Desiccant Air Dryer Frequently Asked Questions

D Series

1. How long does the cartridge last?
Typically, we recommend changing the cartridge at least once to twice every year (or every 2,000 hrs) when used for point-of-use applications with an intermittent flow. You can estimate the cartridge’s life by using our Cartridge Life Calculator.

2. When do I know when to change the cartridge?
Use our moisture indicator HGT-1/4 and replace the cartridge when the R.H. exceeds 80%.

3. Can I regenerate the desiccant?
We highly recommend replacing the desiccant with a fresh cartridge for optimal performance. However, you may dry the desiccant by emptying the bag and leaving the activated alumina in an oven at 275 F for 4 hours (approximately). Let the desiccant cool down before refilling the bag. Use a commercial stapler to close the bag.

4. How can I extend the life of the cartridge?
We recommend draining the tower daily by opening the ball valve or using our automatic timer drain TD-1/4. When there are bulk liquids in the compressed air, a water separator FSD Series installed upstream of the dryer will knock water and prevent the flooding of the cartridge.

5. Can I oversize my air dryer?
Yes, oversizing the air dryer will increase the time in between maintenance. Contrary to a compressed air filter that requires velocity to perform, the D Series will benefit from being oversized as the contact time between the compressed air and the will increase.

6. Is it normal that the stitching of the bag can be removed?
When you pull on the thread the stitching will come apart, that’s normal.  This feature enables you to open the bag to see the condition of the desiccant if required. To close the bag once the stitching is removed, you simply need to staple it with a handheld stapler.

7. Can I operate the dryer in a cold environment?
The Super-Dry can be operated in the winter: https://superdrysystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Sandblast-Pot-Diesel.jpg

8. In a cold environment. Here are the essential points:
– You will need to drain the dryer frequently. When not in use, cracking the ball valve open to have circulation will prevent freezing
– You may insulate the tower (example: https://superdrysystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/insulation_orig.jpg )
– You can wrap Heat Tracing Tape or a Battery Heater Pad around the unit

FSD-FD Float Drain

The FSD-FD float drain has a dual mode. You can set the float drain in “manual” or “automatic mode.”

You will need to twist the knob to select how the float will open; clockwise for manual and counterclockwise for automatic.

Here is a short video on how to twist the knob manually: Float Video

On automatic, when liquid enters the drain, the float rises off its seat, exposing the orifice and allowing liquid to discharge through the stem. As the liquid level drops, the float re-seats and seals the orifice.

If there is a hissing sound, the drain is not set correctly. It means that the float is still set to open in manual mode.

The unit must be positioned upright. If not, the float will not sit properly, and, as a result, the float may leak.

Note: We recommend an annual visual inspection. In severe environments, you may replace it every 24 months.

CRN Certifications

Here are the Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP) per model:

SKU Model Inlet/Outlet MAWP @ 100 °F
280-110 D-1 1″ NPT 130 psig
280-120 D-2 1-1/2″ NPT 150 psig
280-130 D-3 2″ NPT 105 psig
280-140 D-4 3″ NPT 70 psig
280-418 D4 CRN 3″ NPT 150 psig

Our air dryers don’t require a nameplate or a serial number or a manufacturing date.

Note: General requirements for boilers, pressure vessels, and pressure piping B51-19, Part 1, 5.1.1 states that Cat. H Fittings (Which is what our CRN is for) do not need a nameplate. They just need to me marked with the manufacturer’s name. Only category G fittings require a nameplate. See below: