When you run a business, you want to make sure the tools and machines you purchase are necessary for your venture’s success. Nothing is worse than shelling out money on something just to realize that you don’t need it. So, is having an air dryer really necessary?
Is An Air Dryer Necessary for A Compressor?
Simply put, yes, you need an air dryer, as they are important for keeping your air compressor working properly. Many people wonder if purchasing an air dryer is truly necessary, as they would prefer to save the initial upfront cost of purchasing an air dryer to go along with their compressor system. However, in the long run, the upfront cost of an air dryer is quickly offset by its benefits to your overall application. Additionally, your business will quickly recoup the money spent on an air dryer via the cost saved on maintenance costs, downtime, and repairs to your compressor. Additionally, improving your product quality thanks to an air dryer will keep customers returning for more. Though that initial investment in an air dryer may seem intimidating, most businesses agree that paying for it is worth it to avoid headaches and money loss in the long run. Now, you may wonder what makes an air dryer essential to success.
Why is Having an Air Dryer Important?
On their own, air compressors regularly create a considerable amount of moisture. Pair that with being located in an area that experiences a lot of humid weather, and you’re bound to be experiencing problems with water and the damage it causes to your machine. Air dryers take care of that problem; they are designed to remove moisture buildup within your compressor system. This prevents various issues your application will likely face due to the presence of even small amounts of water.
While air dryers may not be seen as ‘essential’ to running your compressor, they save your business time and money while keeping your air compressor working longer and more efficiently and improving the quality of your end products. Having an air dryer also means your application will require less downtime, as your compressor will need less maintenance.
Benefits of Air Dryers
There are many benefits to having an air dryer operating within your compressor system, including:
- Improved Performance: As a business, having your systems performing at the height of efficiency is vital. The presence of water can negatively impact that performance. Without an air dryer, any pneumatic tools or machinery within your system may encounter issues with performance. An air dryer helps to keep moisture out of those machines so that they can perform their best.
- Lower Maintenance Costs: Needing to perform maintenance on any of the machines within your application results in costs that quickly add up, not to mention the downtime required to perform that maintenance. You can avoid many of those costs and downtime by using an air dryer. Air dryers prevent issues like rust, bacteria, and mold that must be addressed if discovered in your system.
- Increased Equipment Lifespan: Air compressors are not cheap, so keeping them running properly for as long as possible is essential.
- Better Product Quality: You want to provide your customers with the best products possible to build trust and reliability with your clients. The ability to build that foundation of trust can make or break the relationship you have as a customer and seller. An air dryer ensures no moisture contaminants in your end products, meaning only products of the best quality are available to your clients.
Issues Without an Air Dryer
- Rust/Corrosion: Water in contact with metal machinery parts encourages the growth of rust or can result in corrosion on pipes and internal parts. When corrosion becomes significant, or rust chips off, your compressor can encounter air leaks, resulting in a pressure drop that can make your compressor overwork or overheat.
- Scaling: Scaling within your compressor can become an issue when scale breaks off of internal parts of the machine and causes clogs within your compressor hoses or nozzles.
- Defective Products: If your compressed air includes moisture, your end products may experience a variety of defects, lowering their quality for your customers.
- Bacteria/Contaminants: The presence of bacteria or other contaminants within your machine can cause various issues, not to mention making your products unsafe, particularly in the pharmaceutical and food and beverage sectors.
ESA for Your Air Dryer Needs
At Engineering Sales Associates, we know our stuff. We have a full team of educated, experienced, and trusted technicians ready to help our customers no matter the time of day; that’s right, we’re available 24/7. If you’re experiencing issues with your current air dryer or air compressor, deciding to invest in an air dryer, or looking to replace your current system, call us. With decades of experience in the engineering industry, we’re more than happy to answer your questions and address your concerns. Give us a call today, and let us show you what the experts here at ESA can do!