So, you’ve just purchased your new air compressor, and one of the questions you may have about its operation is whether or not you will need an air dryer for it. When it comes to air compressors, air dryers are handy.
They work to remove any moisture resulting from the air compression process. There are several aspects of dry compressed air, but the dew point will indicate to you how dry your compressed air should be. It should also be noted that although air can be compressed, water, unfortunately, cannot be compressed at all.
In general terms, there is usually no need to have an air dryer if you are using your air compressor for regular tools for home DIY projects. However, if you plan on using your air compressor for a large volume of good quality work from air tools or air operated machinery, then an air dryer is a must. In this case, here at Jaguar Air Compressors, we would recommend using air dryers and we sometimes also recommend using them together with multiple filters. This is to ensure that your air compressor, air system, and tools are not damaged by water and rust.
For typical work, many folks will have a regular filter (and nothing more) that will remove a small quantity of moisture. Many tools are often operated with rather small compressors that are not used with filters. In a nutshell, unless you will be performing a job that requires a lot of dry air, it is not common to use an air dryer. Many air compressor users will use air dryers when tasks are large, or there is a host of machinery that requires compressed air for power.
How does an air dryer remove the water?
By lowering the air temperature and then reheating it. Condensed water will form when the air is at its lowest temperature; once this has occurred, the water can be discharged. The air is then reheated and is now dry and ready to use.
Over compression – Over compressed air is cooled and in the process condensate is formed. The condensed water is removed, and the remaining air is then expanded to normal working pressure.
Absorption – Water in the compressed air becomes chemically bound to an absorption material. The chemically bound water then dissolves in the material. Both the water and the material is then discharged in this process.
In closing, the seasons, humidity, and ambient air temperature will also impact your need for an air dryer or not. The moisture in our air fluctuates so just because you did not require an air dryer in winter, does not mean you won’t need one in summer. If you are still not sure if you should or should not get an air dryer, simply give us a call today, and we will advise you accordingly regarding all of your air compressor requirements.