Do I Need To Have A Dryer On My Air Compressor?

An air dryer is an important part of any air compressor tool. Using different methods, they clean and dry the compressed air, removing particles, oil and water vapour. This means you’ll be getting longer life from your equipment, and saving on the cost of maintenance. But, do I need to have a dryer on my air compressor?

All Air Compressors is an expert air compressor repairs in Sydney, NSW. We specialise in compressed air servicing and repairs, air piping installation, and also line filter installation.

Why Should I Install A Dryer For My Compressor?

What would happen if moisture or water enters your machine? If water gets into wood, it causes rotting. In metal, it causes rust. In walls, it creates mould. These are negative results and can cause a headache to any manager.

Relating this to air compressors, if moisture enters your machine it could damage the compressor, air motors and valves, and could possibly contaminate the end product. An air dryer could avoid this issue.

A new air dryer can be more cost-effective compared to the possible loss of production.

How Do Air Dryers Work?

Air dryers work by removing water vapour from the air, with each type using a different method. The measurement of how dry the air is after processing is known as its ‘dew point’. The lower the temperature of the dew point, the less amount of water vapour that’s in the air. As a rule, the more water vapour that an air dryer can remove, the more it will cost to do so.

Air dryers come in three main types, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, and are used in different industries depending on the need. The main types of air dryers include refrigerated, desiccant-type, and membrane type air dryers.

What Are Refrigerated Dryers?

These dryers are the most commonly used, and are known for their efficiency. Refrigerated dryers can reduce air to a 3°C dew point, removing the most amount of water with the least resources. Refrigerated dryers use a liquid refrigerant to cool the air’s water vapour into a liquid, and then remove the water content that’s created.

What Are Desiccant Dryers?

Also known as ‘regenerative dryers’, these work by pushing air through a compartment filled with desiccants. Desiccants are materials that absorb water and become wetter, rather than hold onto or trap it. Regenerative dryers alternate between two compartments which after use are removed of moisture at separate times, by use of heat, compressed air, or other methods. The two-chamber method allows them to be constantly drying the compressed air. Desiccant dryers can reduce the dew point of air to -40°C or lower.

What Are Membrane Dryers?

These air dryers work by pushing air through membrane tubes which collect and hold onto water vapour. After this, a small amount of dry air is used to sweep away the moisture on the membranes and reset them. Membrane air dryers can reduce the dew point of compressed air to as low as -40°C, although they do not reduce the temperature of the air itself.

Do I Need To Have A Dryer On My Air Compressor?

No matter what your need, protecting your compressor with an air dryer is always a good idea.

From corrosion and contamination to control malfunctions, they’ll help you avoid deterioration of parts and the frequent cost of maintenance.

Things to Consider Before Having A Dryer On Your Air Compressor

There are a few key points to keep in mind when choosing an air dryer for your air compressor:

• The maximum pressure of your dryer must be the same, or higher than that of your compressor.
• The maximum airflow that can flow through your dryer (in litres/sec or cfpm) must be higher than what your compressor can deliver. If you choose too small of an air dryer, it will result in a big pressure drop.
• The maximum inlet temperature is exceeded, you can either damage parts of the dryer, or the dryer doesn’t have the capacity to reach the desired dew point.
• Find out what the maximum temperature is (in summer) in your air compressor location and make sure you choose a dryer that will be able to handle that heat.

Contact All Air Compressors To Deal With Your Air Compressor Issues In Sydney!

Looking for the best air compressor repairs and services in Sydney? Contact All Air Compressors today! With more than 15 years of experience, we provide the best repair services for your industrial air compressors.