Water enters an air compressor because it's drawn in along with the atmospheric air.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Atmospheric Air Contains Moisture: The air around us always contains water vapor, also known as humidity. The amount of water vapor depends on factors like temperature and location.
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Air Compressor Intake: An air compressor works by sucking in the surrounding air. This includes the water vapor present in the air.
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Compression and Condensation: As the air is compressed inside the compressor tank, its volume decreases significantly. This process increases the air temperature and pressure. Warm air can hold more moisture than cold air, but the dramatic pressure increase decreases the air's ability to hold moisture. Consequently, the water vapor condenses into liquid water (condensate). Think of it like wringing out a wet cloth; you squeeze out the water.
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Collection in the Tank: The condensed water accumulates in the bottom of the air compressor tank.
Therefore, the water isn't magically created inside the compressor; it's already present in the air that the compressor draws in, and the compression process causes it to condense out of the air.