A refrigerated air dryer uses a refrigeration system to cool compressed air and then condense and drain the moisture in the air. Here’s how it works. The untreated air enters the dryer and gets a first cool-down by the exiting cool, dry air in an air-to-air heat exchanger. Next, it will get cooled down further by entering the air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger. Here, it is cooled to approximately 3-4°C/40°F. As the air cools, the moisture in it turns into water droplets. The resulting condensate is then mechanically separated from the air flow. On its way to the exit, the compressed air is rewarmed in the heat exchanger by passing the incoming hot air. This lowers the relative humidity and traps any remaining moisture in vapor form.

Why do you need an air dryer in the first place? Because when compressed air leaves a compressor, it is saturated with 3 types of contaminants: moisture, dust/dirt, and traces of oil. These are pollutants that are in the ambient air before it gets compressed. And then there are those that get added during the compression process. Either way, these contaminants can compromise your entire air system, your pneumatic tools, and your final products. Moisture alone can damage the compressor, air motors, and valves, as well as possibly contaminate the product and affect your customers. Corrosion, line freezing, and the creation of microorganisms are just a few of its harmful effects. An air dryer removes this moisture and the risks it entails. 

Refrigerated air dryers are the ideal solution if your operations meet the following conditions:
 

• The ambient temperature is less than 50°C/122°F,
• The main goal is to prevent condensation,
• And the required pressure dew point is around 3°C-4°C/37°F-39°F.

Refrigerated air dryers have a number of compelling benefits:
 

• Low initial cost
• High reliability, easy to use and maintain
• Extends the life of your compressor
• Energy savings