Moisture Problems

Compressed air contains water vapor condensing in distribution lines. Moisture causes instrument malfunction, valve freezing, corrosion, and control problems. Drying to -40F or lower prevents condensation under all operating conditions.

Dryer Technology

Dual-tower desiccant adsorption most common for instrument air. One tower dries air while other regenerates. Heatless regeneration uses dried air purging saturated desiccant. Heated regeneration reduces purge requirements improving efficiency.

Package Components

Twin desiccant towers with switching valves, regeneration controls and timers, inlet and outlet filtration, dewpoint monitoring, pressure gauges, automated control panel. Complete integrated skid ready for installation between compressor and distribution.

Operating Cycle

Online tower adsorbs moisture from compressed air typically 4-10 hour cycle. Offline tower regenerates using purge air or heat. Automatic valves switch towers seamlessly maintaining continuous operation. Controls optimize cycle based on conditions.

Desiccant Media

Activated alumina most common for -40F dewpoint. Molecular sieve for -100F or lower. Media life typically 3-5 years before replacement. Capacity depends on inlet moisture load and regeneration effectiveness.

Dewpoint Achievement

Standard -40F suitable for most instrument applications. -100F for critical or extreme cold climate installations. Dewpoint monitoring verifies performance. Alarm indicates dryer malfunction requiring attention.

Material Selection

Carbon steel vessels per ASME Section VIII. Stainless steel internals and piping for cleanliness. Desiccant media compatible with compressed air. Valves and controls rated for continuous duty.

Operating Pressure

Typical 100-125 psig matching compressor discharge. Pressure drop through dryer 3-10 psi depending on design. Downstream receiver and distribution at slightly lower pressure.

Applications

Refineries, chemical plants, power stations, pharmaceutical facilities, food processing, electronics manufacturing, and any facility using pneumatic instruments requiring ultra-dry air.

Filtration Integration

Inlet filter removes oil and particulates protecting desiccant. Outlet filter captures desiccant dust preventing downstream contamination. Combined filtration achieves instrument quality air.

Regeneration Methods

Heatless uses 15-20% dried air for purging. Heated external blowers with heaters reduce purge to 5-10%. Heat-of-compression uses compressor discharge heat. Selection balances capital versus operating costs.

Performance Benefits

Ensures reliable instrument operation preventing moisture problems. Eliminates freezing in cold climates. Protects instruments and valves from corrosion. Reduces maintenance from moisture-related failures.

Construction Standards

Pressure vessels per ASME Section VIII. Control systems per manufacturer standards. Electrical systems for industrial environments. Complete documentation with performance specifications and maintenance procedures.

ERGIL instrument air dryer packages provide reliable moisture removal delivering ultra-dry compressed air for critical pneumatic control systems.