Champion CDV1 Series Zero Air Loss Mechanical Demand Drain (150-250 SCFM)

The Champion CDV1 Series is a zero air loss, pneumatic mechanical demand drain built to automatically remove liquid, oil and water contaminants from compressed air system components. Float operated and entirely pneumatic, the CDV1 needs no electricity, no timer and no adjustment. It opens only when condensate is actually present, discharges it, and reseals, so not one cubic foot of compressed air is vented to atmosphere.

Select your model from the dropdown above.

Why a Demand Drain Instead of a Timer

A timed solenoid drain opens on a fixed schedule whether there is condensate waiting or not, and every one of those open cycles blows compressed air straight out of the system. Across a plant running several drains around the clock, that lost air shows up directly on the electric bill as compressor horsepower you paid for and never used. A demand drain discharges on liquid level instead of on the clock. The float lifts, the valve opens, the accumulated condensate goes out, and the valve reseals before air can escape. There is nothing to program and nothing to tune seasonally.

Because the CDV1 is purely mechanical, it also keeps working during a power outage, needs no conduit run or receptacle at the drain point, and carries no solenoid coil to burn out.

Model Selection Chart

Rated air capacity is the compressed air flow the drain is sized to serve. Match the drain to the SCFM passing through the vessel it is mounted on, not to compressor horsepower.

Key Features at a Glance

• True Zero Air Loss Operation - Discharges on liquid demand, never on a timer, so no compressed air is wasted.
• Float Type, No Electricity Needed - No power, no conduit, no solenoid coil, and no interruption during a plant outage.
• 200 PSIG Maximum Operating Pressure - Suits receivers, filters, separators and dryers across normal industrial plant air.
• 175F Maximum Fluid Temperature - Handles hot condensate close to the compressor discharge.
• Metal Bowl - Compatible with all compressor lubricants, unlike polycarbonate bowls that craze and fail with synthetic oils.
• Large Quiet Zone - The bowl is sized so incoming turbulence settles before the float chamber, preventing liquid re-entrainment back into the air stream.
• Manual Override Available - Add part CGRP-96-000 to the CDV1-5 to drain on demand by hand.
• Champion Pneumatic Quality - Backed by more than a century of compressed air engineering.

Shared Technical Specifications

Ideal Applications

The CDV1 is the right drain for air receiver tanks, aftercoolers, moisture separators, coalescing and particulate filter bowls, refrigerated and desiccant dryer sumps, drip legs at the low points of a distribution header, and any drain point where running power would be awkward or expensive. It is a direct upgrade path for shops still draining receivers by hand with a petcock, and for plants trying to cut the compressed air waste built into legacy timer drains.

Where the Drain Belongs in Your System

Every point in a compressed air system where air cools is a point where water falls out of it. That means a drain belongs on the receiver, on each filter housing, on the refrigerated dryer sump, and at every drip leg. Condensate left in the system carries oil and rust downstream into tools, cylinders and finishes. Collected condensate is regulated waste in most jurisdictions, so route the discharge to an oil water separator before it reaches a floor drain.

Installation and Service

Mount the CDV1 below the vessel being drained so condensate flows to it by gravity, and pipe the 1/2" inlet with a full port isolation valve so the drain can be serviced without shutting the system down. Keep the inlet line short and free of traps. Once a year, isolate the drain, remove the bowl and flush out accumulated sludge and rust scale. Because the CDV1 has no electronics and no timer board, annual cleaning is effectively the entire maintenance program.

Why Buy from Air Compressor Store

Air Compressor Store is an authorized Champion Pneumatic distributor. Every CDV1 drain ships with the full factory warranty, lifetime application support, and access to our compressed air engineers for drain sizing and condensate system design.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does zero air loss actually mean?

It means the valve never opens to atmosphere unless liquid is present to be discharged, and it reseals as soon as the liquid is gone. A timer drain, by contrast, vents compressed air on every cycle regardless of whether it had anything to drain.

Which model do I need, the CDV1-5 or the CDV1-32?

Size on the air flow through the vessel you are draining. The CDV1-5 with its 5 oz bowl is rated for 150 SCFM and suits filter bowls, dryer sumps and smaller receivers. The CDV1-32 with its 32 oz bowl is rated for 250 SCFM and suits larger receivers and wetter duty, including humid summer conditions where condensate volume climbs sharply.

Does it need electricity or compressed air to actuate?

Neither. The CDV1 uses the system pressure already in the vessel and a float to operate. There is no power connection and no separate control air line.

Can I drain it manually when I need to?

Yes, on the CDV1-5. Order the CGRP-96-000 mechanical override, which mounts to the valve and gives you drain on demand by hand.

Will it work with synthetic compressor lubricants?

Yes. The metal bowl is compatible with all compressor lubricants, which is exactly why Champion specifies metal rather than plastic on this drain.

How high a pressure will it take?

Up to 200 PSIG. For systems above that, or for condensate carrying heavy sludge, look at the Champion CDV4 motorized ball valve drain, rated to 600 PSIG.