DRYERS

There is one word which every engineer should have in their toolbox - "SIMPLICITY ".

The more complicated a piece of equipment or system is, the harder it is to learn, operate, and service and generally is considerably more expensive to purchase and maintain.

"SIMPLE IS BEST"

Easy to Learn

Simple Operation

Minimal Maintenance

Cost Effective

Choosing the Right Dryer

"Selection of the correct dryer is dependent on several factors"

As almost every compressed air system has differences - application, size, location, etc. the selection of the correct type of dryer is critical in maintaining the integrity and profitability of the process in which it is installed. There are also limitations on what each of the different dryer types is able to handle and provide, for example, temperature, pressure, flow, and required dewpoint, etc.


The first point to consider is the quality of air required for the application in which the air is being used. For more information on air quality classifications and recommendations - CLICK HERE.


There are of course some basic considerations, the first of which is the industry or use of compressed air.

This can be simplified:


Plant Air

This is usually air which is used for air tools and general usage, Air quality is not the primary importance.

Digital PR

Instrument Air

This is usually air used to operate valves, actuators, conveyance systems, etc. Air quality is important.

Events

Process Air

This is the air used in the manufacture of the end product and the air will invariably come into contact with the end product either directly or indirectly  - Air quality is critical.

Products

The basic features, benefits and limitations of the various "standard dryers" will be outlined below.



Deliquescent Dryer

Deliquescent dryers utilise the principle of absorption,
meaning that the desiccant media is affected by the moisture
in the air and has to be frequently topped up/replaced.

  BENEFITS

  1. Simple Operation.
  2. No power requirement.
  3. Can be used pretty much anywhere.


  LIMITATIONS

  1. Only provides dewpoint suppression.
  2. Outlet air can be corrosive.
  3. Frequent replacement of absorbent media.
  4. Disposal of effluent may be an issue.

Would only recommend this type of dryer for the most basic of compressed air systems, short term use, where high moisture content is an issue but air quality is not the highest consideration.


Generally used for - Plant Air 

Membrane Dryer

ONE OF THE SIMPLEST POINT OF USE DRYERS

When coupled with the right filters and drain, this is a great and simple point of use dryer. Basically a molecular filter which uses a porous media that traps the water molecules and allows the dried air to pass through. 

  BENEFITS

  1. Simple Operation, no moving parts.
  2. Little/no power requirement.
  3. Minimal maintenance.
  4. Simple installation.
  5. Can be used pretty much anywhere.

  LIMITATIONS

  1. Limited/small flow capacity.
  2. Pressure consideration.
  3. Temperature consideration.
  4. Disposal of used membrane may be an issue, contaminated waste.

Generally used for - Plant Air & Instrument Air

(Point of use, small flow) 



Refrigerant Dryer

THE MOST COMMON OF ALL DRYERS

(because it is preferred by General Industry) 

A refrigerant dryer works on pretty much the same principle as the fridge in your home. The "hot" compressed air is passed through a hot-cold heat exchanger, where a large percentage of the moisture condenses and then the air is passed through a cold-hot heat exchanger where the "cold" compressed air is re-heated causing it to expand, effectively creating compressed air with a lower R/H.

  BENEFITS

  1. Simple Operation, few moving parts.
  2. Little/no power requirement.
  3. Minimal maintenance.
  4. Simple installation.


  LIMITATIONS

  1. Dewpoint limitation.
  2. Flow consideration.
  3. Pressure consideration.
  4. Temperature consideration.
  5. Location consideration.
  6. Refrigerant top ups.

Generally used for - Plant Air & Instrument Air (General Industry)



Desiccant Dryer

There are 3 main types of "standard" desiccant air dryer

(scroll down)

DEWPOINT

Will provide dewpoints as low as -40°C (-40°F) & -70°C (-94°F), providing corrosion protection for most ferrous based systems. 

APPLICATIONS

The only choice for Petrochemical, Chemical, Refineries, Pharmaceutical, Food & Drink - high end processes or where the air is used to produce the end product or comes into contact with the end product.

  FLEXIBLE FEATURES

Generally provides all the indications and alarms necessary to operate, diagnose and maintain, without over complicating things 

  COMPETITIVE PRICES

Don't over complicate the requirement and the value of simplicity, peace of mind, quality and reliability. 

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