Air dryer is a tool that works to eliminate water content in compressed air. This system is usually a unified process with a compressor. The compressed air resulting from the compressor partially enters the storage tank and some is dried using a dryer.
The use of dry air is much needed in large industries. Dry air, or commonly referred to as a water instrument, is used as a source of actuator from valves and dampers (pneumatic actuators). Additionally in the world of telecommunications industry, pressurized dry air is used to cover underground cables to avoid short circuits due to dew formation.
The compressed air is dried, it will undergo a dew point reduction process. Dew point is the temperature value needed to cool a certain amount of air, at constant pressure, so that the water vapor contains condenses. The value of dew point reduction depends on the specification of the water dryer used and the need for its consumption.
The types of air dryer are as follows:
1.Regenerative Desiccant Dryers
Desiccant Dryers are tubes containing water vapor absorption substances such as silica gel, active alumina, molecular sieve, or other vapor absorption materials. The most widely used material is silica gel. Air compression enters the tube through the dryer and flows out. At a certain time interval, the desiccant substance will reach its saturation point and will require regeneration. Some of the dry air is transferred to the tube until the water content contained in the dryer is removed. During this regeneration process, compression air cannot be injected into the tube, so it is common for large industries to consume large quantities of water instrumentation using a desiccant water tower twin tower, so that the air drying and regeneration processes of each tube can be alternated.
2. Refrigeration Dryer
In the refrigeration dryer, air is dried by cooling it. The system generally uses 2 heat exchangers, the first one between the chiller air and the refrigerant, and the second one between the chilled air and the chiller air. This work principle is consistent with the nature of water vapor that will condense at low temperatures. The dry air produced generally has a dew point of 2 degrees Celsius.
3. Deliquescent Dryer
This system is a tube containing hygroscopic (water-absorbing) substances. The air that is flowing will absorb the water content, so that at the bottom of the tube will form a condensation water that should be removed gradually. For that at the bottom of the deliquescent dryer tube there is a pipe out to remove the water. The resulting dry air has a fluctuating dew point value depending on the inlet air temperature.
4. Membrane Dryer
The latter is an air-drying system that uses membrane dehumidification. The air is pumped to the membrane tube and exits into dry air, a small portion of dry air is returned back into the tube for regeneration. The system is designed to work continuously without interruption.
For more information about Air Dryer Malaysia, please visit https://www.ldckomp.com.my/
