Dryer Air For Industrial Processes
Atmospheric moisture is damaging to industrial compressed air processes. Excessive water vapor present in an industrial air stream can affect the operation of pneumatic systems, air motors, electronic controls and accelerate equipment wear. High levels of water vapor are likely to cause rusting or increased wear as equipment lubrications are washed away.
The use of any compressed air dryer also carries the additional cost of operation, however. According to carbontrust.com, “of the total energy supplied to a compressor, as little as 8-10% is converted into useable energy at the point of use.”
Finding the compressed air dryer fit for your needs can be difficult.
SPX FLOW designs energy-efficient yet proficient compressed air dryers and dehydration systems. A dehydration system is vital to long term operation. Selecting the proper dryer could have a noticeable difference on the additional cost surrounding the compressed air process.
Desiccant Compressed Air Dryers
Desiccant compressed air dryers function by drawing water vapor into a porous high-water affinity medium. Often placed down-stream or used as a second stage dryer because desiccant compressed air dryers rely on a relatively unsaturated medium to operate effectively. As a second stage dryer, the water vapor pulled into the machine is lower than at the first stage, allowing for the desiccant dryer to product dew points in the sub-zero temperature range.
Refrigerated Compressed Air Dryers
Refrigerated compressed air dryers operate by cooling an air stream to 38 degrees Fahrenheit to condense the water vapor in the airflow. The air dryers cool the air to 38 degrees to avoid the freezing of water vapor. Freezing vapor can block the condensate from draining effectively, or due to the expanding nature of water as it freezes, the freezing vapor could potentially crack the heat exchanger connected to the system. In either case, the effectiveness of the refrigerated compressed air dryer will be heavily restricted.
Get Support from Engineering Sales Associates
Our team is happy to assist with all your inquiries regarding the product solutions that you need. To learn more about SPX Flow’s products and how they can help, contact an associate at Engineering Sales Associates today.
