The choice of an air dryer is a crucial part of any project or upgrade to any plant. The wrong choice at inception can cost a company millions in spoilt goods and products or in wasted energy costs.
Driers vary widely. Some merely provide dew point suppression with high operating costs while others offer medium or low dew point capability. In general, the drier the compressed air (the lower the dew point), the higher the capital and operating cost.
Start with an evaluation of the plant’s air quality requirements. How dry does the compressed air have to be? Over-specifying the factory’s air quality requirements will increase the cost of the dryer. Refrigeration air dryers have the lowest operating cost with lower pre- and after-filtration requirements when compared with a chemical adsorption air dryer. In the majority of applications, a refrigeration air dryer will be sufficient.
If large volumes of low dew point air are required, the use of a more expensive chemical adsorption air dryer fitted with dew point demand control and purge heating is indicated. Compared with its heatless twin tower cousin, it has a lower operating cost, but a higher purchase price. However, the difference in capital cost will be recovered in less than two years, thereafter saving the operator substantial amounts of money while providing high quality compressed air.
Another solution could be the use of a refrigeration dryer as the prime dryer in the compressor room, with a de-centralised chemical adsorption dryer downstream within the factory. The refrigeration dryer provides bulk low cost air drying, thereby reducing long-term operational costs. The smaller downstream chemical air dryer provides a more cost effective solution for specific applications that require very high quality compressed air.
Compressed air treatment is a specialised field. Consult a reputable supplier for advice before making your final choice on an air dryer. Always consider the cost of ownership and the level of competency that a supplier can offer before placing an order.
Acoustic imaging detector for gas leaks and partial discharge Artic Driers International
Hydraulic systems & components
The new SUTO iTEC S532 acoustic imaging detector provides an easy and effective way to locate pressurised air and gas leaks and partial discharge (PD) in industrial high-voltage environments.
Read more...Seamless compressed air supply
Pneumatic systems & components
The efficient performance of compressed air systems is the foundation for seamless production processes and sustainable business. The adoption of a comprehensive service plan delivered by an OEM like Atlas Copco is key to overall compressor performance, efficiency, reliability, and long lifecycle.
Read more...Selection of two-port valves: an open and shut case SMC Corporation South Africa
Pneumatic systems & components
Little consideration is generally given to two-port valves because they are often perceived as simple devices that only open and close to control downstream fluid supply. Although this is mechanically true, choosing the optimal two-port valve for your application can make a big difference, saving space, weight and energy consumption.
Read more...Integrated Air Solutions expands its compressor rental service
Pneumatic systems & components
The significant growth of the industrial air compressor rental division launched by Integrated Air Solutions under a year ago, has prompted the need for more resources and equipment. Headed up by Rudolf ...
Read more...Thor’s hammer of pneumatic knockers Neu Matics SA
Pneumatic systems & components
Neu Matics acts as sole distributor for a range of internationally recognised brands, and one of these is the pneumatic knocker from singold.
Read more...Compressed air drying and monitoring with low dewpoints Artic Driers International
Pneumatic systems & components
Artic Driers manufacturers the Sahara low dewpoint, heatless pressure swing air dryers with SANS 347 pressure code. These desiccant-rich pressure dryers comfortably obtain pressure dewpoints of -40°C.
Read more...Tyre-actuated globe valve Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa
Pneumatic systems & components
Parker Hannifin has launched a tyre-actuated pneumatic valve in its Bestobell cryogenic globe valve range. The valve can be operated remotely with a single switch command, providing much greater speed and convenience than a manually operated type.
Read more...Oil-free beer and wine processing
Pneumatic systems & components Hydraulic systems & components
The food and beverage industry depends on superior quality, 100% oil-free compressed air to eliminate the presence of unwanted oil vapour throughout the production line.
Read more...Ten considerations for optimum use of vacuum technology
Pneumatic systems & components
Vacuum technology plays a huge role in the packaging of foodstuffs and other products. Here are ten considerations to help you use vacuum technology as effectively and efficiently as possible, so that you can optimise processes and cut operating costs.
Read more...Case History 191: The weakest link
Pneumatic systems & components
Which is the weakest link in a control loop? The answer, without any doubt is that, in most cases, the final control element is the weakest link.
printer friendly version