Regulator with Water trap - water trap initially open

[Anthony Kesterton]

Hi

 

I am just starting to use a small compressor fitted with a simple regulator + water trap.  I am trying to understand how the water trap is supposed to be operated.  When the compressor is first started, the water/air outlet at the bottom of the regulator/water trap remains open and leaks air.  I find if I hold down the small rod at the bottom of the water trap, that seals the water trap, the pressure builds up and it stays in place. 

 

I was curious to know if this is normal, or if the water trap is faulty.

 

The regulator/water trap is marked as a Fengling AFR2000 Filter Regulator, 0.5-8 Bar

 

thanks

 

anthony

 

[bmwh548]

Depends on the model. I have a similar one, it operates based on the pressure of the air holding it closed after your initial "help". The reasoning is probably that during the off times, when there's no pressure in the system and the valve is opened the moisture will evaporate so the trap dries itself.

There's also the type that is closed on the default setting and you need to open it manually to release the moisture.

[Anthony Kesterton]

Ok - that all makes a lot of sense.  Thanks