Compressor drain valve solenoid.

[Psychosaffa]

My compressor is getting relocated into a purpose built box outside the shed. I have seen automatic drain valves with timers, but I don't want it on a timer.
can I just use a pneumatic solenoid on a switch to do the same the same thing?

 

[brightspark]

stick an elbow underneath and run a bit of nylon pipe out to a ball valve somewhere handy

 

[Psychosaffa]

Sometimes the most simple solution is the best! Cheers, I have been over thinking this for ages!

 

[knighty]

I bought the bits ready to convert my drain to automatic but haven't fitted them yet

bought a 20 litre air tank (from a trucks break system), 2 x solenoid valves etc..

plan is to fit the 20 litre tank under my compressor, so the compressor drains into it

then once a week valve on the compressor drain closes, and the one on the bottom of the 20 litre tank opens

hopefully all the water drains out nice and easy.... not losing any air so valves can stay switched for an hour
(tho I'm guessing draining will only take seconds)

 

[rtbcomp]

Another reason for using a ball valve is that some types of solenoid valve (such as washing machine types which work on a servo principle) can get blocked up by oil in the condensate.

Motorised valves would be a better bet for draining a receiver.

 

[Psychosaffa]

I was going to use a pneumatic solenoid, bit don't think it would like the water.
I'm going to go with the ball valve as there is less to go wrong.

 

[optima21]

I ended up using the drain valve from an old clarke air filter

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/cla...r-unit-with-auto-drai/?da=1&TC=SRC-filter air

I loctited the valve assembly into a bsp fitting to replace the original drain plug.

now when the pressure iin the receiver drops to below about 5psi, it vents