Compressed Air Dryers

Our range of desiccant dryers are a  popular air treatment choice with Glaston customers. Also referred to as regenerative or twin tower dryers, desiccant compressed air dryers use chemical beads to attract water from compressed air via absorption. Wet air passes directly through the desiccant dryer, which then  adsorbs any moisture.

By design, desiccant compressed air dryers have a finite capacity for adsorbing moisture before it has either dried out or regenerated. As such, they are best applied in a second stage or  polishing role. If used downstream from your air compressor, desiccant dryers can reliably produce dew points in the sub zero range when applied inline with another primary air dryer. As a result, the desiccant medium will be depressurised and accumulated water vapours are eradicated.

Often referred to as absorption dryers, desiccant air dryers are typically supplied by Glaston in two distinct variants:  single canister and twin tower air dryers. Single canister desiccant dryers are typically installed within point-of-use applications. When used as a second stage air dryer, they can achieve the required dew points for any air compressor or compressed air system. They also feature filter housings that  house granular media, which requires periodical replacement. This media can be regenerated once heated to higher temperatures.

By comparison, twin tower desiccant dryers feature two vertical tanks filled with media. Also referred to as regenerative desiccant air dryers, the name comes from the in-depth regeneration process of water vapours within air compressors. This process regenerates the desiccant media in the first tank and makes it ready for redirection through to the second tank. As the first tank heats, a portion of the dried  air is drawn back through the tank and vented into the atmosphere. It is important to note that when selecting your desiccant air dryer, twin tower models use 15-20% of their capacity regenerating the opposite tank.

Regeneration within desiccant dryers is achieved by one of the following:

• Heatless pressure-swing drying with a 17-20% purge rate.
• Heated dryers with a 0.7% purge rate.
• Heat of compression, within oil-free air compressors only.

The most commonly used industrial air dryers on the market are refrigerated dryers. Typically specified as primary dryers for air compressors, refrigerated dryers generally produce air quality that is appropriate for around 95%  of all compressed air systems. 

Refrigerated dryers remove water from the air stream by cooling compressed air to approximately 38°F and condensing moisture into a controlled environment. They also employ two heat exchangers for air-to-air and air-to-refrigeration operations respectively. By utilising two heat exchanges, refrigerated air dryers ensure that any cold outgoing air will cool hot incoming air, therefore reducing the size of air compressor required. In addition, refrigerated dryers also have the function to increase the temperature of outgoing air to prevent re-condensation.

Here at Glaston Compressor Services, we are able to provide your industry with high-quality compressed air dryers for the effective displacement of water vapours and other contaminants. We can offer full consultation services to pinpoint the precise air dryer requirements for your compressed air system prior to purchase. 

As a result, we can offer the best possible air treatment solution based on the budget and needs of your business. Glaston can also provide full installation and maintenance services to ensure optimal  functionality of your industrial compressed air dryers, leaving you with complete peace of mind.  

Discuss your compressed air dryer requirements today with Glaston by calling 01695 51010, email us at info@glaston.com or complete our contact form and a member of our experienced technical team will get back to you as soon as possible.