A desiccant dryer is a machine used to remove moisture from compressed air. It uses hygroscopic materials, known as desiccants, to attract and separate water vapor from the air. This process ensures that the output air is dry and free from moisture, which is essential for many industrial applications.
Depending on your ISO 8573-1 class, you may need to meet strict PDP levels. This point particularly relates to sensitive applications, like mentioned above. In addition to ensuring quality standards are met, air compressor dryers are essential for avoiding corrosion, rust, contaminants, and bacteria within your air system.
Read on below to learn more about how water vapor is formed and the effectiveness of a desiccant compressed air dryer.
Desiccant air dryers work by utilizing hygroscopic materials to attract and remove water vapor from compressed air. The desiccant material, usually silica gel or activated alumina, adsorbs the moisture from the incoming air in one chamber. Once the desiccant becomes saturated with moisture, it needs to be regenerated to maintain its drying capacity. This regeneration process can be achieved through various methods, depending on the type of desiccant dryer.
There are several types of desiccant dryers, each with its specific method for regenerating the desiccant. The main types include:
- Heatless Desiccant Air Dryers
- Heated Desiccant Air Dryers
- Blower Purge Desiccant Dryers
- Heat of Compression Desiccant Dryers
Mark offers a purge regenerated adsorption dryer, also known as a "heatless type dryer." These dryers regenerate desiccant with expanded/purged compressed air.
The Mark ADS desiccant dryer has a very low purge consumption, and uses an electronic timer to control phases.
Typically, a purge dryer requires around 15-20% of the dryer's nominal capacity at 7 bar(e) working pressure. The Mark ADS desiccant dryer has a very low purge consumption, and uses an electronic timer to control phases.
While refrigerated air dryers are suitable for many industrial facilities, desiccant air dryers are essential for applications that require extremely dry air.
Refrigerated dryers cool the air to condense and remove moisture, achieving dew points around 3°C (37°F). In contrast, desiccant dryers can achieve much lower dew points, often as low as -40°C (-40°F) or lower, making them ideal for critical applications where ultra-dry air is required.
Proper maintenance of desiccant air dryers is crucial for ensuring their optimal performance and longevity. Key maintenance tasks include:
- Regularly inspecting and replacing desiccant material to prevent saturation and maintain drying efficiency.
- Checking and cleaning filters to prevent blockages and ensure proper airflow.
- Monitoring and adjusting dew point settings to ensure the desired level of dryness.
- Inspecting and maintaining valves, heaters, and other components to prevent malfunctions and ensure reliable operation.
If you use an oil-injected air compressor, it's recommended to use an oil-water separator for your drying system. With environmental regulations becoming stricter, it's important you're disposing of oil correctly.
As previously stated, when water is removed from an air compressor, it usually contains tiny contaminants, including oil.
Since these are usually undetectable to the naked eye, it's important to follow proper protocols. You do not want dirty condensate draining directly onto your floor or in a plastic container.
Not to worry. A proper set up is generally easy to install. Make sure to check your local regulations regarding condensate removal, usually found at recycling centers.
What is a desiccant dryer and how does it work?
A desiccant dryer is a machine used to remove moisture from compressed air flow by using hygroscopic materials to attract and separate water vapor. The desiccant material adsorbs the moisture from the incoming air in one chamber and is then regenerated by heating or purging in another chamber, allowing for a continuous cycle of drying.
Why are desiccant dryers important in industries like food and beverage and medical/pharmaceutical?
Desiccant dryers are important in these industries to prevent quality control issues caused by unwanted moisture, as well as to avoid corrosion, rust, contaminants, and bacteria within the air system. They ensure that the compressed air meets the required moisture tolerance levels, which is crucial for maintaining product quality and safety.
Why is it important to use an oil-water separator with an oil-injected air compressor in a drying system?
It is important to use an oil-water separator to ensure proper disposal of oil, as water removed from an air compressor typically contains tiny contaminants, including oil. This helps maintain the quality of the compressed air and prevents damage to the desiccant material and other components of the drying system.
Trust your air compressor maintenance to an expert
Everything mentioned in this article, is a simplified version of things to keep in mind when servicing your air compressor installation. Never perform any work on your screw compressor, piston compressor, air treatment or other equipment that you are not qualified to perform, but instead consult an expert.
Specialised air compressor experts know your system inside and out and are licensed to handle any situation, no matter what issue arises. Moreover, they’ll be able to provide pointers on how to better use your compressor.
Maintaining your air compressor is far more sustainable than buying a new one every few years, so make sure you take the time to really keep it up. If you’re looking to save money, refrain from buying a second hand compressor, and focus on quality parts and preventative maintenance.
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