Adsorption Dryers

Adsorption drying is used where compressed air needs to be substantially drier than would normally be achieved with a refrigerated dryer. Typical reasons include moisture-sensitive processes, instrumentation, critical production equipment and pipework exposed to temperatures where residual moisture could freeze.

Omega OM-A-DRY product information lists a standard pressure dew point of -40°C, with -25°C and -70°C options depending on the model and selected specification. Establish the required pressure dew point before final dryer selection.

A heatless adsorption dryer uses a proportion of already dried compressed air to regenerate the desiccant. This purge air is not available to the production system, so the compressor must have enough available capacity for both production demand and dryer regeneration.

Start with the actual airflow required downstream of the dryer rather than compressor motor size alone. Then consider operating pressure, required pressure dew point, inlet temperature, ambient conditions, purge-air demand and the manufacturer's applicable correction factors. Suitable spare capacity may also be required where operating conditions or demand vary.

Suitable filtration is important because the desiccant needs protection from liquid water, oil and particulate contamination. The pre-filtration and after-filtration arrangement should follow the dryer specification and the final compressed-air quality required by the application.

Provide the compressor make and model, actual delivered airflow or required CFM, normal operating pressure, required pressure dew point, operating hours and details of the application. This helps identify an appropriate dryer and filtration arrangement.

Confirm required airflow, operating pressure, pressure dew point, electrical supply, filtration, condensate management, pipe connections, purge-air allowance, ventilation and adequate service clearance.