Compressed air dryers are common in industrial facilities that require a constant supply of dry, compressed air. Due to the nature of operations, they host, industrial facilities easily trap moisture, which may accumulate, reach dew point temperature, and condense into a harmful liquid. Excess moisture can cause a wide range of damage, including freezing in pipelines, damage to pneumatic systems, and an increasing rate of corrosion.
In building works, compressed air dryers help dehumidify the air by removing excess moisture and raising the condensation threshold. A compressed air dryer draws in hot, humid air, compresses it, and raises its temperature. The compressed air is then condensed into the water and is then drained out of the unit.
Types of compressed air dryer
The actual process of dehumidifying a facility differs depending on the type of air dryer you are using. Below are the standard types of dryers available on the market;
Refrigerated dryers
Refrigerated dryers are the most common air dryers in industry applications. These dryers trap air hot compressed air in one of the heat exchangers, condense the trapped air, and remove excess water through a separator that has an automatic drain.
Desiccant dryers
Desiccant Dryers are mainly used in areas that require very little moisture in the air. They absorb water from compressed air using absorbents like activated alumina. There are multiple models of desiccant dryers, including heatless, heated, and blower purge.
Desiccant Dryers usually have two towers. One is used to dry the air, and the other regenerates the desiccant. The drying tower is parked with porous desiccant materials that trap water molecules from the compressed air as it passes through.
Speciality gas and liquid dryers
These dryers are common in environments with dangerous gases and liquids that need to be dried urgently, like hydrogen, butane, benzene, and landfill gas.
Membrane dryers
Membrane Dryers dehumidify and depress the trapped air to a dew point as it goes through the membrane. The membranes are permeable and closely resemble CO2 separation membranes or nitrogen separation membranes.
Membrane Dryers are becoming a major trend as they are easy to maintain, very silent, and do not require electricity.
Deliquescent dryers
Deliquescent Dryers use pressure vessels that have dissolving tablet that absorbs water vapour. These dryers are very economical as they do not require electricity.
There are several ways you can increase the compressed air quality and prolong your air drier’s life. These include letting in less polluted air to prevent the air dryer from overworking. You can also use a compressed air storage tank to store compressed, dried and filtered air to prevent the air from picking up extra moisture in the air. It saves time, energy, and resources.
Importance Of Air Dryers
Air dryers play an important role when doing building work. Below are the benefits of using air dryers.
Prevents water contamination
Construction sites are prone to water contamination from the use of high purity compressed air in activities like welding, cutting, painting, shot blasting, and coating. These activities generate contaminants that may end up in the water.
Prevents water build-up
Compressed air is usually saturated with water vapour, which may condense under high temperatures or pressure. The condensed water may accumulate in small cavities and depressions within the equipment, affecting the functioning of the equipment.
Prevents Corrosion
When condensed water accumulates in the internal parts of equipment, tanks, pipes, and drums, it can cause extensive damage due to corrosion. Rusting weakens the structure of the equipment and may also cause water contamination.
Prevents Freezing
Moisture may condense within pipes and produce water that may freeze under cold temperatures. This can cause blockage of liquid pathways, disrupt the flow, in addition to jamming other devices like valves and measuring devices.
Conclusion
Air dryers play a significant role in building works by reducing moisture content in construction projects. They prevent moisture build-up from covering those working on the project and protects construction equipment from damage.
