Best air dryer for compressor

[OldracerJones]

I'm getting ready for my new plasma cutter from Eastwood. They are very clear in the install instructions to have DRY air from the compressor. I currently do not have an in-line dryer but will install one. Anyone have a recommendation?

 

[PT Doc]

Refrigerated?

 

[macgyver37]

I have a Sullair refrigerated dryer for my shop, works great and does not seem to cost much to run. Especially considering the alternative to moisture in the lines to my multi spindle cnc.

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

Though refrigerated dryers are the cat's meow, they're really overkill for a plasma cutter. A separator at the tank, and another at the furthest connection point (use this connection for the cutter) from the compressor. Drain the separators and the tank before every use- you're good.

 

[nickelTwin]

I've used a Motorguard filter for years before I got a refrigerated dryer. It's always worked well for me.

 

[PAToyota]

Though refrigerated dryers are the cat's meow, they're really overkill for a plasma cutter.

A lot of people spend a lot of time tracking down cut quality issues that end up being moisture issues. I’ve got a Hankison refrigerated dryer on my system.

 

[mrpizza]

Wrong thread i think Denwood.

If i was going for dry air i would pick up a refridgerated unit.

 

[CNGsaves]

Though refrigerated dryers are the cat's meow, they're really overkill for a plasma cutter. A separator at the tank, and another at the furthest connection point (use this connection for the cutter) from the compressor. Drain the separators and the tank before every use- you're good.

^ ^ ^ Pretty much this. OP if you're in low humidity part of TX, then long runs of airline system like black pipe steel will drop out majority of any moisture, along with water separator. Connect your plasma cutter at END of airline system.

To 100% guarantee dry air, you could install a desiccant dryer that has beads which absorb moisture. Put dryer near end of airline system with a filter afterwards to catch any dust from the desiccant beads. After these, your plasma would have nice dry air.

 

[Todd.Brock]

The couple year old Speedaire refrigerated dryer on CL for 100 bucks last week. Of course, it was sold before I could get there.

 

[Whirnot]

What ever system you use, here is a small tip that helps a lot. Place a water drop in the line prior to the Plasma, just a simple pipe drop with a valve at the bottom, and then when you take the line off the "header", or main line, tee or elbow up, over and down. That way any water standing in the main line cannot enter the plasma branch. I have used dessicany dryers and refridgerated, both with great success.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Most of the compressors I've used for pneumatic building controls have Hankison Refrigerated driers. Always work well for me.

Tommy

 

[txturbo]

Best thing I've found to eliminate moisture is to run steel galvanized 3/4" air lines. Right now I have about 80'. It goes thru the wall to the outside and runs 40' with a downward slope with a drain leg at the end, turns up for 5 ' then goes back where it came from with an upward slope tgen goes back they the wall and has another drain leg before it crosses the garage. All my 1/2" takeoffs come off the top and go up about 8" then turn down and end in a drain leg just above the floor. Hose connections come off the side of these at about mid point. Haven't had any moisture issues since and I'm in a high humidity area near Houston.

 

[Denwood]

This setup has two outputs..cuts down a lot on consumables.

 

[OldracerJones]

Thanks for all the replies. Definitly have an idea what to do now.

 

[Gerlacr]

Denwood

Can you elaborate a bit about what you have on both sides of the T?. The regulators are obvious. What are each of the units between the T and the regulators?

Ron