Refrigerant Compressed Air Dryer
High-Pressure Non-Cycling Refrigeration Dryers
Reliable High Quality Air for Demanding Environments
Maximum reliability at working pressures up to 45 barg
CompAir high-pressure refrigeration dryers deliver safe and constant quality, dry compressed air for various demanding environments such as PET bottle blowing, water jet cuts and aeronautical valves, in ambient temperatures of up to 50°C. Delivering consistent dew point control of +3°C for reliable and dry compressed air, this range of ten robust, compact and space-saving dryers provide maximum reliability at flow rates of between 88m3/h to 1, 200m3/h (at a nominal pressure of 40 barg).
Features
Dew Point Indication
ON/OFF Switch
Terminal for Remote Alarm Signal
Antifreezing
Refrigerant Pressure Safety Relief Valve
Variable Speed Fan
History of Last 10 Alarms
Hot Gas By-pass Valve
Timed Electronic Drain Valve
Electric Frequency
A Refrigerant Compressed Air Dryer is an industrial air-treatment device designed to remove moisture (water vapor) from compressed air systems.
The high-pressure, non-cycling refrigeration dryer variant is built to:
Operate continuously (non-cycling)
Handle elevated inlet pressures
Deliver a stable pressure dew point, typically +3°C (37°F)
This type of dryer is commonly used where reliable, constant air quality is more important than energy modulation.
2. Why Moisture Removal Is Critical
Compressed air always contains water vapor. When not removed, moisture can cause:
Corrosion in pipes and equipment
Pneumatic valve failure
Product contamination
Freezing in cold environments
Increased maintenance costs
A refrigerant dryer condenses water vapor into liquid, which is then drained out, leaving dry, usable air.
3. How a Non-Cycling Refrigerant Dryer Works
Step-by-Step Process
Hot, wet compressed air enters the dryer
Air passes through an air-to-air heat exchanger
Incoming air is pre-cooled
Outgoing cold air is reheated (energy efficiency + no pipe sweating)
Air enters the refrigeration evaporator
Temperature is reduced to approx. +3°C
Water vapor condenses into liquid
Condensate is removed via an automatic drain
Dry air exits the dryer and returns to the system
Key Point (Non-Cycling):
The refrigeration compressor runs continuously
Cooling capacity is controlled by hot gas bypass, not on/off cycling
Ensures stable dew point at all times
4. What “High-Pressure” Means
High-pressure refrigerant dryers are engineered for inlet pressures higher than standard industrial air systems.
Typical Pressure Ratings:
Standard: 7–10 bar (100–145 psi)
High-Pressure: 16, 25, 40 bar (230–580 psi), sometimes higher
Design Enhancements:
Reinforced heat exchangers
High-pressure rated piping and vessels
Safety valves and pressure protection devices
Thicker wall construction
5. Main Components
Refrigeration Circuit
Refrigeration compressor (hermetic or scroll)
Condenser (air-cooled or water-cooled)
Expansion valve or capillary tube
Evaporator (air cooling section)
Refrigerant (R134a, R407C, R404A depending on design)
Air Circuit
Air-to-air heat exchanger
Moisture separator
Automatic condensate drain
Inlet/outlet connections
Control & Protection
Digital or analog controller
Dew point indicator
High/low pressure protection
Fan control
Alarm contacts (optional)
6. Performance Characteristics
Parameter Typical Value
Pressure Dew Point +3°C (37°F)
Inlet Air Temp Up to 45–55°C
Ambient Temp 5–43°C
Working Pressure Up to 40 bar (model-dependent)
Flow Capacity 10–10, 000+ CFM
Power Supply 230V / 400V / 460V
Operation Continuous (24/7)
7. Advantages of Non-Cycling High-Pressure Dryers
✅ Constant dew point stability
✅ Simple, proven technology
✅ Reliable for continuous duty
✅ Lower mechanical stress (no frequent starts/stops)
✅ Excellent for critical applications
9. Typical Applications
PET bottle blowing
Laser cutting systems
High-pressure air compressors
Automotive manufacturing
Food & beverage (non-contact air)
Pharmaceuticals (with filtration)
Power plants
Steel and metal processing
10. Installation Requirements
Installed after the compressor and aftercooler
Adequate ventilation for condenser
Proper condensate drainage
Bypass line recommended for maintenance
Pre-filter (5 µm) strongly recommended
Post-filter (1 µm or better) optional but beneficial
11. Maintenance Requirements
Clean condenser regularly
Check drain operation
Inspect refrigeration pressures
Verify dew point
Annual refrigerant system inspection
Maintenance is low and straightforward compared to desiccant dryers.