What is the purpose of air dryer in our air compressor system?

A compressed air dryer eliminates moisture from the air produced by the air compressor. The capacity of air to hold moisture varies with temperature and pressure. When air is compressed, the increased pressure forces excess moisture to condense into liquid at the compressor's discharge, while some moisture remains as water vapor in the air stream.

Moisture in compressed air can create issues within the compressed air system, pneumatic tools, and manufacturing processes. As compressed air travels through the piping system and cools, liquid moisture can condense. This condensation can lead to corrosion, scaling, or the removal of lubrication in production equipment.

Water vapor left in compressed air poses challenges for various manufacturing processes. For instance, excessive moisture in air-operated paint systems can negatively impact colour, adhesion, drying times, and finish quality. In food processing and pharmaceutical settings, moisture in compressed air can contribute to spoilage.

The air dryer works to remove surplus moisture and lower the dew point, which is the temperature at which condensation begins. The dew point serves as an indicator of the moisture content in compressed air; a lower dew point indicates drier air.
 

How to choose the right capacity for the air compressor dryer?

Selecting an air dryer is a crucial part of designing a compressed air system. The choice of air dryer significantly affects air quality, system efficiency, and operating expenses. By choosing the appropriate type of air dryer (refrigeration air dryer or desiccant dryer) and sizing it correctly for your system's requirements, you can ensure a reliable supply of clean, dry air while managing costs effectively. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a dryer:
 
- What level of dryness (dew point) is required for your air?
- What are the ambient temperature conditions?
- What is the flow rate (m3/min or cfm) requirement for your application?
- What is the working pressure (bar or psi) requirement for your application?

Published : 9-Oct-2024