COMPRESSION TYPE AIR DRYER

All dryers are designed to operate downstream of the after cooler, thereby knocking down the valuable heat (energy) in the after cooler. This heat can be used for regeneration. Heat is energy and during compression the process heat is a by-product of compression. The outlet air of the compressor is hot, which is a source of energy to regenerate the desiccant by utilizing the normally wasted ‘heat of compression’ to regenerate the desiccant. The dryer does not require any electrical heaters or blowers if the temperature at the inlet is > 150°C

The hot thirsty air from the compressor directly enters the tower to be regenerated and removes the moisture from the desiccant. A cooler is provided to cool down the air to approximately 40°C to remove the moisture. When the liquid is separated out and drained through the traps, the air is taken to the next tower for drying.

The limitations of this dryer are that for conservation of energy it is to be located very close to the compressor and the compressed air has to be free from oil.