Which air compressor filter/dryer?

[benherr]

After many attempts I guess it comes down to the air compressor filter/dryer. I've been looking at many different ones and I'm looking for recommendations. Just how much filtering is required? 10 micron, 5 micron or .01 micros. I've looked at Sharpe, Devilus and several others. What's everyone else using? You can find prices ranging from $69 to $500+. And were is the best place to purchase?

thanks,
ben

[97Dually]

My setup is as follows:

From the comp, I ran 1/2" copper tubing 6 ft. The copper is coiled and runs to a pvc coupler. This reduced the vibration and allows a cool-down point before it goes to the pvc.

From there, I ran 15ft of 3/4" pvc to a "dryer". My dryer is 100ft of 3/4" pvc zig-zagged along the back wall of my shop. The theroy is if you run the air far enough that it cools, the water vapor will return to a solid form and fall out of the air supply. Works excellent for me and I`m in muggy TN, lol.
At the bottom of the "dryer" I have a drip leg to drain off the water.

From there I run to this particulate filter http://www.handsontools.com/store-pr..._40527868.html

From that filter I run directly into this filter http://www.handsontools.com/store-pr...lter_5052.html

After those filters, I run out to all my drops throughout my shop. I have very clean, dry air at every drop in my shop. I do still run the mini desicant filters http://www.handsontools.com/store-pr...-pk_22259.html at my powder gun and plasma cutter just to be on the safe side.

Hope that helps.

[benherr]

Originally Posted by 97Dually

My setup is as follows:

From the comp, I ran 1/2" copper tubing 6 ft. The copper is coiled and runs to a pvc coupler. This reduced the vibration and allows a cool-down point before it goes to the pvc.

From there, I ran 15ft of 3/4" pvc to a "dryer". My dryer is 100ft of 3/4" pvc zig-zagged along the back wall of my shop. The theroy is if you run the air far enough that it cools, the water vapor will return to a solid form and fall out of the air supply. Works excellent for me and I`m in muggy TN, lol.
At the bottom of the "dryer" I have a drip leg to drain off the water.

From there I run to this particulate filter Motor Guard M-300 Ambush Particulate & Water Filter - MOTM-300

From that filter I run directly into this filter Motor Guard M-60 Sub-Micronic Compressed Air Filter - MOTM-60

After those filters, I run out to all my drops throughout my shop. I have very clean, dry air at every drop in my shop. I do still run the mini desicant filters Motor Guard DD-1008-2 Disposable Desiccant Spray Gun Filter, 2/pk - MOTDD1008-2 at my powder gun and plasma cutter just to be on the safe side.

Hope that helps.

97,
That's a lot of piping. I'm just using my compressor for my CNC and the Powder coating system, so maybe i don't need all that much piping to cool the air down and remove the water vapor, bu then again I'm no expert and it seems this setup is working for you. thanks for all the info and the links.

Ben

[97Dually]

It is alot of pvc, but the farther you run that air, the cooler it`ll get, therefore more water drops out. I only have a 6hp 60 gal compressor and thats about what it took to work. I started out with only 80ft and still had some water in my lines at the drops. PVC is cheap, I think I only have about $100 in all that line and the needed fittings. One other thing, if you`re gonna use pvc to plumb your shop, put a drip leg before each drop, it will help.

[Harleydad]

Please don't plumb air lines with pvc. You should see the shrapnel if it decides to let loose.

[benherr]

Originally Posted by Harleydad

Please don't plumb air lines with pvc. You should see the shrapnel if it decides to let loose.

Harleydad,

No I wasn't planning on using PVC. Any recommendation on which filter/dryer to purchase??

Ben

[JTW37]

My input here is the small desiccant filter. It can be bought from Harbor Freight for around $8.00. These do come apart. I got some bulk desiccent pellets and dump the used ones and refill them with new. I then put the old pellets in a can till it gets full and heat them to dry them out and reuse them.

[benherr]

Originally Posted by JTW37

My input here is the small desiccant filter. It can be bought from Harbor Freight for around $8.00. These do come apart. I got some bulk desiccent pellets and dump the used ones and refill them with new. I then put the old pellets in a can till it gets full and heat them to dry them out and reuse them.

JTW37,
I looked at the ones at Harbor. So these work fine for you Guess they must seeing your logo. That sounds great.

Thanks,
Ben

[97Dually]

Originally Posted by Harleydad

Please don't plumb air lines with pvc. You should see the shrapnel if it decides to let loose.

Why not ? I used all schedule 80 on mine, which is good to over 250 psi. I`ve worked in plenty of factories that used pvc for air lines. The idea for the "dryer" is used in a local cabinent shop and has been in service for over 10 yrs with no problems. Mines been in service at my shop for over 2 yrs with no problems. Pvc is safe as long as its done correctly.

[JTW37]

Yes, the HF's work fine. I have them in line on all my spray guns. Like I said, they also come apart and can be refilled. Keep the old and put it in your oven and dry it out, to use it again.