A compressed air dryer can come in many forms, but among the most common are compact brazed plate heat exchangers. Coupled with a compression cycle (refrigerant) these compact heat exchangers provide the best combination of value and performance, as well as the convenience of a compact form factor. Other air-to-water slabs, tube and shell, and brazed plate heat exchangers can do the job as well, but refrigerant-based designs will give the most consistent performance, and best outcome. More over, "combi-dryer" units like our CD-line from Alfa Laval are designed and optimized for this single purpose.
- Refrigerated Air Dryer: Certain Brazed Plates, and our CD-line Heat Exchangers -- Refrigerant driven dryers are the preferred option for drying compressed air as they reach much lower temps, and provide a single path for the air flow to reach the lowest possible temp and shed the most moisture.
- Water-Cooled: Tube & Shell, and Brazed Plates -- Capable of drying and cooling, this is a middle of the road budget-friendly option for users with an adequate supply chilled-water (water temps generally need to be less than 60F to dehumidify).
- Air-Cooled: Air-to-water Heat Exchangers -- This is the least capable option for drying, and is limited to operating pressures below 190PSI, but will help knock the temperature down.
