Good points being made here. Much of my free time lately has been consumed by issues at work that are related to the current corona virus situation. Running a small business, dealing with the slowdown experienced by many of our restaurant customers, and the resultant slowdown in our service work, as well as trying to keep our employees safe while ensuring they get 40 hours a week. My business partner and I take very seriously our commitment to keep our workers earning a paycheck. The bills don't come in part-time just because the work does. I've got my ducks in a row enough to take tomorrow off and get some beaver depredation on the schedule. I'm hoping I can get my Wildcat 30 cal shooting right and use it tomorrow evening. If not, then the trusty Bullboss 25 will accompany me on my mission.
The more research I do, the more I find that a combination of condensation drying followed by desiccant drying is the norm for producing dry high-pressure air. For breathing air, there also seems to be the need for carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide removal, as well as objectionable odor and taste removal. These are not a concern for us. In addition, it seems that most of us airgunners will find themselves almost always operating in the part of the envelope that does not generate enough liquid moisture to cause concern. This is a good thing. Nevertheless, some of us will end up in the corners of the envelope where it starts to matter. This is my primary concern, for myself. I've invested way too much money in my toys to begrudge the relatively small investment in a post-compression desiccant dryer. I want to be confident I can grab my air rifles and head out into any weather conditions I want, as well as refill my SCBA tank in any weather I want. I hope that after things settle down later this year, that I can gather some data and see if I can actually tell if the desiccant is making any difference.
LMNOP, I did find some photos to share. Sorry it took so long to post them. Here are a few.
Again, I realize that most of us may never encounter these issues; however, I believe it will be easier for me to avoid the potential for this kind of damage than it will be for me to try to figure out just when and where this kind of damage can occur and then let that dictate when and where I can shoot. Maybe this isn't the route for everybody, but it's the one I will choose for now.
Thanks again for everybody's input. I'm positive we are all learning more about our hobby as a result. A better understanding makes us all better airgunners. Ya'll take care of yourselves out there. Make smart decisions, but don't let fear rule your life during this time. Don't forget to be a good neighbor, especially to the older neighbors. Maybe this whole thing will help us relearn how to get along and look out for each other. Shoot straight, speak the truth, and be good to one another!
James
