drying shop air humid climate - florida

[mikey]

what is the recommended filter/dryer for compressed air in humid areas?

i live in florida and i am setting up a 3/4" galv pipe run for my 60 gal compressor for tools and painting. i'll have a 30 foot run to a water filter (with drip) and a regulator, is this enough for 100% humidity? or do i need something like a dessicant filter or a motorguard paper filter? i will have drips at the tank and at the end of the run just before the filter and regulator.
thanks in advance, mm

[CDJr]

Depends on what youre using it for. Naturally, a line used for painting has to be much drier and cleaner than for other stuff. Its pretty humid here in Louisiana also, and I have a setup that sounds very similar to yours. I have a trap with a valve where the line drops down and then a filter/regulator. But when Im painting, I also use a filter at the gun for added precaution. I keep the lines and filter flushed out and have never had a problem.

[mikey]

CDJr thanks for posting.

my question really is more about what is the preferred type filter for drying the air in a humid climate like 100% humidity and 95 Degrees.
i will be spraying in the summer most likely, that's just how my luck works.

i will be using the air primarily for tools and for spraying. i am more concerned about when spraying. i am a beginner, so i am trying to eliminate some of the variables. i am pretty sure the drip filter and regulator are enough for tools.


any opinions? dessicant or paper or something else?

[CDJr]

Well, ya never really "know" til ya try it out (not with a paint gun though). What youve got is probably fine, just when you are going to paint with it, use an extra in-line filter at the gun. Theres plenty of them out there, most are relatively inexpensive and are disposable, and will work fine.

[Len]

In a small shop it's usually best to angle the pipe so that the moisture that condenses in it will run back to the compressor away from the filter/regulator where it can be drained now and then. In a large shop, because the pipe is usually much longer it can be tilted the other way so that it's caught in the drip collectors at each regulator.

For spraying there are many different types of air DRIERS but, when this becomes necessary, most small shops and DIYers will opt for a desiccant filter to dry the air for spraying paint. Desiccant driers come is all shapes and sized depending on your needs but if you are running a large shop then refrigerated air driers costing between $1000 and $3000 are usually best.

Desiccant driers start under $20 for the snake shown below.

Better desiccant filters run between $300 and $400 like this Devilbiss three stage system that we sell for $399.50

[wolfsautobody]

Mikey,

If you are trying to stay low cost at first try www.harborfreight.com . They have a filter on sale right now for $19.99 ITEM 1118-8VGA. I have 2 of these in my booth right now. I drain my compressor and the lines before I paint and it does good. Plus I use a filter at the gun for added protection. I live in Louisiana and it is already in the 90's here during the day and very humid. If you want to spend a little more, Harbor Freight also sales a 3-IN-1 REFRIGERATED AIR DRYER, ITEM 40211-1VGA for $299.99. Just depends on what kind of budget you are starting off with. If you do get some of their filters make sure you don't get ITEM 42035-2VGA if you are running your lines for painting. I have 2 of these in the shop and they don't do good with trapping the moisture. I am taking them back and getting the first ones I talked about since they have them on sale right now.