the pressure from building in the compressor.
It is preferred to crack drain partially; it is especially suitable when the compressor has to work for a long time.
Partially opening it can expel water during working and provide a dry air source. However, we cannot replace the air dryer by slightly opened the draining process.
However, there are odds and evils for every situation. For example, when we say this is a suitable option to open it slightly, moisture can be continuously removed.
The other aspect that should be discussed is that, with the open-drain, there is a possibility of entering creepy insects to move inside the tank.
These insects might bring dust and dirt, which may cause a problem for the tank’s airline.
While sharing my opinion, it is better to close the tank after removing water from this part. You should choose a suitable exhaust for your pickup.
Automatic process
It is sometimes better to have an automatic drain tank, especially when there is long route work of compressor.
It is also beneficial to have automatic setup in busy working hours to prevent time to time checking you of purging water.
The main difference between auto and manual strategies is that the auto process removes accumulated moisture with every burst.
While in the manual process, start by pulling the ring on the valve. The automatic process not only removes the moisture but also cause rust particle to move out. This will prevent the access of rust particles to the filtration process of the tank.
With the automatic setup, it increases the life span of filters and compressors. This, in turn, produce higher quality compressed air for power tools.
So, in other words, there is no need of worrying about moisture building.
Cardinal number to Drain Air Tanks
It is unnecessary to do it after every use, but it should be exhausted once a few days regarding regular use.
The moisture removal once in a week is a necessary step required to prevent significant loss in the automobile compressor. On the other side, if the air compressor is used now and again, it is better to fix it after every use.
The primary point to be remembered is that the moisture cause damage from the inside out. It means that water in the tank causes damage which could not be observed from outside.
It is better to remove any standing moisture during vacations. As already mentioned, once the valve is opened, it draws moisture from the bottom. You can also mount a dashcam at this location.
The necessity to drain the air tank
However, the process is the same, whether it is a smaller compressor or a large-sized compressor.
This condensed water settles at the bottom of the tank. This water settling causes rusting of this part of the vehicle.
Rusting or Corrosion includes the chemical reaction between oxygen, water, and metal. So, the metal corrodes when it interacts with water. So, this water should be removed regularly to maintain the tank’s structural integrity.
The water and air compressing problems are most frequent, especially in cold weather, that causes problems in the engine.
Alcohol is sometimes used to solve this problem. The added alcohol converted into vapors and liquefied frozen chemicals in the brake system.
In cold weather, alcohol is added to prevent freezing. To increase the efficacy of the compressor, you should conduct this process regularly.
Air compressor maintenance is vital whether we consider 3 gallons or 80-gallon units.
Rusting issue of Air tanks
This rusting may affect it from small issues in which water may pass in the air hose, causing subsequent damage. While it may lead to severe problems causing explosion resulting in fatal injuries.
In an external setup like shops, they use air regulators, air dryers, and instill oil to overcome water accumulation.
With all these options, the increase in humidity may affect air dryer efficiency. So, putting water out is not only necessary to save the entire system as well as protect air tools.
Maintenance tips
The tips that must be followed for proper maintenance. Firstly, the mechanism should be carried out by a warmed-up tool avoiding excessive heating.
Be cautious, never introduce flame, as it can result in an explosion.
The only safe way to maintain its efficiency is to avoid freezing it up by following the process. The air dryers are installed in combination with wet tanks to prevent freezing.
The entering of oil from the compressor and water can cause a freeze in cold weather resulting in brake failure.