In plenty of industrial settings, keeping your air clean and dry is of utmost importance. Moisture in compressed air can cause damage to your tools and equipment, bring down the quality of your work and even bring up maintenance costs.
That’s where a desiccant air compressor dryer comes in. This tool helps you remove moisture from compressed air, which helps you maintain the quality of your work and your tools. In this desiccant air compressor dryer guide, we’ll go through everything you need to know when choosing the right dryer to suit your needs.
What is a Desiccant Air Compressor Dryer?
A desiccant air compressor dryer is a device that uses desiccant material to remove moisture from the air. It passes air through a chamber containing this desiccant material, usually activated alumina, silica gel, or activated charcoal that absorbs the moisture.
The air that emerges on the other side is dry, which is then passed through the dryer and used for the required tools and equipment.
There are two main types of desiccant air compressor dryers: single-tower and twin-towers. Twin-tower dryers use compressed air to regenerate the desiccant, or an external heat source, such as electricity or gas. Single-towers are non-regenerative and will saturate over time. Single-towers dryers are more energy-efficient and are more affordable.
Benefits of a Desiccant Air Compressor Dryer
There are several benefits to using a desiccant air compressor dryer:
Protects Tools and Equipment
Moisture in compressed air can cause rust and corrosion, damaging your tools and equipment. A desiccant air compressor dryer removes the moisture to prevent this.
Improves Air Quality
Moisture in compressed air can also compromise the quality of your work. It can cause paint to peel, make adhesives less effective, and affect the finish of surfaces. A desiccant air compressor dryer can help improve the air quality and keep your work from deteriorating over time.
Reduces Maintenance Costs
When moisture builds up in compressed air systems, it can cause damage and increase maintenance costs. A desiccant air compressor dryer can help prevent this by removing the moisture from the air before it reaches your tools and equipment.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Desiccant Air Compressor Dryer
When buying a desiccant air compressor dryer, there are several factors to consider:
CFM Rating
The CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating of a dryer is the amount of compressed air it can handle at a given pressure. You will need to choose a dryer with a CFM rating that matches or exceeds the CFM rating of your air compressor.
Dew Point
The dew point is the temperature at which moisture content in the air condenses into liquid water. A lower dew point means that the air will be drier. You must choose a dryer with a dew point that is appropriate for your application. Make sure to look up the right dew point for your needs since air that is too dry or too moist can cause further problems.
Size
The size of the dryer is an important factor to consider, as it will determine how much-compressed air it can handle. You must choose a dryer that is appropriately sized for your air compressor and the amount of compressed air you will be using.
Regeneration Type (Twin-Tower)
As mentioned earlier, there are two types of twin-tower desiccant air compressor dryers: heatless and heated. Heatless dryers use compressed air to regenerate the desiccant and are simpler and more affordable. On the other hand, heated dryers that use an external heat source are more energy-efficient.
Desiccant Type
There are several types of desiccant materials used in air compressor dryers, three of which we mentioned earlier. Each type of desiccant has different properties and is suited to different applications. You will need to choose a desiccant type that is appropriate for your application.
Operating Cost
The operating cost of a desiccant air compressor dryer includes the cost of the electricity or gas used to power the dryer and the cost of replacing the desiccant material. Some types of dryers will cost more than others, so it’s a good idea to look this up and ensure it falls within your budget.
Maintenance Requirements
Desiccant air compressor dryers require regular maintenance, such as replacing the desiccant material and cleaning the dryer. You will need to choose a dryer with maintenance requirements that you are willing and able to meet. Being unable to maintain your dryer will result in higher costs, lower quality of work, and other problems.
Warranty
A warranty can provide peace of mind and protect you in case of a defect or malfunction. When picking out a dryer, choose one with a warranty, ideally one that suits your specific needs.
Tips for Using a Desiccant Air Compressor Dryer
Once you have chosen and installed your desiccant air compressor dryer, here are some tips to help you get the most out of it:
Monitor the Dew Point
You need to monitor the dew point of the compressed air to ensure that the dryer is working properly. You can use a dew point meter to measure the dew point.
Replace the Desiccant Material Regularly
Desiccant material will eventually become saturated with moisture and need to be replaced. How often this desiccant material is replaced will depend on the amount of compressed air you use and the type of desiccant material used.
Install a Pre-Filter
Installing a pre-filter before the dryer can help remove particulates and contaminants from the compressed air, which can help prolong the life of the desiccant material.
Check the Drain Valve
The drain valve on the bottom of the dryer should be checked regularly to ensure it works properly and is not clogged with debris.
Use a Regulator
Using a regulator to control the pressure of the compressed air can help prolong the life of the desiccant material and improve the performance of your tools and equipment.
If you’re looking for a desiccant air compressor dryer, Super Dry Systems has a variety of products to choose from. Head over to the website and find one that works for you.