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How to Compress Air to Extract Water

The atmosphere is a dynamic fluid that consists of approximately 77 percent nitrogen and 22 percent oxygen. The remainder is composed of trace gases like carbon dioxide, argon, and water vapor. There are several methods, both chemical and physical, to remove or extract water from the air. Perhaps the easiest procedure consists of using an air compressor attached to a metal cylinder, similar to those used for pneumatic tools and tire inflators.

Things You'll Need

air compressor with air tank reservoir
pneumatic tubing, usually connected with air compressor.

Instructions

- 1
  Attach the pneumatic tubing to the air compressor and move the free end of the tubing as far away from the compressor as possible. Relatively water-free air will exit this tube and there is no need for it to find its way back into the compressor.
- 2
  Turn on the compressor and allow it to fill the tank with air until it automatically stops. The compressed air is saturated with water vapor; once the pressure decreases the water will condense out.
- 3
  Let the air fully exit the tank through the pneumatic tubing.
- 4
  Repeat the above procedure. Water vapor condenses along the tank walls each time the tank is filled with air and emptied. Eventually it will slide down the sides and collect at the bottom of the tank. Most tanks have a spigot to let excess water off; open it and collect the water as it drains.

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