When selecting a condensate drain, factors such as potential air loss, energy consumption and maintenance frequency are essential to running the most efficient compressed air system.

The flow chart and descriptions below were created by the Walker Filtration team to help you decide which drain may be the best option. Please note that not all manufacturer specifications are the same and you should verify your selection with your provider.

Zero-Loss Electronic Drain

Zero-loss electronic drains are the most energy efficient condensate drain for compressed air systems. They guarantee zero compressed air loss and adapt to the condensate flow of the air system. These models reduce the need for frequent maintenance and are fully automatic once implemented into the compressed air system. While the drain’s installation and purchase price can make for a high initial cost, end-users benefit from long-term savings on operational and energy expenses.

Standard and High-Pressure Timer Drains

Standard and high-pressure timer drains are best for end-users that can perform manual drain maintenance. On both models, the drain’s timer is set to match the condensate flow of the air system. It only needs timing adjustments when seasons or climates change. As the name suggests, high-pressure timer drains are ideal for high-pressure systems.

Although both models cost less than a zero-loss condensate drain, they can allow for some compressed air loss. This air loss may increase the overall cost of energy consumption and general maintenance.

Mechanical Float Drain

Mechanical float drains offer quick installation and are an energy-efficient, zero-loss option. This style drain does not require an electric power source or manual calibration for installation. However, one may need to manually service the drain to remove large particles within the internal strainer. This type of condensate drain is optimal for lower-pressure systems that do not utilize a high capacity of compressed air.

Vacuum Drain

The vacuum drain offers a specialized zero-loss solution for vacuum systems in the processing industry. These condensate drains do not consume high amounts of power, making them an energy efficient choice. While the drain is an automatic solution for condensate management, it does require a connection to a compressed air line and is not ideal for traditional compressor systems that do not utilize vacuum equipment.

To learn more about Walker Filtration’s condensate drain offering and other products, visit our page on condensate management.