A good dryer and air compressing system is necessary for many businesses, with many facilities dependent on their dryers to keep their operations going. However, like any piece of equipment, your dryers and air compressors won’t last forever. The different parts will eventually start showing signs of wear and tear and will need replacement.
For example, the desiccant of a compressed air system is necessary for preventing corrosion, rust, and other types of damage to the system and its components. If this gets saturated by water, oil and other contaminants, you could incur some serious costs that can affect your bottom line and productivity.
That said, you can take some steps to prevent these costs. Here are some signs that you should replace your dryer desiccant.
When to Replace Your Dryer Desiccant
Reduced Performance
One of the most obvious signs that something is wrong with any system is when it stops working as well as it should be. So an obvious sign that your dryer desiccant needs to be replaced is when it starts showing reduced performance. This could mean the system works less efficiently than it should and may sometimes even fail entirely.
Though you should also check for other problems if this is the case, there’s a high chance that this could be caused by the desiccant material failing to do its job. In this case, you should look into replacing the desiccant cartridge.
Increased Moisture in the System
Another sign that your air dryer desiccant needs to be replaced is increased moisture in the compressed air system. If you have noticed more moisture in the compressed air than usual, it may be due to the desiccant material not functioning correctly. The desiccant is responsible for absorbing moisture from the compressed air; when it degrades, it cannot do so effectively.
Moisture in the system can be a problem for several reasons. For one thing, it can cause rusting of the metal components, which can damage the system. Other times, the moisture can act as an electrolyte environment, which can cause electrons to flow between the metals of the components and lead to system corrosion.
Higher Operating Costs
Because the moisture build-up results in corrosion, rusting, and part failure, it’s understandable that the energy needed to keep the system running also goes up.
So, when the desiccant is not functioning correctly, the compressed air system will have to work harder to deliver compressed air, leading to higher operating costs. By replacing the desiccant material, you can improve the efficiency of your compressed air system and reduce these costs.
Increased Pressure Drop
Another sign that your air dryer desiccant needs to be replaced is an increase in pressure drop. Pressure drop is the difference between the pressure at the compressor and the pressure at the point of use.
Moisture in the system can sometimes cause ice to form within the components, which can damage them and cause blockage. Other times, the desiccant material that absorbs the moisture can get saturated and unable to absorb any more moisture. This results in clogs and restrictions, impeding airflow through the system.
As such, a pressure differential is created, which can sometimes cause the pressure of the entire system to drop. In some cases, this can even go as far as to cause leaks in the system.
Contaminated Desiccant Material
Contaminated desiccant material is another sign that it is time to replace your air dryer desiccant. If you notice that the desiccant material is contaminated with oil, dirt, dust, or other debris, it can reduce the efficiency of the desiccant and lead to reduced performance. Contaminated desiccant material can also lead to increased pressure drop and higher operating costs.
Sometimes, as the desiccant material degrades, it can start breaking down into small particles which eliminates absorption properties. It can cause further problems.
Moisture in the Desiccant Material
As mentioned earlier, moisture in the desiccant material is a clear problem and a sign that it is time to replace your air dryer desiccant. You don’t have to wait around for the moisture to start causing a pressure drop before you choose to replace it. Detecting the moisture in the compressed air is a better choice, and you can address the issue before it becomes a bigger and costlier problem.
Age of the Desiccant Material
The age of the desiccant material is also a major sign that it is time to replace your air dryer desiccant. Desiccant material typically has a lifespan of around two to five years, depending on the quality of the material and the conditions in which it is used. If your desiccant material is approaching or has exceeded its expected lifespan, it is time to replace it to ensure that your compressed air system continues functioning efficiently.
Not all air dryer desiccants degrade within that time, but there is a high likelihood for it to happen. Because the desiccant material in your air dryer is a critical component of your compressed air system, it’s better to stay on top of maintenance and ensure that the desiccant material is replaced on time to prevent any issues from rising up.
In fact, in opening up the system and doing the replacement, you might notice problems with the desiccant material that had completely slipped your radar.
If you want to replace your air dryer desiccant or even the system entirely, Super Dry Systems has just what you need. Contact us now for more information on our air compressors and dryers.