An inevitable problem in compressed air systems is the presence of water vapour which, when it condenses, entrains solid particles and lubricating oil from the compressor. This oily emulsion must be drained in order to prevent it from contaminating the distribution network. Condensate drains of the float type can get clogged and malfunction, thereby requiring frequent servicing. Timer-operated drains, on the other hand, are generally much more reliable but they can be expensive to operate because of the large volumes of compressed air they tend to discharge.


The CDE 1610 capacitance-type drains discharge only condensate, not air. The valve is servo-controlled, thereby permitting the use of a large diameter orifice. Careful design and component selection, together with the use of a suitably sized fibreglass reinforced plastic casing, ensure precise and reliable operation with working pressures up to 16 bar.