Desiccant Air Dryer

A desiccant air dryer is an essential tool for removing moisture and impurities from compressed air systems to prevent corrosion and contamination. Different types of desiccants are used in desiccant air dryers to efficiently absorb moisture and ensure the quality of compressed air. Some common types of desiccants used in desiccant air dryers include silica, activated charcoal, calcium chloride, calcium sulfate, and aluminosilicate minerals (zeolites). These desiccants have specific properties that make them effective in adsorbing moisture and maintaining optimal humidity levels in compressed air systems. Choosing the right desiccant for a desiccant air dryer depends on the specific requirements of the application and the desired level of moisture removal.

Types of Desiccant Air Dryer

The most common types of desiccants include:

• Silica – A commonly used desiccant made from silicon dioxide, known for its high adsorption capacity and versatility.
• Activated charcoal – Known for its porous structure, activated charcoal is used to adsorb moisture and impurities.
• Calcium chloride – An effective desiccant, calcium chloride is often used in the form of moisture-absorbing pellets or bags.
• Calcium sulfate – This desiccant is used to control humidity and is often found in various industries.
• Aluminosilicate minerals (zeolites) – Micro porous minerals with a high surface area, zeolites can adsorb water and other molecules.

Types of desiccant

The type of desiccant used can affect many aspects of dryer performance, in particular the dew point of the dryer. The most common desiccants used and their dew points are:

• Silica gel: −40°F (−40°C) dew point
• Activated alumina: −40°F (−40°C) dew point
• Molecular sieve: −100°F (−73°C) dew point

Desiccant Air Dryer operates based on the concept that moisture naturally moves to the driest medium available. This process involves eliminating water vapor from compressed air through contact with an adsorbent desiccant material. In the Comair air treatment product family image displayed above, the desiccant dryer is visibly positioned in the center, marked by twin towers. These particular air dryers are designed to accommodate higher airflow volumes efficiently. You can explore the complete range of desiccant dryers in the detailed product lineup below.

Applications of desiccant dryers

Desiccant dryers are most commonly used when a process needs very dry air (i.e. air with a very low dew point), including but not limited to:

• Food and beverage
• Pharmaceuticals
• Laboratories
• Healthcare facilities
• Coating and painting processes
• Outdoor HVAC controls
• Electronics fabrication
• Robotic machinery
• Oil and gas