Different types of compressed air dryers
Posted on Mon, May 02, 2011 @ 02:46 PM
A compressed air dryer is a device for removing water vapor from compressed air. Compressed air dryers are commonly found in a wide range of industrial and commercial facilities.
The process of air compression concentrates atmospheric contaminants, including water vapor. This raises the dew point of the compressed air relative to free atmospheric air and leads to condensation within pipes as the compressed air cools downstream of the compressor.
Excessive water in compressed air, either in the liquid or vapor phase, can cause a variety of operational problems for users of compressed air. These include freezing of outdoor air lines; corrosion of equipment; fouling of processes and products.
There are various types of compressed air dryers. Their performance characteristics are typically defined by the dew point.
- Desiccant dryers, often called "regens", "egenerative" or "twin tower" dryers
- Refrigerated dryers
- Deliquescent dryers
- Membrane dryers
Vapor is removed from compressed air to prevent condensation from occurring and to prevent moisture from interfering in sensitive industrial processes.
Characteristics
- A regenerative desiccant dryer typically delivers a dew point of between -40°F(-40°C) and -100°F (-73°C)
- A refrigerated dryer delivers a dew point not lower than approximately 35°F (2°C)
- A deliquescent dryer delivers a dew point suppression that fluctuates with air temperature. Typically this suppression is 20°F below the compressed air temperature.
For more information, visit our website or contact our customer service team by calling toll-free: (866) 650-1937 or emailing sales@ecompressedair.com.