Ball valves for compressor drain
Our knurled drain valve on the Rol Air compressor snapped of recently in the cold. They seem to last for about 6-9 months before they need to be replaced.
I thought I once read (probably here) about 1/4 turn ball valves for this application. The search function comes up blank (surprise). Does anybody know where/if I can get these?
Jon Blakemore
Replies
Which RolAire do you have? Are you using an automotive replacement part? Should be the same size.
Ball valves are ubiquitous. Any full service hardware store or plumbing supply will have them in a staggering variety of sizes and materials, threaded or sweat.
Unc dunc ......ubiquitous valves..............my gawd man I wish you were here to talk to some of my home owners. he he he
Somewhere in my travels I heard about auto drain valve that opens itself if pressure drops to atmospheric. Anyone heard of that? No time to google it right now but will check this afternoon.
Here are a couple.http://www.arrowpneumatics.com/accessories.htmhttp://www.tonair.com.tw/english/5.htmNot sure of the size. Might not work on portable compressors.
They are a nice idea in theory but they can be kinda fussy if debris gets in them. And since compressor tanks are not made out of stainless, lots of gunk is gona spew out. And this means the automatic valves are gona get stuck open when they get dirty.
how come they dont make tanks out of stainless?
Too spendy. But just wait- those Chinese or India fellas will have 'em here for $100 any day now. Heck, they're selling stainless 2-quart buckets here, electropolished fully austenitic stainless steel, for $5 Canadian retail- you couldn't even buy the plate to make that bucket here in Canada for that money!
I have wondered the same for years. I want another small compressor, and the lack of a non-rusting tank is one thing holding me back. I hope the next poster is right, that India/China will offer it soon. I want ASME rating on any import pressure vessels, however!Titanium would be coolest, very light weight and non-rusting. I'd pay $100 more for an Emglo twin-tank hand carry unit if it had Ti tanks.Bill
Thanks Bill.Lignum est bonum.
J B ....Been using ball valves for many years never a problem and the crew never forgets to drain the tank , the handle sticks out the side for easy access. I noticed the young guys use it as a factory whislte for quittin time , never more than a couple of min difference from day to day. Parts available at any plumbing supply or big box
Jon, I bought one at Lowe's for less than $10.
good luck
tung le
A ball valve is about as perfect as you can get for that application.
You can get them VERY cheap at harbor frieght. And the quality is surprisingly good. Excelent, even.
But the brass has lead in it. Enough so, that a tag had to be added.
I got two for the air system I will eventually build. But decided to forgo any for a water system.
The person you offend today, may have been your best friend tomorrow