Modern air compressors are prone to moisture problems, which can lead to corrosion and other potentially serious issues. When they choose, the right Air Dryers PA business owners don’t have to worry about condensation affecting the performance of their compressors. Read on to find out about the different types of air dryers available for help with choosing the right one.
Refrigerated Dryers
Refrigerated dryers are very common in the world of air compression. They work by cooling the air to around 38 degrees Fahrenheit, removing the excess moisture through condensation in a controlled environment. Around 95% of air compressors use refrigerated dryers to remove water from the air supply.
Commercially available refrigerated dryers can be divided into two general categories. The first is known as a Freon-based refrigerated dryer, which uses a closed-cycle refrigeration system similar to those found in air conditioners. The other available system is known as the Joule-Thompson (JT) based refrigerated compressed air dryer and uses high pressure compressed air as a refrigeration element.
Desiccant Dryers
Although most of the Air Dryers PA business owners use are refrigerant dryers, desiccant dryers are better for some specialized applications. Also referred to as absorption dryers, these pieces of specialized equipment work by absorbing excess moisture into a porous medium.
Since desiccant dryers retain water, they’re not ideal for primary applications. Instead, business owners should use them with refrigerant dryers as a second-stage or polishing dryer.
Membrane Dryers
Membrane dryers are dehumidification membranes. They remove water by passing the compressed air over a membrane fabricated from a material that has a high water vapor affinity. The water then passes through the membrane to the side with lower pressure.
Membrane dryers are quiet and reliable. They can set up low dew points and can operate 24/7 with no electricity. They’re quite delicate compared to refrigerant and desiccant dryers, though, which makes them unsuitable for most industrial applications.
Learn More Today
Want to find out about available air dryers, air compressors, and air compressor accessories? Check out Air Center Inc. to learn more about one reliable supplier of high-quality air compressors and more. Visit us website to get started or call to schedule a free system evaluation today.
