There are a number of compressed air dyers on the market today.  The three most common types of compressed air dryers are refrigerated, dessicant and dew point. Each type will work well when applied correctly for the application. Each type also has drawbacks. Refrigerated dyers are expensive to purchase, operate and maintain. Dessicant dryers must have the dessicant changed on a regular basis to maintain their effectiveness. Dew point dryers need the filter media changed as needed to maintain optimum efficiency.

Any type of compressed air dryer must be sized properly for the application. Compressed air dryers must be sized according to the maximum flow rate, SCFM. A good rule of thumb in determining the SCFM of your compressed air system is 4 times the horsepower of the compressor. A 25 HP compressor will typically produce 100 SCFM. You want to select an air dryer for as close to 100 SCFM as possible. Oversized or undersized dryers will not work effectively.

The Reading Technologies, Inc. dew point dryer is an excellent alternative to both refrigerated and dessicant dryers. The RTI dryer uses a three step media cartridge to provide clean, dry air to the critical components in the air system. The RTI dryer can be used as a whole system dryer or a point of use dryer. Point of use means that it can be applied at a specific critical area of the system.

The RTI dryer does not require electricity to operate or a refrigeration technician to repair it as a refrigerated air dryer does. The overall cost of ownership for a RTI dryer is only a fraction of the cost of a refrigerated dryer. The RTI air dryer is easy to maintain versus a dessicant dryer. The RTI dryers have a differential pressure indicator that tells you when to change the filter element. The cost of the filter element is considerably less expensive than replacement dessicant. With dessicant dryers there is always the chance for dessicant particles to migrate downstream and cause damage to valves, cylinders or other instruments. This doesn't happen with the RTI filter media.

The proper application for any type of dryer is to have a pre-filter between the air tank and the dryer for optimum results. If oil removal is a concern, then a coalescing filter should be installed between the pre-filter and the dryer.

If you have questions regarding a specific application, send us an email. We will gladly respond.