Why is compressed air wet?
Untreated compressed air always contains contaminants because of the nature of the gas and how it is produced. The need for air treatment basically results from 3 characteristics of compressed air.
Contaminants
Liquid water - water aerosols - water vapor
How are the contaminants formed?
As water is incompressible, the amount of moisture per m³ increases when air is compressed. The maximum amount of moisture per m³ air is however limited for a certain temperature. Condensation will thus be formed when air is compressed.
What problems can the contaminants cause?
- Corrosion of pipe lines
- Bad quality of the end product
- Malfunctioning of controls
- Build-up of ice
- Cultivation of micro-organisms
Related Topics
What can I do to lower the energy cost of my air dryer?
I use multiple refrigeration dryers in my facility, and they are causing the energy cost to be high. What can I do to make my air treatment system more energy-efficient? - Read the answer here.
Selection for the right application
Find out more aboute the right desiccant for the right application and the Anti-aging effect.
What are the benefits of having an aftercooler for your air compressor?
In order to minimize the load and size of the downstream dryer, it is recommended to install a highly efficient aftercooler between the compressor and dryer.
Why is moisture in compressed air problematic?
Compressed air will always contain some level of moisture depending on the environment and ambient temperature surrounding the compressor. Using the air while it contains moisture can cause a number of issues for your tools, other equipment and ultimately your business.
