Every compressed air system produces condensate, a mixture of water and oil that must be removed and disposed of correctly. Poor condensate management causes water carryover, corrosion and environmental violations.
Why condensate matters
Liquid water in the system causes rust, blocks tools and contaminates product. The condensate also contains compressor oil, so discharging it straight to drain breaches environmental rules in most regions.
Drain types
- Manual drains — simple but easily forgotten
- Timer drains — automatic but waste air if mis-set
- Float or electronic level drains — reliable, no air loss
Oil-water separation
Route condensate through an oil-water separator before discharge. The separator removes the oil for collection and lets the cleaned water go to drain. Size the separator for the total condensate flow, and maintain it on schedule so it keeps meeting discharge limits.