Condensate drains—also referred to as pneumatic drains—are valves used to expel moisture that accumulates in pneumatic systems. As compressed air cools, the moisture it contains condenses into liquid. If left unchecked, this condensate can cause corrosion and other damage. These drains are commonly installed in air preparation and compressed air treatment setups to prevent such issues.
Condensate drains come in various capacities and sizes to suit different system demands and application intensities. Automatic condensate drains are especially valuable, as they help avoid the oversight of manual draining.
How condensate drains operate
These drains are applicable across a wide range of pneumatic systems, including those used in industrial environments. Working alongside filters, they help remove harmful elements like excess oil, rust, metal debris, and scale. Filters trap these impurities, and the condensate drain removes the waste fluid from the system.
Installing condensate drains at the lowest points of a system prevents moisture accumulation, helping to protect valuable machinery and avoid unnecessary downtime.
Manual vs. Automatic Condensate Drains
Manual drains are equipped with a button or plug that users manually operate to release moisture. Some designs can be left partially open to allow continuous discharge.
Automatic drains, also known as auto drains, function using a float mechanism. As the water level rises, the float activates a spring-loaded valve to release the condensate automatically.
Pneumatic Auto Drain - AD Series
SMC AD series automatic drip leg drain. Automatic drains are an efficient way of removing condensates such as water from your pneumatic system. Removing the chance of emptying being overlooked and reducing the risk of damage to expensive equipment and downtime. Drop leg auto drains can be installed at low points in the system and with the tank to help stop condensation collecting.
Float type automatic drain valve
Bowl capacity 400cc/min (0.7MPa water discharge)
Temperature range -5°C to +60°C
Installed at low points in a compressed air system to drain off water
AD Series Accessories
A selection of accessories to be used with the AF Series modular air filters.
AF Series Replacement Parts and Accessories
A selection of elements designed to be used with the AF20-40 series micro mist separators.
SMC Automatic Drain Valve
The SMC auto drain valve is an EAD402 series automatic device that discharges drainage. It has G 3/8 inlet port and G 1/2 outlet port. This drain valve operates reliably, without requiring human operators. A case guard is provided as standard equipment. Installed at the lowest point in a compressed air system to evacuate condensates.
Features and Benefits
Automatic drain valve
Case guard provided as standard equipment
Drain port is 3/8
Highly resistant to dust and corrosion
Operating pressure is 9.9bar
Port size is 1/2
Pneumatic Auto Drain - AD Series
SMC AD series automatic drip leg drain. Automatic drains are an efficient way of removing condensates such as water from your pneumatic system. Removing the chance of emptying being overlooked and reducing the risk of damage to expensive equipment and downtime. Drop leg auto drains can be installed at low points in the system and with the tank to help stop condensation collecting.
Float type automatic drain valve
Bowl capacity 400cc/min (0.7MPa water discharge)
Temperature range -5°C to +60°C
Installed at low points in a compressed air system to drain off water
Note
Pneumatic Auto Drain - AD Series
SMC AD series automatic drip leg drain. Automatic drains are an efficient way of removing condensates such as water from your pneumatic system. Removing the chance of emptying being overlooked and reducing the risk of damage to expensive equipment and downtime. Drop leg auto drains can be installed at low points in the system and with the tank to help stop condensation collecting.
Float type automatic drain valve
Bowl capacity 400cc/min (0.7MPa water discharge)
Temperature range -5°C to +60°C
Installed at low points in a compressed air system to drain off water
Heavy Duty ADH Series Drain
Long life reliability
Float type auto drain with normally open valve
Bowl capacity 400cc/min (0.7MPa water discharge)
Temperature range -5°C to +60°C
No risk of back pressure
Easy operation and maintenance
