Compressed Air Dryer Types & Technologies

Discover the Different Compressed Air Dryer Types That Hankison Offers

Refrigerated Air Dryers

Refrigerated air dryers come in various solutions tailored for different applications. Their primary purpose is to ensure dry compressed air by effectively removing moisture.

This technology functions by running compressed air through a cooler, where it's chilled to a temperature close to its dew point. This cooling process causes the moisture in the air to change into liquid water, which is then separated and removed from the system. Before leaving the dryer, the dry air is warmed up again to maintain a stable and low dew point, in line with ISO 8573 standards.

Key advantages of refrigerated air dryers include:

• Energy Efficiency: Refrigerated air dryers are more energy efficient to help reduce operational costs.
• Reliable Performance: These dryers offer consistent control over the dew point, ensuring the consistent quality of compressed air.
• Low Maintenance: Minimal maintenance requirements lead to lower overall operating expenses.
• Wide Range of Capacities: Refrigerated air dryers are available in various capacities, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
• Budget-Friendly Options: They offer both non-cycling and energy-saving series, catering to different budget considerations.

Suitable applications for Refrigerated Air Dryers include manufacturing processes, automotive industry operations, food and beverage production, general industrial applications, and craftsmen shops.

Membrane Air Dryers

Membrane air dryers are ideal for point-of-use drying and locations without electrical power supply. They use a minimal amount of compressed air to remove moisture.

In a membrane dryer, the "wet" compressed air passes through a filter made of tiny tubes that hold onto water molecules. The moist air is separated from the "dry" air, which comes out on the other side of the membrane. The air containing moisture is quietly released into the surroundings, without needing any special water management. Membrane dryers are known for being straightforward and dependable.

Key advantages of membrane dryers include:

• Point-of-Use Drying: Membrane dryers conveniently provide clean and dry air exactly where it's needed.
• No Electrical Power Required: They can operate in areas without access to electrical power, offering flexibility in their usage.
• Minimal Purge Air: Membrane dryers are energy-efficient, using a minimal amount of compressed air as purge air.
• No Maintenance Required: These dryers are maintenance-free, eliminating the need for regular servicing.
• Independently Selectable Dew Point: Users can independently choose the desired pressure dew point to suit their specific needs.

Suitable applications for Membrane Dryers include control and instrument air for outdoor installations, ventilation in electrical control cabinets, laboratory applications, and at hazardous areas.

Desiccant Air Dryers

Desiccant air dryers use adsorption to eliminate moisture from compressed air, employing desiccant materials like silica gel or activated alumina. These dryers consist of two desiccant towers, one drying while the other regenerates. 

These dryers have two towers filled with this special material. In one tower, the moist air passes through the material, which soaks up the moisture. When the material is full, the dryer switches the airflow to the other tower, where a small amount of dry air is used to clean and refresh the material.

This process continues, ensuring that the dryer always provides dry air with the desired low dew point. This makes it suitable for applications with strict moisture control requirements.

Key advantages of desiccant dryers include:

• Effective Moisture Removal: Desiccant dryers excel at removing moisture from compressed air, ensuring low dew points.
• Reliable Operation: They offer reliable performance through established adsorption technology
• Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of applications that require stringent moisture control.
• Customizable Dew Points: Users can select and control the desired dew point based on specific requirements.
• Wide Application Range: Desiccant dryers are adaptable to various industries and conditions and can operate continuously without significant downtime.

Suitable applications for Desiccant Dryers include the pharmaceutical industry, electronics manufacturing, petrochemical industry, aerospace and aviation, and any application with critical moisture control requirements.

At Hankison, our commitment to innovation and reliability guarantees you the right dried compressed air technology for your specific air flow needs. Whether you choose Refrigerated Air Dryers, Membrane Dryers, or Desiccant Dryers, all these compressed air dryer types provide high-quality air treatment by efficiently removing water vapor and safeguarding the integrity of your compressed air system.