FCAT — Float Type Compressed Air Trap
Mechanical float-type compressed-air drain trap that removes condensate continuously with zero intentional air loss.
Product overview
A float-operated drain for compressed air systems. It opens when there is condensate to remove and closes when there is not, so compressed air is never deliberately discharged as part of the draining cycle.
The problem it solves
Timer-based solenoid drains open on a clock, not on demand. Every cycle where there is little or no condensate present blows compressed air straight to atmosphere, and that air was paid for at the compressor. The alternative — leaving a manual valve cracked open — is worse.
Working principle
Condensate collecting in the body raises a float, which opens the discharge valve. As the level falls the float closes the valve while liquid still seals the outlet, so the air above it stays in the system. Drainage rate follows the actual moisture load rather than a fixed timer setting.
Applications
- Air receivers and after-coolers
- Moisture separators and refrigerant dryers
- Compressed air header drain points
- Plants replacing timer-based solenoid drains