Compressed Air Dryer Applications

 

Compressed air can contain unwanted substances such as steam, oil, dust and microorganisms. Without an air handling system, moisture and contaminants can adversely affect production efficiency, damage applications and increase costs. The purpose of post-processing is to produce compressed air that meets customer quality requirements.

Using the right inline air filter to remove contaminants from the air stream can significantly reduce operating costs, extend the life of air handling systems and pneumatic equipment, and ensure compliance with very stringent air purity standards. Click to see how the air filter works

Likewise, our air dryer solutions can help remove moisture from compressed air, preventing corrosion, equipment failure and product damage. These compressed air treatment solutions protect your systems and processes in an energy-efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. Click to see how the air dryer works

air filter

The air filter is an important component of the system. When the right filter is used for the respective application, it contributes to the expected service life of the system, maximizing efficiency and reducing operating costs. The type of contaminant in the system will determine the appropriate filter for prevention. Ingersoll Rand has assembled a dedicated team of experts to research, design and manufacture filters to suit your filtration needs. Check out related articles on air filters below!

air dryer

Water and moisture are harmful to many tools and equipment powered by compressed air. Many processes that use compressed air produce products that cannot withstand the attack of water or moisture. Free water often forms in compressed air circuits, which is unavoidable in compression cycles. Free water can encourage bacterial growth or allow processed products to absorb moisture, resulting in quality deviations and product damage.

Protect your systems and production processes with our full range of reliable, energy efficient and cost-effective air dryers.

How does an air filter work?

First, the air filter consists of layers of fiberglass arranged in a mesh. There are three different mechanisms at work in this network:

  1. The first mechanism, inertial impaction, is used to deal with larger particles.
  2. The second mechanism is interception, which is used to deal with particles of relatively small size.
  3. The third mechanism is diffusion, which is used to handle very small particles.

The efficiency of an air filter is determined by all three filtration mechanisms combined. This is how air treatment is achieved with in-line air filters in compressed air systems.

It is also important to know the category of air filter to choose . The three main categories are coalescing filters , vapor filters and dry dust filters . Coalescing filters are commonly used to remove suspended solids and vapours. Oil vapor filters are used to remove gaseous lubricants and dry dust filters are used to remove desiccant particles. It is important to select the correct inline air filter for your specific air handling needs.

How does an air dryer work?

When ambient air is compressed, it concentrates any moisture that may be present, causing condensation. The role of the dryer in air treatment is to remove moisture from the compressed air system. There are three main types to choose from: Refrigeration Dryers, Adsorption Dryers and HoC (Heat of Compression) Dryers.

Refrigerated dryers are available at different pressures and remove moisture by condensation. Suction dryers dry the compressed air in one tower while regenerating the desiccant in the other tower. Of the three types of dryers, HoC dryers are very energy efficient as they recover heat from the compressor for desiccant regeneration.

The air dryer that is suitable for the compressor is determined by the application and the moisture resistance level of the equipment. A proper air dryer must provide the right air for the specific air handling and application needs, as an unsuitable dryer can easily cause mechanical problems with equipment and affect product quality.