Air compressors find use in a number of industrial applications such as spray painting, packaging and drilling. But a common issue in air compressors is the accumulation of moisture which could be problematic for a number of reasons. This issue can be dealt with using the right kind of air dryer. VEMC is one of the leading air compressor dealers in Mumbai and in this blog, we tell you everything you need to know about air compressor dryers.
Why moisture in air compressors is problematic
Condensation of humidity inside an air compressor is a common issue and can appear in pipes, filters and other machinery. This can cause malfunction and breakdown of the equipment using the compressed air. Over the longer time horizon, it can be a cause for corrosion in the metallic parts. It is especially worrying if you are using the air compressor in packaging as the moisture can lead to the growth of moulds and cause spoilage of packaged items. To get rid of the moisture, air compressor dryers are essential accessories for your equipment.
Types of air dryers
Air compressors dryers are available in a number of variants each suited for a certain set of operations:
- Refrigerated air dryers:
These air dryers condense the moisture in the air to very low temperatures, thus removing it and allowing the compressed air to proceed ahead to the attached tool. These are available in cycling and non-cycling variants. The former supply variable cooling to match the demand while the latter supply constant cooling irrespective of the demand. Refrigerated air dryers are best suited for manufacturing and service applications but not for highly sensitive ones where even a little moisture can be problematic.
- Desiccant air dryers:
These operate by desiccating the air using hygroscopic materials like silica gel or activated alumina. A twin-tower drying system is typically used both chambers of which contain desiccant materials. These air dryers are best suited for moisture-sensitive industrial applications such as healthcare, packaging, fabric manufacturing , etc.
- Membrane air dryers:
These use specialised membranes to filter moisture out of the compressed air. The microtubules present in the membrane retain water while the dried air is allowed to pass through to the required application. These types of air dryers are best suited for applications such as food processing, dehumidification and gas separation.
Choosing the right air dryer
Your choice of air dryer depends upon your specific needs as listed above and also your budget. For standardised functions, say in manufacturing, cost-effective air compressors like non-cyclic refrigerators are good enough. However, if your business applications are extremely moisture-sensitive, it is best to use slightly more expensive but highly effective desiccant air dryers.
For more information or guidance on the right air compressor dryers, feel free to call us on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. VEMC is one of the top-notch air compressor dealers in Mumbai, with vast industry experience and cutting-edge expertise.