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Our engineering expertise and broad range of core technologies uniquely positions us to help solve the world’s greatest engineering challenges, while delivering real and lasting value.
Range of Products
Our products are engineered for utilization in many diverse markets, industries and applications where compressed air and gas purity, product quality and technological excellence are paramount.
Desiccant Dryers
Our desiccant dryers are designed to supply high-quality compressed air in accordance with ISO8573-1, the international standard for compressed air quality.
Refrigerated Air Dryers
We manufacture non-cycling and cycling refrigerated air dryers that provide solutions for a broad range of applications, ensuring peak performance and efficiency of downstream equipment, processes, and product.
Membrane Air Dryers
Balston Membrane Air Dryers combine superior coalescing technology with a proven, innovative membrane system.
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Compressed Air Dryers FAQ
Q: What does a compressed air dryer do?
- A compressed air dryer is a device that removes moisture from compressed air. Moisture in compressed air can cause various problems, such as corrosion in piping and equipment, contamination of products, and reduced efficiency of pneumatic tools and systems. By removing moisture, compressed air dryers help ensure the quality and reliability of compressed air systems.
Q: What are the different types of air dryer for compressed air?
- Refrigerated Air Dryers cool the compressed air to a temperature where the moisture condenses into liquid water. The liquid water is then separated and removed from the air stream.
- Advantages: Simple and cost-effective. Suitable for applications where a dew point of around 3°C (37°F) is acceptable.
- Applications: General-purpose compressed air systems, manufacturing, and automotive industries.
- Advantages: Simple and cost-effective. Suitable for applications where a dew point of around 3°C (37°F) is acceptable.
- Desiccant Air Dryers use desiccant materials (such as silica gel, activated alumina, or molecular sieves) to adsorb moisture from the compressed air.
- Advantages: Can achieve very low dew points (down to -40°C or -40°F or lower). Suitable for applications requiring extremely dry air.
- Applications: Pharmaceutical manufacturing, electronics, food and beverage industry, and other critical applications. There are two main types:
- Heatless (Pressure Swing Adsorption) Desiccant Dryers: Use a portion of the dried air to regenerate the desiccant.
- Heated Desiccant Dryers: Use external heat to regenerate the desiccant, which can be more energy-efficient.
- Heatless (Pressure Swing Adsorption) Desiccant Dryers: Use a portion of the dried air to regenerate the desiccant.
- Advantages: Can achieve very low dew points (down to -40°C or -40°F or lower). Suitable for applications requiring extremely dry air.
- Membrane Air Dryers use semi-permeable membranes to separate water vapor from the compressed air. The dry air passes through the membrane, while the moisture is vented out.
- Advantages: Compact, low maintenance, and no need for electricity. Suitable for point-of-use drying.
- Applications: Small-scale applications, laboratory equipment, and portable air systems.
- Advantages: Compact, low maintenance, and no need for electricity. Suitable for point-of-use drying.
Q: What size compressed air dryer do I need?
- To determine the appropriate size of a compressed air dryer, you need to consider the flow rate, operating pressure, required dew point, ambient and inlet air temperatures, and future expansion plans. Use the manufacturer’s sizing charts and correction factors to adjust the nominal capacity of the dryer based on your specific conditions. This ensures you select a dryer that can effectively handle your compressed air system’s demands, providing reliable and efficient moisture removal.
Q: Is an air dryer necessary for a compressor?
- An air dryer is necessary for a compressor in situations where moisture can cause problems such as contamination, corrosion, product defects, equipment wear, and reduced efficiency. This includes sensitive applications like food and beverage production, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and painting, as well as environments with high humidity or cold climates. An air dryer helps meet industry standards, improves system performance, reduces maintenance, and enhances energy efficiency.
However, in non-critical applications or intermittent use where moisture does not pose a significant issue, an air dryer may not be essential. It is important to evaluate the specific requirements of your application and environment to determine whether an air dryer is necessary for your compressor system.