Author: David J. Connaughton
Blog: Compressed Air the Fourth Utility
Refrigerated dryers rely on HCFC (Hydrochlorofluorocarbons)
to cool compressed air and therefore lower the dewpoint of the compressed air.
In a new system, the cooling is quite efficient and dewpoints of as low as 35F
(2C) can be achieved with a refrigerated dryer. Over time, the cooling coils
lose their efficiency due to pipe scale, oil and water build up on the cooling
coils. It is not uncommon to test dewpoints after a refrigerated dryer and find
them >60F (16C). The indicators on the front of refrigerated dryers do not
indicate the dewpoint but rather the temperature of the coils. Therefore,
Balston recommends
that you install a a coarse coalescing filter (grade DX) - immediately upstream
of the dryer. To prevent carryover of condensate from the dryer or carryover of
any pre-existing oils for a used dryer, a final fine coalescing filter (grade
BX) is recommended.
If you would like more information about
Parker Balston please contact Forberg Scientific Customer Service.
Toll Free:
855-288-5330
Email: mechanicalsales@forberg.com
