Why Do I Need an Air Dryer for my Air Compressor?
Air dryers can offer an important solution to an often-problematic byproduct of certain air compressors — moisture. If a process lacks proper drying elements it can have a wide range of negative effects from spoiling paint finishes, causing rust in certain tools, or prompting premature failure in a system.
A large percentage of our customers choose to install refrigerated air dryers and ensure dry air is being supplied to their system.
But how important is it, really? Our team broke down some of the key advantages of having an air dryer included with your copmressor.
Why install a dryer for my compressor?
If moisture (AKA water) enters your process, it can have a number of unwanted effects. That includes causing a major headache for maintenance and purchasing managers, who may start to see those effects or related losses cut into their bottom line. Generally speaking, the cost of a new air dryer is cheap in comparison to a loss of production and replacement machinery.
How do I choose an air dryer?
Air dryers are sized based on a combination of temperature and capcity within a system. If the incoming air and room temperatures are greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, our team would recommend a high-temperature air dryer that ranges between 20 and 125 cubic feet per minute (CFM) and 5 to 30 horsepower. These dryers are typically used on piston or cast iron air compressors.
If the air and room temperatures are less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it is recommended to install a non-cycling or cycling refrigerated air dryer. These dryers can range broadly in output, anywhere between 10 CFM to 10,000 CFM.
Here's a typical sizing chart for related piston and rotary screw air compressors:
- 5 horsepower air compressor = 20 CFM air dryers
- 7.5 horsepower air compressor = 30 CFM air dryers
- 10 horsepower air compressor = 30 to 49 CFM air dryers
- 15 horsepower air compressor = 50 to 75 CFM air dryers
- 20 horsepower air compressor = 100 CFM air dryers
- 25 horsepower air compressor = 100 to 125 CFM air dryers
- 30 horsepower air compressor = 125 to 150 CFM air dryers
- 40 horsepower air compressor = 200 CFM air dryers
- 50 horsepower air compressor = 200 to 250 CFM air dryers
- 60 horsepower air compressor = 250 CFM air dryers
- 75 horsepower air compressor = 350 to 399 CFM air dryers
- 100 horsepower air compressor = 500 CFM air dryers
- 125 horsepower air compressor = 600 CFM air dryers
- 150 horsepower air compressor = 700 to 800 CFM air dryers
- 200 horsepower air compressor = 1,000 CFM air dryers
How to service an air dryer (refrigerated)
These air dryers are like your refrigerators at home, sparing the water separator and drain. We recommend cleaning out the coils weekly, at least once a month. This is to ensure the drain is working properly and not sticking open, which is likely to extend the life of your tool if done regularly.
Do you have some lingering questions? Contact our experienced team of air compressor experts by calling 866-778-6572 or send an email to info@compressorworld.com
