Compressed Air Dryers
Compressed air dryers clean compressed air by removing things like oil, water vapor, and dust so that machinery operates more smoothly and efficiently. Many industries rely on compressed air to power equipment but this does lead to some problems. As compressed air cools, it leaves behind condensation, which leads to an assortment of issues, including freezing, corroding, and harming end products. Air dryers are added to eliminate these problems. Companies like Hankinson that specialize in various types of air dryers, help industries around the world to save energy and up the efficiency of their operations. It’s a specialized science but one that many industries benefit from.
There is more than one type of air dryer and these different dryers are used by various industries. There is more than one method of removing water vapor from the air, preventing condensation, and ultimately damage, to sensitive equipment. Condensation can lead to corrosion and freezing and the buildup of contaminates that can all harm the end product. The medical and pharmaceutical industries are among those who benefit from compressed air dryers. Whatever method is used, each type of dryer basically controls the dew point of the air. This keeps condensation at bay and all equipment running smoothly. Three types of air dryers that each employs a different method for controlling dew point temperature include desiccant dryers, membrane dryers, and refrigerated dryers.
Regenerative desiccant air dryers (also called regens or twin tower dryers) are used by the pharmaceutical, glass, paper, and food packaging industries as well as hospital laboratories. Desiccant compressed air dryers are made up of two cylinders filled with either silica gel or another desiccant material. Essentially, as the air passes through these cylinders, it’s cleaned and cooled to -40 degrees Celsius. Keeping the dew point at this temperature prevents condensation down the line.
Membrane air dryers. These compressed air dryers eliminate water vapor by basically acting as a type of dehumidifier. Membrane dryers are used in medical equipment, on pneumatic brakes for vehicles and trains, pneumatic components, and air guns, to name a few things.
Refrigerated air dryers. Heat exchangers prevent condensation in refrigerated air dryers. One heat exchanger is used for air to air and a second heat exchanger for air to refrigeration. They work together so that colder outgoing air cools off the hotter incoming air and vice versa. This keeps the dew point at about 35 degrees Fahrenheit. This method of air drying can actually save energy, even when the air dryer is idle, and increase efficiency overall.
For any commercial enterprises that use compressed air for various end products, including the medical and pharmaceutical industries, compressed air dryers can help keep their equipment running smoothly and more efficiently. By removing water vapor, oil, and other contaminates, these air dryers help contribute to efficient, energy-saving operations around the world. Whether a regenerative desiccant air dryer, a membrane air dryer, or a refrigerated air dryer, the science behind all three give a lot of companies clean and pure compressed air and a good end result.
