Why Every Piston Air Compressor System Should Include a Refrigerated Air Dryer
An air compressor is a valuable addition for any industrial project. It serves as a valuable fourth utility, saving businesses from downtimes during high demand or power disruptions.
There are mainly two types of air compressors that most businesses rely on — screw and piston air compressors. In this blog, we talk about the latter and why pairing it with a refrigerated air dryer is a must. So, read until the end to make an informed decision.
What is a Piston Air Compressor?
Also known as a reciprocating air compressor, a piston air compressor is widely used across industries. It gets its name because it uses pistons to draw atmospheric air and store it as compressed air. The up and down motion of piston air compressors is what makes piston air compressors tick.
What is a Refrigerated Air Dryer?
Water and moisture are among the common byproducts of air compressors. Unfortunately, water and moisture are detrimental to the compressor’s performance and durability. Here are some common issues caused by water and moisture:
-Corrosion inside pneumatic tools and compressed system piping
-Damage to tools and equipment
-Compromised performance
-Clogged valves and filters
-End-product contamination
All these factors point to one thing — increased maintenance and repair costs.
How does a Refrigerated Air Dryer Work?
As the name suggests, a refrigerated air dryer cools compressed air to remove moisture. This simple process is among the quickest and most effective ways to remove the moisture inside compressed air systems.
As you might already know, compression significantly increases air temperature. Once the compressed air with high moisture enters the air dryer, it is immediately cooled down to a much lower temperature. Most air dryers maintain a temperature of 3°C, which converts moisture into liquid form through condensation.
The condensed liquid is then drained out of the compressor through manual and automatic drain valves. How is the air prevented from being condensed again? The air is slightly reheated before being released into the downstream piping to ensure the end-result is clean, moisture-free compressed air.
Key Benefits of Refrigerated Air Dryers for Piston Air Compressors
Longer Lifespan
One of the best benefits of refrigerated air dryers for piston air compressors is the longevity of pneumatic tools and equipment. Internal rust and wear are among the biggest issues faced by air compressors. Since refrigerated air dryers solve this issue, you no longer have to worry about rust and wear.
Consistent Air Quality
Air quality is an important aspect to ensure consistency across applications. Water vapour can have detrimental effects. For example, water moisture dispersed through spray gun affects surface finishing. On the other hand, clean, consistent dry air processed through refrigerator air dryers guarantees flawless output.
Prevents Downtime
Any downtime is detrimental for a business aiming to maximise productivity and efficiency. A refrigerated dryer eliminates the major source of corrosion and wear — water and moisture.
Once these problems are fixed at the root, the need for servicing and maintenance goes down significantly. Moreover, it also prevents downtime and ensures uninterrupted operations of pneumatic tools and equipment.
Conclusion
Refrigerated air dryers are among the most trusted in the market. A piston air compressor system greatly benefits from air dryers. SL Engineering is a one-stop destination for all your compressed air system requirements, including piston air compressors and refrigerated air dryers. Based in Perth, SL Engineering sells their products and extends maintenace services across Western Australia.
