Compressed air dryers

Membrane Dryers

Untreated compressed air always contains moisture, which can pose a risk to compressed air systems, pneumatic equipment, and end products. Using a process called “selective permeation,” membrane dryers can help remove that moisture to ensure the required air quality standards are met.

How do membrane dryers work?

Membrane dryers rely on a process called selective permeation. When wet compressed air enters the dryer’s cylinder, the membrane coating allows water vapor to permeate through the membrane wall and collect between the fibers. At the same time, dry air makes its way inside the fibers in the cylinder at almost the same pressure as the incoming wet air. The permeated water is then vented out of the cylinder.

 

That air is then reheated to about room temperature in the air-to-air heat exchanger. That lowers the pressure point of the outgoing flow and prevents the formation of condensation on the outside of the piping system. This heat exchange between ingoing and outgoing compressed air therefore also reduces the required cooling capacity of the refrigerant circuit by lowering the temperature of the incoming compressed air.
 

As the most popular drying technology for compressed air, the applications for refrigeration dryers are nearly endless. 

Benefits of using membrane dryers

Membrane dryers are widely appreciated for their practical benefits across a range of industrial applications:

 

1. Quiet operation
These dryers run with very low noise levels, making them ideal for environments where quiet performance is important.

 

2. Ease of use
Simple to operate and integrate, they require little to no training, streamlining their adoption into existing setups.

 

3. No moving parts
With no mechanical components, membrane dryers offer increased reliability and reduced wear over time.

 

4. Low power consumption
Their energy-efficient design keeps operating costs down while supporting sustainability goals.

 

5. Minimal service requirements
Thanks to their straightforward construction, maintenance needs are low, resulting in fewer interruptions and lower service costs.

M POU 2-16 adsorption dryer zoom

PDP levels achieved by membrane dryers

Membrane dryers excel in dew point suppression, a process where the dew point is maintained at a specific offset below the ambient or inlet temperature. This characteristic makes them well-suited for numerous industrial applications where completely removing moisture is not critical.
 

Depending on the model, these dryers can effectively achieve a suppression of 32°C/55°F, resulting in an outlet air dew point of 3°C/40°F, or a suppression of 55°C/100°F, leading to a pressure dew point of -20°C/-5°F. Such capabilities are sufficient for operations aimed at removing the majority of water vapor from the air. Nonetheless, their performance wanes when required to attain extremely low dew points, beneath -40°C/-40°F, a domain where desiccant dryers prove to be more efficient.

Maintaining membrane dryers

Unlike more complex drying systems, membrane dryers have a straightforward design with no moving parts, which substantially reduces the likelihood of mechanical failures and wear-and-tear. This inherent simplicity means there's less that can go wrong, leading to fewer service interruptions. Routine maintenance primarily involves periodic checks and occasional cleaning, which can often be performed quickly and without specialized skills. Additionally, the durability of the membrane material itself contributes to the longevity of the system, further diminishing the need for frequent servicing.
 

This low maintenance aspect is not only convenient but also translates into lower operational costs over the dryer's lifespan, as the expenses and downtime associated with repairs and parts replacement are significantly reduced. For industries where continuous, uninterrupted operation is crucial, the reliability and minimal service requirements of membrane dryers make them an attractive choice for ensuring consistent air quality without the burden of intensive maintenance.

Get in touch

Have questions or want to learn how our compressed air dryers can enhance your operations? Get in touch with us! Our team is ready to share insights and support you in optimizing your processes with our advanced drying solutions. Let’s elevate your operations together!