Removing water from compressor air line

by Truman
(Bellville, Ohio)

I have a cabinet shop and do my own spraying (lacquer mostly). sprayed a large cabinet and had bubbles (water)in the lacquer. Here is my set up: Sears compressor model # 919.167600; 1.6 hp, 26 gal, 160 psi.

Compressor serves as my main compressor for running nail guns and for doing my spraying.

My spraying system is a HVLP system. My spray gun runs off a pressure pot with 25'of air and fluid hose.

My compressor and spraying system set side by side.

I T'd off the line on the compressor and run a separate line for spraying. The air line for the sprayer runs through it's own regulator then through a Sears air line filter model #16008 with a 40 micron filter element. From the compressor to the pressure pot is about 8'. From T on compressor to regulator is 3'(rubber air hose). From regulator to filter is 1', then from filter to pressure pot is 4' (rubber air hose).

I would like to solve this problem as simply as possible and as cheaply as possible (I know these two don't usually go together, but one can always hope). If I used a longer air hose (50') from filter to pressure pot would this allow the air to cool enough to avoid water in my laquer? What if I put another filter at the pressure pot? I just don't know but I can't have this problem, it requires too much time to resand and respray. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Truman

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Bill says...

You can take all the free water out of an airstream, and yet have water appearing again just a bit further down the air line.

You need to understand that water is both free (liquid) and vapour, and it's the vapour that condenses further down the line into free water that's likely causing your problem.

What you want to consider is an in-line desiccant dryer installed just before the gun to rid the air stream of residual water and water vapour too.

Cheers,

Bill