Compressed air is composed of naturally occurring moisture that could negatively affect applications that need moisture-free air. Refrigerated air dryers are the most common solution for eliminating moisture content. Their ability to reach an acceptable dew point in general industrial plant air application is commendable.
Refrigerated dryers function with a similar principle to domestic refrigerators. The compressed air is cooled in an air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger is around 35 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature where the moisture reduces and is drained off. It uses an air-to-air heat exchanger to pre-cool the incoming air and re-heat the outgoing air. The outgoing compressed air has a pressure dew point of 35 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a non-recycling refrigerated air dryer, the refrigerant circulates through the system. Since both the flow of compressed air and temperatures vary, a hot gas bypass valve is used to regulate the refrigerant’s temperature, preventing freezing conditions in the system at the same time.
In most cases, the refrigerant evaporates within the air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger. This provides rapid responses to alterations in operating loads.
The refrigerated air dryer is considered the most preferred air dryer technology for air compressors as it is economical, easy to maintain and simple to operate. There are various benefits of refrigerated air dryers. Below are some of them:
They come at relatively low cost, low operating cost with minimum absorbed power.
Well-designed air dryers that effectively eliminate water vapour from the compressed air system, which subsequently results in the longevity of the system’s pipework, keep from damage, and reduce the cost of maintenance of tools.
The heat exchanger element makes sure there is low-pressure loss. Equipped with a dew point sensor, the air dryer ensures a constant supply of dry air. It also ensures you do not reach the dew point. They are designed to be environmentally friendly, energy-efficient.
At Dry Air Services, we stock a range of air dryers for commercial purposes available at affordable prices. If you want to know more about how to choose one for your industrial application, make sure you contact us.