Compressed Air Dryers

Table of Content

1. What is a Compressed Air Dryer?
2. Types of Adsorbents in Air Dryers
   2.1 Molecular Sieve
   2.2 Activated Alumina
   2.3 Silica Gel
3. Air Dryer Regeneration – PSA vs. TSA
   3.1 Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Air Dryer
   3.2 Thermal Swing Adsorption (TSA) Air Dryer
4. Air Dewpoint and Efficiency
   
5. Contact Us to Know More

1. What is a Compressed Air Dryer?

A compressed air dryer effectively removes moisture and impurities from compressed air by using adsorbent materials like Molecular Sieves, Activated Alumina, or Silica Gel. This important process helps prevent corrosion, product spoilage, and equipment damage. As a result, it ensures safe and reliable operations across many industrial applications.

Typically, Instrument Air Dryers operate with two adsorber towers that cycle through three essential steps: adsorption, equalization, and regeneration. First, during adsorption, humid compressed air passes through the dryer, and the adsorbent material traps moisture. Then, during equalization, the pressure stabilizes between both adsorber towers. Finally, during regeneration, the trapped moisture is removed from the adsorbent either by releasing pressure or by purging with heated or unheated air. As a result, this continuous cycle guarantees a steady supply of dry compressed air, leading to efficient and reliable operations.

2. Types of Adsorbents in Air Dryers

2.1 Molecular Sieve: Moreover Molecular Sieve is highly effective at removing moisture, achieving an ultra low dewpoint. Therefore, it is ideal for applications that require extremely dry compressed air.

2.2 Activated Alumina: Activated Alumina offers a great balance between efficiency and capacity. Because of this, it is widely used in instrument air dryers and industrial gas treatment applications.

2.3 Silica Gel: Silica Gel has a high capacity for absorbing water vapor. As a result, it is a great choice for applications that need to handle large amounts of moisture.

3. Air Dryer Regeneration PSA vs TSA:

There are two main technologies for regenerating air dryers, and each offers unique advantages depending on the application.

3.1 Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Air Dryer: In Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA), air passes over adsorbent materials like Activated Alumina or Molecular Sieves. These materials selectively trap moisture. By adjusting the tower’s pressure, the adsorbent releases the absorbed moisture. Consequently, this process ensures continuous regeneration and provides a steady supply of dry air.

3.2 Thermal Swing Adsorption (TSA) Air Dryer: Uses heat to regenerate the adsorbent material. The heat effectively removes moisture and impurities from the saturated bed. By alternating between adsorption and regeneration cycles, TSA dryers consistently deliver clean and dry compressed air.

4. Air Dewpoint and Efficiency

The dewpoint refers to the temperature at which condensation occurs. The efficiency of an air dryer is typically measured by its pressure dewpoint (expressed as a temperature). Notably, desiccant dryers are highly efficient and typically achieve pressure dewpoints of -40°C. For water vapor to turn into liquid, the air must cool below -40°C.

However, A dewpoint of -40°C is commonly used in most industries because compressed air below -26°C prevents corrosion and limits the growth of microorganisms in the system. Moreover, desiccant dryers are available in bead, sphere, pellet, or extrudate forms, allowing flexibility in application.

5. Contact Us to Learn More

Discover how our compact and reliable compressed air dryer solutions can help you achieve greater energy efficiency, prevent corrosion, and maintain excellent air quality. Contact us today to learn how our products can improve your system’s performance and reliability!