OBA - auto drain

[wussyPup]

I'm not sure where to post this; happy to move if there's a better place.

Does anyone use an automatic air tank drain valve on their OBA tank? Something like Auto/Manual Air Tank Drain | Princess Auto

I like the idea of draining the tank daily, but don't really want to crawl under the Cruiser every day.

Thoughts? Experiences?

Thanks, -Steve

 

[FJ40-GARAGE]

I have an adjustable air drain vent on my airtank, mounted on the lowest point.
Mine is set to 45 psi all you have to do is let the compressor run until it blows the water out.
The one you show seems to do the same.

I do use my compressor/tank just to air up tires so 45 is fine for me.

 

[e9999]

how do these things work in practice?
do they end up being a pressure limiter? or do they somehow "close" when they are dry?

 

[gtfour43]

How about something like this

http://www.hornblasters.com/products/details.php?i=shocker-12-in-electric-drain-kit

 

[FJ40-GARAGE]

how do these things work in practice?
do they end up being a pressure limiter? or do they somehow "close" when they are dry?

These things are adjustable to the pressure you want, so its both, limiter and water outlet when placed at the bottom.
In my case i just let the compressor run until that valve starts at 45psi to blow out, it closes when the pressure falls about 30 psi and opens again at 45.

Another option would be a vent that they use on big trucks, they have a keyring with a chain that you pull to get rid of the water.

 

[e9999]

These things are adjustable to the pressure you want, so its both, limiter and water outlet when placed at the bottom.
In my case i just let the compressor run until that valve starts at 45psi to blow out, it closes when the pressure falls about 30 psi and opens again at 45.

Another option would be a vent that they use on big trucks, they have a keyring with a chain that you pull to get rid of the water.

well, if the drain valve only closes when it goes down to 30 then the compressor better not want to run again if the pressure goes below 35, say, or it'll keep going on and off forever. Basically, sounds like you have to have the valve and compressor settings be matched or it won't work with power to the compressor.

 

[FJ40-GARAGE]

well, if the drain valve only closes when it goes down to 30 then the compressor better not want to run again if the pressure goes below 35, say, or it'll keep going on and off forever. Basically, sounds like you have to have the valve and compressor settings be matched or it won't work with power to the compressor.

Its just a mechanical pressure activated valve, nothing to do with the electrics.
I just switch my compressor on and let it run to fill the tank, if i just need the pressure for the arb i turn the compressor off by hand at 40psi, if i need to fill tires i let it run permanent.
I even have a shut off switch as a safety backup when the drain valve might fail, that one is set at 85psi.

 

[wussyPup]

how do these things work in practice?
do they end up being a pressure limiter? or do they somehow "close" when they are dry?

I think they open, to drain water, when the pressure is released.

How about something like this
HornBlasters Shocker 1/2in Electric Drain Kit

Very nice, but I think I'd prefer to avoid the electrical.

Another option would be a vent that they use on big trucks, they have a keyring with a chain that you pull to get rid of the water.

Good idea, I like the simplicity - this is the way I'll go - thanks for the idea.

 

[98 SNAKE EATER]

I use a pair of 3/8" solenoids on each of my tanks to drain daily (and to scare the crap out of anyone reaching into my beer cooler)