How to solve the problem of water in the instrument air supply in winter?

Add refrigeration and drying equipment, place additional water tanks at the lowest point, and drain water regularly

Before winter arrives, it is necessary to inspect the primary and secondary filters on the instrument air pipelines, and replace the silica gel particles as well as other components such as cotton adhesive found in these filters. Conventionally, the primary and secondary stages of instrument air systems should have their packing inspected and replaced every 3 to 6 months. At the same time, if necessary, a dew point analyzer should be installed after the secondary filtration to monitor the moisture content of the instrument air.

We carry out discharges at fixed times every week; this is the best way to prevent problems in winter.

The drain valves located below the instrument air buffer tanks in each equipment area are opened. Meanwhile, to prevent the cut-off valves and pipelines from freezing due to temperature effects during the water cut-off process, steam heating protection is required.

I don’t know what it means. If the compressed air contains water, there is only one problem: the compressed air coming out of the compressor isn’t properly dried, whether you use desiccant dryers (heated or heat-free) or cryogenic dryers. You should also cool it down after the air exits the compressor. Steam to remove water and oil. At this point, about 70% of the water in the compressed air is removed. The compressed air coming out of the cooler should pass through filters (which can be multiple stages, each serving to remove water, oil, solid particles, etc.), and then through a large storage tank – the exact size of which depends on the requirements. This tank serves two purposes: it acts as a buffer to reduce pulsations at the compressor outlet, and it stores gas so that supply can continue for a short period of time in the event of a compressor failure. At this point, large amounts of water, oil, and the cooled compressed air that has had impurities removed pass through a dryer to further remove any remaining moisture from the air. Under normal circumstances, the air at this point is definitely already up to standard. Of course, we can still add more protective measures when using it on-site. For example, slightly opening the drainage and waste discharge valve of the on-site buffer tank.

We have installed a small drainage tank on the instrument air pipeline entering the workshop, and draining water regularly has proven to be effective.

Regularly drain the buffer tank of the instrument air compressor; the drying system must operate stably and be drained at regular intervals.

Set up a dew point analyzer to monitor the moisture content in the instrument air; a dew point below 40 is ideal, and electric heating should be added as well

The root cause of water in the instrument air is the lack of a water removal and drying device in the air compressor; the fundamental solution is to install a drying and filtering device, namely a refrigerated dryer, before the air enters the buffer tank. Manufacturers usually include it these days; you need to check whether you have it or whether it is in use.