Compressed air dryers are vital in numerous industries for removing moisture from compressed air, a process crucial for the efficient and durable operation of the main compressor unit as well as all compressed air-dependent equipment.

An air dryer is a device specifically built to remove water from compressed air. Compressing air heats it up and draws in water vapor, leading to high humidity levels. As this air cools, the vapor turns into water, which can damage the system.

Moisture removal is critical because water can not only lead to the costly reduction of the compressor efficiency and increased risk of its failure. It can also rust tanks and pipes, weaken other related systems, and strip oils from tools.

It can mix with grease, affect blasting operations, and ruin paintwork, to name just a few potential risks. In freezing conditions, it can also lead to failures in piping systems and crucial components like brake systems.

With these risks in mind, virtually every application that uses compressed air also requires an air dryer to safeguard the process. Incorporating the right compressed air dryer into the system translates to considerable long-term savings for the end user. Selecting the appropriate air dryer depends on the air compressor’s needs and its use. Considerations include the maximum air pressure, the volume of air processed, and the overall costs – which cover the initial purchase, energy use, and ongoing maintenance.

When choosing a compressed air dryer, it’s crucial to look beyond the purchase price. Long-term costs such as application requirements, energy consumption, maintenance, and the risk of costly disruptions resulting from insufficient air quality should all be factored into the decision. A comprehensive evaluation of these expenses will lead to a dryer choice that best fits your and your customers’ operational and financial needs. Hankison’s team of experienced compressed air treatment experts can help you select the right equipment for your needs.

Refrigerated air dryers work by cooling the air to low temperatures, typically between 35°F to 50°F (1.7°C to 10°C). At these temperatures, the moisture in the air condenses into liquid water, which can then be removed from the system. This process is similar to how a home refrigerator or air conditioning system operates. 

Hankison’s refrigerated air dryers can handle air flows from 12 m³/h to 23,000 m³/h, which makes them suitable for a wide variety of industrial uses. These dryers have power requirements ranging from 0.12 kW to 36.32 kW and include high-pressure models. Both cycling refrigerated air dryers and non-cycling options are available to suit your specific needs.

Desiccant air dryers use a hygroscopic material (desiccant) to adsorb and remove moisture from compressed air. As air flows through a bed of desiccant, moisture is trapped by the desiccant material. These dryers typically operate in twin-tower configurations where one tower dries the air while the other regenerates (releases absorbed moisture using heat or a purge air flow). 

Hankison’s desiccant air dryers are able to drive moisture levels to a pressure dew point of up to -70° C and handle any flow from 8 m3/h to 13,000 m3/h. These dryers are highly customizable and can be adapted to meet your unique medium, flow rate, operating pressure, and inlet air temperature needs. Both heatless and heated dryer models are on offer.

Membrane air dryers use a specially engineered membrane that selectively permits water vapor to pass through it, separating it from the compressed air. The dry air continues through the system, while the water vapor is vented out.              

Hankison’s membrane air dryers target broad flow rate spectrums from 2.6 m³/h to 112.8 m³/h (HMD Series) and from 2.4 m³/h to 240.0 m³/h (HMM Series). Thanks to their compact design, quiet operation, and no use of refrigerants or desiccant materials, the dryers are an excellent choice for a wide array of applications, including highly sensitive ones.

Apart from compressed air dryers, Hankison’s offering also features a broad selection of air filters and other accessories such as condensate drains, air-liquid bypass valves, and oil-water separators. Hankison experts offer dryer sizing and configuration support to help you improve the efficiency of your compressed air system.