Compressed Air Dryers : your guide continued

Refrigerated dryers are the most economical drying method for any system.

Refrigeration dryers are used in compressed air systems worldwide and represent the current state of technology. Refrigeration drying is the most cost-effective technology for the drying of compressed air

Refrigerated air dryers operate with a similar principle to domestic refrigerators or home air conditioning systems. Refrigerating air dryers work by cooling the air to low temperatures and condensing the bulk of the water vapour. In other words: it uses temperature differences to remove the water particles. Refrigerated air dryers or refrigerant dryers cool down the air to approximately 3°C or 35°F. At this temperature, known as the dew point, the moisture in the air condenses after which it is drained.

The cooled air is reheated to room temperature upon exiting the dryer and before being used.

The are 2 main subtypes of refrigerant dryers:

Non-cycling refrigerant air dryers continuously refrigerate and thus maintain a consistent temperature. They are very dependable and easy to maintain, but you cannot turn them off. They keep running even if your business is closed.

Cycling refrigerant air dryers produce the amount of cold needed and then shut off until the core temperature reaches a certain level. They automatically turn off and on as needed, making them the more environmentally friendly option. The extra parts needed for this way of working, however, could result in a slightly higher need for maintenance and it does not offer a stable pressure dew point.

Why choose a refrigerated air dryer?

Refrigerated air dryers are the most common type of compressed air dryer. They are perfect for most manufacturing and service applications, provided you just need dry air without any perceptible moisture.

However: water vapour might still remain in the compressed air, so this specific type of compressed air dryer is not to be used in applications that are water sensitive. It can remove a lot of the particles, but not necessarily all of them.

A few benefits of refrigerant air dryers

Cost-effective in purchase and maintenance

Environmentally friendly

Reliable and consistent

Typically, available as a stand-alone product or can be as a built-in full feature option on your air compressor

In need of a compressed air dryer system capable of lower dew points? Then a desiccant air dryer is a better fit for you (see our next blog).

Get support from Air4U to make sure you can trust your choice.