Introduction
Before purchasing anything, you must do proper research on the item you plan to buy. This practice is even more vital if you are looking for industrial equipment, such as desiccant dryers in the Philippines.
At Compresstech Resources, Inc., our team of professionals would be more than happy to discuss different model specifications to ensure that you get a model that fits your needs. We will answer any questions you may have—from a desiccant dryer’s working principle to its recommended accessories. Read on to learn everything you need to know to make an informed purchase.
Drying Compressed Air by Adsorption Is a Purely Physical Process
When compressed air is dried using adsorption, keep in mind that it is an entirely physical process. Moisture is bound to the drying agent with force generated from the unbalanced molecular attraction. Afterward, any condensation collected will stay on the inner and outer surfaces of the adsorption material without a chemical reaction occurring.
This is because all adsorption material has an open porous structure and a large inner surface. Additionally, different kinds of materials are used for specific applications, but the most common ones include aluminum oxide, silica gel, activated carbon, and molecular screens.
There Are Four Main Processes To Regenerate Adsorption Material
When it comes to regenerating adsorption material, four main processes are used, namely: heatless, internal hot, external hot, and vacuum regeneration. For heatless regeneration, both the drying and regeneration time takes around five minutes. Machines that use this have a simpler dryer construction and can be used at high ambient temperatures.
On the other hand, internal hot regeneration has a drying and regeneration time of up to six to eight hours. Air compressor desiccant dryers that use this are economical and best for high-volume flows. Although models that use external hot regeneration can also be used in such instances, these machines have higher regeneration temperatures that allow for a lower pressure dewpoint.
Lastly, desiccant dryer systems that utilize vacuum regeneration have similar processing times to their internal and external hot regeneration counterparts. These machines ensure long utility time for their drying agents due to low thermal stress, which positively affects your energy savings.
Air Dryers Are One of the Most Significant Users of Compressed Air
Compared to other components, uncontrolled desiccant dryers often utilize the most compressed air in a system. This is especially true for lightly loaded systems where the compressor and dryer are larger than average due to load characteristics or size mismatch.
If you don’t implement the needed maintenance procedures for your model, your misadjusted air dryer may cause a high flow of air in your plant and negatively affect your outputs. This shows how regular inspections and repairs are essential.
Purge Flows Can Change Over Time
In air compressor systems, the desiccant dryer purge may change as time passes. This is often due to external factors, the maladjustment of a ball valve, which causes the gauge to go out of calibration. In some cases, your exhaust ports may also be clogged, causing a buildup of back pressure that negatively affects your machine’s performance.
Regular testing is highly encouraged since there is no fixed method to measure the purge flow. This makes it difficult to detect if the desiccant dryer is no longer efficient. In fact, there are different methods that you can request from professionals, such as filter collection using microscopy, laser particle counting, water vapor testing, oil testing, oil aerosol testing, and oil vapor and solvent testing.
Pressure Can Change Purge
Compressed air systems usually operate at levels higher than 100 psi. However, if the dryer utilizes a fixed orifice metering device, the higher pressure may cause the machine to consume more than the rated purge.
This strengthens the argument that dryers that run at higher pressures need less purge. As a result, professionals often recommend that companies invest in proper orifices regardless of rated pressures to reduce wasteful flow for pressures other than 100 psi, ultimately helping them save on purge costs.
Examining Your Check Valves Is Essential
Depending on the model you get, some desiccant dryers in the Philippines have integrated check valves. This component can be located between the compressor and air receiver tank, preventing gas from leaking out of the cylinder or header. It also ensures that the compressed air is able to move back into the inlet line when the machine is shut down.
A faulty check valve may cause your dryer to leak at lower pressures. It may even cause damage to your compressor in the long run. Stuck valves can cause pressure levels to increase uncontrollably, ultimately leading to a surge and putting your employees at risk.
Conclusion
Desiccant dryers in the Philippines can be expensive, but this investment is worth it as this machine plays a significant role in different manufacturing processes. Before placing an order for a specific model, make sure to double-check your requirements while doing thorough product research. You must also enforce a strict preventive maintenance routine to minimize any repairs.
At Compresstech Resources, Inc., we can help you with all your compressed air system needs—from procurement to after-sales services. Our team of professionals has been in the industry for years, and we are confident in our abilities to assist you with your desiccant air dryers. Reach out to us today to learn more.