FAQ

Air Dryer Frequently Asked Questions

You can look the side of the cylinder. The model will be engraved. We have four models: D-1, D-2, D-3 & D-4.

​We have found that the polycarbonate glass will not resist to hydrocarbons (compressor oil) especially Diester oil carry-over. If the glass cracks it is due to contaminants in the compressed air that damages the lexan glass. Adequate compressed air filtration is required. If you are in an environment where there is no compressed air filtration, we recommend not using the HGT-1/4. In fact, the oil attacks the lexan glass an overtime makes it crack. Our HGT-1/4 are tested in independent laboratory and can support more than 1,000 psi without cracking. If your lexan glass cracks you can easily replace it with our repair kit HGT-RK.

Typically we recommend to change the cartridge at least once every year. However, the life expectancy of the desiccant will vary depending on the application and the environment. As an example if the the compressor is located in a hot and humid room, the compressed air will be more saturated with moisture and the cartridge will saturate faster.

No. The D series is a single tower non-renegerative air dryer. As a result, the -40 Dew Point can’t be maintained. We know that some competitors advertise -40 dew point, however they can’t provide any third party tests that supports their claim. In other words, if you need a -40 dew point, you need a twin tower regenerative air dryer, period. We currently don’t manufacture these types of air dryers.

How it Works

The dryer must be installed as close as possible to the point-of-use. Make sure you install the air dryer at least 20 feet from the compressor to let the compressed air cool down or use an air cooled after-cooler. The target temperature is 70°F.

Yes! There are no disadvantages to over sizing. As a matter of fact, it will indeed reduce the frequency of cartridge change.

Contrary to a compressed air filter that requires velocity to perform, the D Series will benefit from being oversized as the contact time between the compressed air and the desiccant will increase.

All four models (D-1, D-2, D-3 & D-4) comes “stock” with all the standard accessories: pressure gauges (2), ball valve, safety valve and fittings. The premium options are the Temperature and Humidity Indicator HGT-1/4 and the Automatic Timer Drain TD Series. The premium options should be purchased separately.

The purpose of the D Series is to dry moisture from compressed air. Yes, there is polypropylene elements and filter pads inside the dryer that will protect the desiccant from oil, dust and solid particulates. However these filter elements are coarse and can’t provide fine filtration. If fine filtration is required in your application, you will need to add the specific compressed air filters. Here is an example of a system with a water separator and a compressed air filter up-stream of a D-1.

We recommend the HGT-1/4 that will indicate the level of Relative Humidity inside the dryer. When the % of R.H. exceeds 80%, it means that it is time to change the cartridge. The HGT-1/4 must be installed in the top port of the dryer. You will need to replace the top pressure gauge by the HGT-1/4.

Cold environment: when used in a cold environment, the HGT-1/4 will loses its accuracy. The reason being that as the temperature decreases, the % of R.H. will increase. For optimum accuracy the target temperature of the air should be 70°F.

Yes! By combining the refrigerated with the desiccant air dryer you will get a lower dew point.

Yes. You will need to drain the dryer frequently and also insulate the tower. You may also use heat tracing tape to keep the tower warmer.

Yes, our dryers are often used with mobile compressors. It is important to use an aftercooler and a water separator in order to lower the temperature of the compressed air. You can install the dryer far from the compressor by mounting it on a dolly. That way you let time for the compressed air to cool down.

If there is a hissing sound, it means that the drain is not set properly. You need to turn the knob counter clockwise in order to set the drain to automatic drainage. It is important that the unit is positioned up-right. If not, the float will not sit properly and, as a result, the float may leak.The video shows our quality control procedure.