Refrigerated Air Dryer FAQ’s

Q. How does Water get in your compressed air?

A. Compressor inlet
Water vapor (humidity-moisture) enters the air system through the air compressor inlet air filter. The air compressor sucks in approximately 7 cubic feet of atmospheric air at 0 psig, and that volume of air is compressed into 1 cubic feet of air at 100 psig. The water vapor (humidity-moisture) that was in the 7 cubic feet of atmospheric air is now compressed into 1 cubic feet of compressed air.

There are 3 forms of water in compressed air:

1. Liquid water
2. Aerosol (mist)
3. Vapor (gas)

Liquid water is easily removed by general purpose filters. They remove 98% of the liquid water and less than 10% water mist & 0% vapor.

Water in Aerosol or Vapor form requires the use of a Compressed Air Dryer.

For every 50°F drop in compressed air temperature, the moisture holding capacity of air is reduced by 50%.

Drying prevents liquid water forming downstream where it can contaminate or damage the system causing operating problems, costly maintenance, and repairs.