Drainage system for compressor separators

A method for draining a separator fluidly coupled to a compressor, comprising:

• periodically sending an opening signal to a drain valve coupled to the separator to drain a condensate stored in the separator, wherein periodically sending the opening signal comprises periodically sending an electric signal to an actuator of the drain valve, wherein each electric signal is separated from a subsequent electric signal by a substantially constant time interval;
• periodically sending a closing signal to the drain valve to maintain pressure in the separator;
• periodically receiving a feedback signal from a sensor coupled to the actuator to determine a drain valve position;
• determining a pressure drop in the separator after sending each opening signal to the drain valve;
• and
• initiating corrective action if the pressure drop is below a predetermined amount.

A method for draining a separator fluidly coupled to a compressor, comprising:

• periodically sending an opening signal to a drain valve coupled to the separator to drain a condensate stored in the separator;
• periodically sending a closing signal to the drain valve to maintain pressure in the in the separator;
• determining a pressure drop in the separator after sending each opening signal to the drain valve;
• and
• initiating corrective action if the pressure drop is below a predetermined amount, wherein initiating corrective action comprises shutting down a motor driving the compressor.