Many Western Australian industries rely on pneumatic equipment. However, moisture can pose a significant risk to their assets – this is where compressed air dryers come in. Compressed air dryers play a fundamental role in combatting moisture and can be found across industries, including pharmaceuticals, food production, and electronics manufacturing. Let’s explore what compressed air dryers are, the different types available, and how to choose the ideal size for your operation.
What Does a Compressed Air Dryer Do?
A compressed air dryer ensures the reliability of compressed air systems by eliminating moisture and impurities from the compressed air. When the air temperature reaches the dew point, condensation forms inside the compressor. Air dryers eliminate this condensation using techniques like absorption, filtration, or refrigeration. This protects the machinery and goods from rust, corrosion, and microbial growth.
Why Do I Need an Air Dryer?
When it comes to air compressors, air dryers are necessary for protecting against damage. Using an air compressor is a proactive approach to maintenance as it will save you from costly repairs and extend your compressor’s life cycle. Without an air dryer, moisture and corrosion debris can find its way into your product as well. Air dryers also prevent microbial growth which could contaminate or spoil your product. This is critical in industries such as food manufacturing and pharmaceuticals where contamination could render the product unsellable. Therefore, the quality of your product and the longevity of your equipment rely on a dependable air dryer.
Types of Compressed Air Dryers: Refrigerant, Desiccant and Membrane
There are three types of compressed air dryers: refrigerant dryers, desiccant dryers, and membrane dryers. Each has its own operational principles, advantages, and applications.
Refrigerant Dryers
Refrigerant air dryers operate by cooling the incoming compressed air, reducing its temperature. This cooling process causes moisture vapor within the air to condense into liquid water, which is subsequently separated and drained from the system. These dryers are typically found in general industrial applications, where extremely low levels of dryness are not necessary. They are often chosen for their energy efficiency and simple, compact design.
Desiccant Dryers
Desiccant air dryers use an absorbent material known as a desiccant to extract moisture from the compressed air. The desiccant acts as a sponge, wringing the air dry of any moisture. These dryers provide extremely dry air, making them the go-to choice for applications where achieving low dew points is non-negotiable. Industries such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food packaging rely on desiccant dryers to ensure impeccable air quality.
Membrane Dryers
Membrane dryers utilise membranes that is made up of microtubules that filter moisture out of the compressed air. This innovative technology yields extremely dry air, making them suitable for applications that are sensitive to moist air. The main advantage of these dryers is that they do not require electricity to operate, making them the most energy-efficient. They’re also low maintenance and compact.
The downside of this technology is that they can only operate with uncontaminated air and they may require regular filter changes within the air dryers to prevent blockages.
Ultimately, the decision between refrigerant, desiccant, and membrane compressed air dryers depends on the dryness level demanded by your specific operation as well as your operating environment.
What Size Compressed Air Dryer Do I Need?
Selecting the correct size compressed air dryer is contingent on the required airflow output, desired moisture level, and the compressor’s operating conditions. Begin by understanding the volume of air your compressed air system requires. Measured in cubic metres per minute (m3/min), this can be found in your compressor’s specifications. The higher the airflow demand, the larger the air dryer must be.
Different applications require different air dryness levels. For standard industrial applications, a dew point of 4°C is usually sufficient. Lower dew points are imperative for more sensitive applications such as electronics manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. Lower dew points rely on larger, more powerful dryers.
Operating conditions like temperature and humidity also determine dryer size. Air can hold more moisture in hotter climates, requiring a more robust dryer. As conditions fluctuate from day-to-day, it’s best to opt for a dryer that slightly exceeds your compressor’s output to prevent overworking it and ensure efficient moisture removal. Also, keep in mind the correction factors when it comes to sizing your air dryer, these are supplied by the manufacturer will take the ambient temperatures into account.
Determining the size of your compressed air dryer can be complicated, so always check the manufacturer’s recommendations and consult with a compressed air expert.
Compressed Air Dryers in Western Australia
As Western Australia’s leading air compressors and dryers supplier, Pneumatic Engineering stocks a wide range of high-quality dryers of all types and sizes. Our air dryers of choice are supplied by ELGi and Donaldson, global leaders in the filtration industry.
Western Australian-owned and proudly operating for 45 years, we are more than qualified to find a drying solution tailored to your business’s specific requirements, even in Perth’s unique operating climates.
The integrity and reliability of your pneumatic operations and products rely on your compressed air dryer. To see how we can extend your compressor’s lifespan and maintain the quality of your product, contact us today.
About Pneumatic Engineering
Pneumatic Engineering is a Western Australian compressor sales and servicing company based in Welshpool with 45 years of experience supplying compressed air solutions. As WA industry leaders, we have the flexibility and expertise to source, fix and maintain any compressor equipment.
Pneumatic Engineering is a proud member of The Crommelin Group.
