Effectively remove air moisture with a refrigerated dryer

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Keep Air Dry Using a Refrigerated Dryer

Refrigerated air dryers are essential components in compressed air systems, ensuring that applications requiring dry air are not negatively affected by moisture. This blog post delves into the refrigerated air dryer working principle, their types, benefits, and maintenance, providing a comprehensive understanding for readers seeking in-depth information.

What is a Refrigerated Air Dryer?

A refrigerated air dryer is a device used to remove moisture from compressed air. Moisture in compressed air can cause various issues, including corrosion, freezing in pipelines, and damage to pneumatic controls. By removing this moisture, refrigerated air dryers ensure the efficiency and longevity of pneumatic systems.

How Does a Refrigerated Air Dryer Work?

During the compression process, the air becomes hot and the moisture in it vaporizes. As the air starts to cool down, the water vapor condenses into liquid form. If condensation forms and stays inside an air compressor, you risk the issues mentioned above.

Fridge dryers cool the compressed air, which turn condenses moisture content. This process makes it easy to remove condensate from compressed air. Afterwards, the dry air passes through an air-to-heat exchanger for use.

With moisture discharged from your system, the risk factors mentioned are averted, and you'll operate at peak performance.

Operating a refrigerated dryer

These machines use refrigerants to cool the hot air. Compressed air passes through the dryer where air condenses into water for draining. This equipment is pretty straightforward and easy to use.

You'll find features like intelligent drain discharge on some models. With electronic sensors, this component removes condensate without wasting any compressed air. There's also optional filter support and features to reduce installation costs.

To be effective, the relative humidity of the compressed air should be below 50%. Helping you monitor the drying process, there's optional PDP indicators. These devices come with a PDP alarm, measure dew point, and indicate fan status.

That being said, setup and maintenance are fairly simple and straightforward for refrigerated dryers. We've designed easy to use, long-lasting machines to minimize operational costs as much as possible. 

Cycling vs Non-Cycling Refrigerated Dryers

When researching refrigerated dryers, you'll likely come across non-cycling and cycling models. The main difference between these two types is how the motor runs.

Non-cycling dryers, offered by Mark, are the most budget friendly option. They run continuously, regardless of air load demand. This equipment is fairly standard and straightforward.

Refrigerated Air Dryer Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and efficiency of refrigerated air dryers. Key maintenance tasks include:

  • Checking Air Filters: Ensure air filters are clean and free from blockages.
  • Inspecting Condenser Coils: Clean condenser coils to maintain efficient heat exchange.
  • Monitoring Refrigerant Levels: Check and maintain appropriate refrigerant levels.
  • Draining Moisture: Regularly drain the moisture collected in the dryer.
  • Inspecting Electrical Connections: Ensure all electrical connections are secure and functioning correctly.
  • Testing Controls: Regularly test the controls to ensure they are operating correctly.

Implementing a routine maintenance schedule helps identify potential issues early, leading to reduced downtime and consistent delivery of high-quality, dry compressed air.

Choosing a Refrigerated Dryer for Your Air Compressor

With our compressed air refrigerated dryers, you'll benefit from easy installation and high reliability. These machines are well worth the investment for protecting your air compressor equipment while meeting quality standards.

When evaluating machines, you'll want to consider installation, reliability, PDP, and quality components. It's also important to find the most energy efficient solution.

If you're ready to explore Mark's offerings, feel free to get in touch. Our team will walk you through various models to meet your needs. We look forward to hearing from you.

Common Questions

What is the main purpose of a refrigerated air dryer in a compressed air system?

The main purpose of a refrigerated air dryer is to remove moisture content from compressed air, ensuring that applications requiring dry air are not negatively affected.

How do non-cycling refrigerated dryers differ from cycling dryers?

Non-cycling refrigerated dryers have the refrigerant circulating continuously, with a hot gas bypass valve regulating temperature to prevent freezing under varying conditions, whereas cycling dryers adjust refrigeration based on demand.

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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.

 

Looking for some assistance? Get in touch with our experts for services that meet your needs.

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