Air Compressor Dryer Question - Placement for Radiator or Refrigerated System.

[bradform]

Question for you guys. I know quite a few folks install a radiator or pipe style air dryer between their pump and tank to reduce/eliminate moisture buildup in the tank. My main question is has anyone installed a refrigerated air dryer system before the tank with the same objective? I was looking at the Central Pneumatic system that is currently on sale for $299. It seems like most people install them after the tank from what I’ve seen online.


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[MacMcMacmac]

Heat load directly from the compressor will overwhelm the refrigeration circuit and it will trip out. Most refrigerant dryers need an approach temp of 100f or less. Hi temp dryers have an integrated aftercooler but most reefer dryers have a short life if not insulated from the vibration of a compressor. Tank mounted dryers can be an issue for this reason. Tanks last longer than their owners usually. Regular draining will see it through your lifetime.

 

[engineer2]

Normal configurations:
Compressor> tank> aftercooler> refrigerated air dryer
Compressor> tank> high inlet temp refrigerated air dryer
No one really taps into the compressor discharge line to the tank. The tank helps cool the air and drop out moisture. In any case, you'll need a drain on the tank.

 

[charlestmann]

I just added an after cooler (Hayden 1240) and particulate filter between the compressor and tank. I'm getting most of the water out before it gets to the tank with this configuration. Still getting a very small amount of water from the tank drain though. I am able to get the air going into the tank at about room temperature with this setup.

If you want to use the Harbor Freight dryer before the tank you will definitely need an after cooler before the dryer. I would try the after cooler and filter first and see if you are still getting water in your tank.

 

[Firstram]

I just added an after cooler (Hayden 1240) and particulate filter between the compressor and tank. I'm getting most of the water out before it gets to the tank with this configuration. Still getting a very small amount of water from the tank drain though. I am able to get the air going into the tank at about room temperature with this setup.

If you want to use the Harbor Freight dryer before the tank you will definitely need an after cooler before the dryer. I would try the after cooler and filter first and see if you are still getting water in your tank.

Same here. I used a Hayden 1299 with a self draining separator BEFORE the tank. Most of the water ends up in a bucket, not in the tank!

 

[Kaizen]

Same here. I used a Hayden 1299 with a self draining separator BEFORE the tank. Most of the water ends up in a bucket, not in the tank!

did you put a tank auto drain on it or is there some specific piece of separator that has built in?

 

[charlestmann]

did you put a tank auto drain on it or is there some specific piece of separator that has built in?

Some of the particulate filters have an auto drain once pressure drops. Milton 1020-8 is an example. When the compressor shuts off and pressure in the after cooler and filter drop the auto drain opens.

 

[Kaizen]

Some of the particulate filters have an auto drain once pressure drops. Milton 1020-8 is an example. When the compressor shuts off and pressure in the after cooler and filter drop the auto drain opens.

This is added after the cooler before the tank? Assume at bottom of cooler?


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