static elec charge

[bbellman]

i have a posiden compressor -electric which includes a bauer filter
I keep having static elec build up in the first drain on the filter
to the point i have even seen lighting bolts shoot down the drain tube,
this occurs only while i am draining the filter while compressor is running.
i have put a round wire directly from the bottom of the filter base to an
electrical plug ground but makes no difference. the second drain on the
filter never seems to accummulate a charge.

anyone have any suggestions on whats causing and how to fix ?

thx

 

[pescador775]

The problem may not be related to "static". Have an electrician check the grounds in your shop. Check the motor wiring.

 

[bbellman]

grounds are all good , wiring good no shorts
the charge is only about .1 to .2 volts

 

[captain]

I have seen static discharge generated around high pressure superheated steam vents under certain dry atmospheric conditions. I don't know if something similar is happening with your compressor. I have never had it occure on my compressor. Is there any possibility that the drain valve and tube is somehow electricly insulated from the filter housing. You might try grounding the drain valve and tube.