A compressed air dryer is a device for removing water vapor fromcompressed air. Compressed air dryers are commonly found in a wide range ofindustrial and commercial facilities.
The process of air compression concentrates atmospheric contaminants,including water vapor. This raises the dew point of the compressed air relativeto free atmospheric air and leads to condensation within pipes as the compressedair cools downstream of the compressor.
Excessive water in compressed air, either in the liquid or vapor phase, cancause a variety of operational problems for users of compressed air. Theseinclude freezing of outdoor air lines; corrosion of equipment; fouling ofprocesses and products.
There are various types of compressed air dryers. Their performancecharacteristics are typically defined by the dew point.