Refrigerated Air Dryer Buying Guide
How to Pick the Perfect Refrigerated Air Compressor Dryer
Refrigerated air dryers use a cooling system similar to that of a home air conditioning unit.
The dryer cools the air to 50 degrees, condensing moisture in the air and collecting it in a separator to be drained. To prevent condensation on the pipes, the air is then reheated before being discharged.
There are two types of refrigerated dryers: Cycling and Non-Cycling.
Why Use a Refrigerated Dryer?
If clean, dry air is needed for air tools, painting, manufacturing, or food processing, a refrigerated dryer is an excellent choice.
Moist air can do major damage to tools in less time than might be expected. It can also cause blemishes in paint finishes and manufacturing products. If used in food processing, warm, moist air and other contaminants could foster a breeding ground for food-borne pathogens, such as bacterial growth and viruses.
A refrigerated dryer will also naturally scrub the air, allowing filters to last longer and increasing system efficiency, thereby minimizing downtime and increasing productivity. By utilizing high-quality air dryers and filters, the entire air compressor system is enhanced from start to finish.
Cycling Refrigerated Dryer
Cycling dryers are designed to cycle the refrigeration on and off as needed to conserve energy and prevent excessive refrigeration when not being frequently used.
Unless a compressor is consistently being used at full capacity, this is the preferred style. It helps prevent problems from occurring during periods of low compressor usage.
Non-Cycling Refrigerated Dryer
Non-cycling dryers' refrigeration stays on continuously while the compressor is running.
These are less expensive than cycling dryers but should only be used for applications where the compressor will be constantly running at full capacity. Periods of low compressor usage can cause a non-cycling dryer to freeze up and experience other problems.
If you have questions about the right refrigerated air dryer for your application, our experts are here to help.
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