Moisture is a major concern in compressed air systems, leading to corrosion, equipment failure, and compromised product quality. Refrigerated air dryers offer a practical and cost-effective solution for removing moisture in various industrial settings including manufacturing, electronics, food, and power generation.

Working Principle

Refrigerated air dryers work by cooling the compressed air to a temperature at which water vapor condenses into liquid, which is then drained from the system. Key components include a heat exchanger, refrigeration compressor, condenser, evaporator, and moisture separator. These dryers typically achieve a pressure dew point of 2°C to 10°C, which is sufficient for most general industrial applications.

Key Advantages

• Compact and reliable: Designed for continuous operation.
• Low maintenance: No desiccant to replace, unlike adsorption dryers.
• Cost-effective: Ideal for standard air quality requirements.

Best Use Cases

• Pneumatic systems
• Paint and coating lines
• Packaging and automation systems
• General industrial air supplies

How to Select the Right Dryer

Key selection factors include:

1. Compressed air flow rate (Nm³/min)
2. Inlet and ambient temperature
3. Target pressure dew point
4. Cooling method (air-cooled or water-cooled)
5. Integration with filters and air receivers

For higher air quality demands, consider pairing a refrigerated dryer with high-efficiency coalescing filters to remove oil and particulate contaminants.