Why is it Important to Dry Compressed Air?
13 November, 2022
Drying the output air is very important if you want to avoid problems in the compressed air system. Learn more about why drying is needed and how it is done.
Benefits of an air compressor aftercooler
All atmospheric air contains some amount of water vapor. When air is compressed, the water concentration increases. To avoid future problems in the compressor installation, the compressed air needs to be treated. In this article we introduce you to one of the first steps in drying the air: the aftercooler.
What is an air compressor aftercooler?
An aftercooler cools hot compressed air while removing condensation. This prevents moisture from building up in the compressor's pipe system. An air compressor aftercooler is either water or air-cooled, and generally comes with a water separator and automatic drainage. To work effectively, it's important to hook up an aftercooler close to the air compressor. Many compressors come with a built-in aftercooler. When installed properly, an aftercooler collects most condensation generated from an air compressor. Usually, the temperature of compressed air after passing through an aftercooler is approximately 10C above the coolant temperature.
When to add an aftercooler
Many air compressors come with an integrated aftercooler. With this built in equipment, up to 70% of humidity is converted into water before it's drained. Depending on your application, you may need to add additional aftercoolers.
Aftercoolers are generally efficient, and ensure no loss of air pressure when connected to your compressor. In addition, they usually don't add demand or extra energy costs.
If you're working in a high heat environment, you'll likely need extra cooling. In situations such as this, it's recommended to add dryers to your downstream setup. However, with an aftercooler, you can get a smaller-sized dryer.
Water-cooled vs air-cooled
When aftercoolers are water-cooled, cooling water and air flow are pumped in opposite directions to maintain a dry environment.
With air-cooled aftercoolers, an electric fan pushes cool air between fins to push out the water vapor. This process uses low energy.
Both these types come with a drain to ensure moisture gets properly removed. Newer models built with the latest efficiency standards in mind aim to keep your operational costs low.
Also, most manufacturers build aftercoolers with durable materials like stainless steel. These elements ensure a long lifetime of use, and make for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Deciding which model is right for you
Like with any air compressor equipment, the aftercooler you need depends on how much air pressure is generated/needed. Generally, air-cooled models are good for applications with low air flow, while water-cooled models support higher capacities.
If you're uncertain on what makes the most sense for your current installation, feel free to get in touch with our team. We're happy to help find the right solution for you.
This e-book on compressed air dryers will tell you all about moisture and the important role of dryers in air treatment.
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