Moisture problems occur when water vapor condenses in the compressed air system. This is a natural byproduct of the air compression process. Indeed, when air is compressed, its temperature rises, allowing it to hold more moisture.

So, when this air cools, the moisture condenses, causing water to accumulate in the system. This phenomenon leads to corrosion, rust, and contamination of finished products.

This will be due to three main factors: external conditions, compression process and the design of the system:

• External conditions: Ambient temperature and humidity levels influence how much water vapor enters the system. Indeed, higher humidity means more moisture.
• Compression process: Compressing air increases its temperature, allowing it to hold more moisture. The resulting cooling causes condensation.
• System design: Compressor size, design, and operating pressure also affect moisture levels.

As you have probably understood, condensation is inevitable when compressing air. For example, a 55 kW screw compressor operating at 24°C with a humidity level of 75% can produce up to 280 liters of water per day.

• The impact can be quite significant:
• Corrosion of pipes and components
• Damage to pneumatic controls, causing machine breakdowns
• Oxidation and leaching of lubricants
• Discoloration of products and damage to lacquers
• Freezing in cold environments
• Increased maintenance costs and reduced equipment life

Several dryer options are available to you. Here you can find a few examples and their main characteristics.

Did you know? Condensate often contains oil and contaminants, which must be disposed of properly. We recommend using automatic, timer-controlled, or electronic drain valves to manage condensate safely.