Patent ID: 6276894
Filing Date: 2001-08-21
Classification: F16T,G05D,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for draining condensate off a compressed-gas system, said method comprising the steps of trapping condensate that collects during operation of said compressed-gas system; drawing off collected condensate through an outlet; connecting a trap volume and a purging device to said outlet; connecting a collection chamber having drain with a valve arrangement consisting of a diaphragm valve and a solenoid valve controlling said drain, to said outlet, said collection chamber volume being smaller than the trap volume; detecting the presence of condensate in said collection chamber by means of at least one sensor; connecting control electronics to said sensor, said sensor including a timer circuit and; controlling a valve arrangement by the control electronics that is influenced by said sensor; either shutting the purging device so that no condensate can escape through it or opening the purging device each time the condensate level rises and the sensor changes over from indicating the signal of no condensate, to indicating the signal of condensate present; starting the timer circuit and on expiry of the time defined by the timer circuit, opening the valve until the sensor indicates no condensate thereupon closing the purging device by means of the valve.