COMPRESSED AIR DRYER PRIMER

WHY DRY COMPRESSED AIR?

Atmospheric air is loaded with water. At 75 degrees F ambient and 75% humidity, a 100 CFM compressor takes in 18 gallons of water, in vapor form, per eight hour day. The aftercooler will condense about 12 gallons as liquid, with the remaining moisture entering the compressed air stream.

REFRIGERATED AIR DRYER:

If pipeline temperatures are not anticipated to go below 35 degrees F, a refrigerated air dryer will cool the compressed air to 35 degrees F by mechanical refrigeration.

REGENERATIVE AIR DRYER:

A regen dryer uses activated alumina to adsorb water vapor from the air. Since this dryer will deliver at typically a -40 degree F dew point, it should be used when below-feezing conditions are encountered.