What is a desiccant dryer for an air compressor?
A desiccant compressed air dryer uses a special material, called desiccant to dry the compressed air. This desiccant is made of a material that really ‘likes’ water, the water sticks to the surface of the desiccant. Every once in a while, the desiccant needs to be dried, or ‘regenerated’, to remove the water again.
How does a desiccant compressed air dryer work?
In summary, in a desiccant dryer, adsorbing the water vapor onto the large, dry surface area of a highly porous material called desiccant dries the compressed air. This adsorption occurs as water vapor in the compressed air moves into the pores of the dry desiccant and is attracted to the surface of the pores.
What is the purpose of dryer in compressed air system?
To avoid water condensation in a pneumatic system, an air dryer can be installed in the system (see Figure 10.21). The basic function of the air dryer is to remove moisture from the air by cooling it with a refrigerant. Thus, the water vapor is condensed, and the air can be compressed.
When should I change my air dryer desiccant?
It’s time to replace desiccant beads when:
- The dew point of the process air won’t attain -40˚
- Cleaning/replacing filters does not help and air flow from regeneration blower is good.
- You can crush the desiccant beads between your fingers.
Are desiccant air dryers good?
Desiccant dryers make wonderful air dryers for any season because they don’t rely on a reduced dew point like refrigerated dryers do. They can actually filter moisture in temperatures as cold as -100 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long do desiccant dryers last?
With proper maintenance of pre-filters, activated alumina desiccant should last up to 5 years in heatless dryers. For heat regenerated dryers the desiccant should last 2 to 3 years. Desiccant can be visually inspected to look for discoloration and oil contamination.
Which material is used as desiccant in air dryer?
The general working principle of desiccant air dryers is simple: moist air flows over hygroscopic material (typical materials used are silica gel, molecular sieves, activated alumina) and is thereby dried.
How does an air dryer work on an air compressor?
A compressed air dryer is a piece of equipment designed to separate water vapor or moisture (de-humidify) from industrial process air. In the typical system, a compressor draws in humid air and compresses it, which raises the air temperature and then cooling the air condensing water vapor out of the unit.
How does a desiccant filter work?
The general working principle of desiccant air dryers is simple: moist air flows over hygroscopic material (desiccant) and is thereby dried. The exchange of water vapor from the moist compressed air into the desiccant causes the desiccant to gradually be saturated with adsorbed water.
How long do desiccant filters last?
What is the difference between refrigerant and desiccant dryer?
Refrigerated dryers work by cooling the air to low temperatures and condensing much of the water vapor. Desiccant dryers pass the compressed air over a bed of desiccant material which absorbs water vapor molecules.
How long will desiccant last?
between 1 and 3 years
The life of these bags depends on the environment that they are exposed to, but most desiccant bags last between 1 and 3 years. When silica gel absorbs moisture, it goes from being in an active state to an inactive state.
Why do I need dryer for my air compressor?
When space is limited, but the requirement for dry compressed air exists, some manufacturers offer an integraded refrigerated dryer option on their air compressors. An integrated dryer can effectively remove moisture from your compressed air in an effort to protect your investment.
Do I need a refrigerated or desiccant air dryer?
Desiccant dryers can achieve dew points as low as -100. In some facilities, a desiccant air dryer may only be needed for certain applications and processes. As an example, an auto body shop generally will need only a refrigerate air dryer for the tools and general air uses, but will benefit from having very clean and dry air for the paint booth.
What is the best compressed air dryer?
For example, a deli dryer is the best compressed air dryer for portable abrasive blasting applications. It’s also the best dryer for a point-of-use installation to protect paint booths or blast cabinets in an air system that has no primary dryer.
What does an air compressor dryer do?
A compressor air dryer is a machine that removes water and contaminants from previously compressed air systems. This machine is part of a large air compression system which is commonly found in gas manufacturing facilities. Two main filtration processes can be used in a compressor air dryer, including refrigeration and desiccant adsorption.