Homemade Air Dryer

[70redbee]

Has anyone ever made a homemade refrigerated air dryer? The prices of these things is out of site,maybe I can build one out of spare parts.

 

[rickairmedic]

I realise its Horrible Fleight but this one seems like a good deal .

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=40211


Rick

 

[DGC15]

If your only going to use it occasionally then you can make one out of a bucket and a roll of copper tubing. Put two bulkhead fittings in the bucket, one at the top and one at the bottom. Connect the coil of tubing to them inside the bucket. Air in at the top and out at the bottom. Put a drip leg on the outlet to collect the water. Fill the bucket with water and a lot of ice. Keep it filled with ice and you are good to go.

 

[The Muffin Man]

If your only going to use it occasionally then you can make one out of a bucket and a roll of copper tubing. Put two bulkhead fittings in the bucket, one at the top and one at the bottom. Connect the coil of tubing to them inside the bucket. Air in at the top and out at the bottom. Put a drip leg on the outlet to collect the water. Fill the bucket with water and a lot of ice. Keep it filled with ice and you are good to go.

I've used a similar concept to make an air conditioner for a cabin. Works like a charm on those hot and humid nights .

 

[twostory]

I realise its Horrible Fleight but this one seems like a good deal .

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=40211


Rick

With the 20% coupon, that would only be $288 plus tax. I get a 20% coupon every week via email from HF.

 

[yhprum]

I havent tried this myself just yet, but will. Google Franz-o-nator and read the threads that come up on another forum.
I am going to make one up from threaded fittings.

Steve

 

[Stephenw]

I have the Harbor Freight refrigerated air dryer.

There are two methods used in industry to dry compressed air. One is a refrigerated air dryer. The other is a dessicant air dryer.

As far as the "franzinator" thing goes, I just don't buy into the idea. The only moisture removed would be from the cooling effect of the air moving along the walls of the pipe. If it really worked as claimed, there would be commercial versions with a similar design available.

 

[twostory]

I have the Harbor Freight refrigerated air dryer.

So how do you like the HF refridgerator dryer?

Would you recommend it?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Stephenw]

So how do you like the HF refridgerator dryer?

Would you recommend it?

Thanks in advance.

It works and appears well made. Mine hasn't seen a lot of use. I bought it, tried it out, and then moved to a new house. I haven't got it set up yet at my new house.

 

[zulueta]

Its always have a good feeling of DIY specially if you really have the knowledge.
A little more research will be a big start/help on that project.

So keep researching!...
Good luck!

 

[e-tek]

I have a dessicant air dryer and think it's great. I filled mine about a year ago with pellets and have done a lot of sand blasting, primed and painted a car and used it alot with perfect results. I was going to change the pellets last week but it was till full! So it's cost effective as well!

 

[buening]

There is the Motorguard filter and people use toilet paper rolls instead of the motorguard filters. Haven't heard of anyone making a dryer though.

 

[Identaltech]

go with a dessicant dryer.
works better than refrigerated dryers.
uses no power, no need to have running will not in use.
allways ready.

 

[Identaltech]

I have a dessicant air dryer and think it's great. I filled mine about a year ago with pellets and have done a lot of sand blasting, primed and painted a car and used it alot with perfect results. I was going to change the pellets last week but it was till full! So it's cost effective as well!

we have units out for 10 years and dessicant is still good.
what type are you using that you need to refill?
How are you regenerating the dessicant?

 

[383astro]

I bought a used Speedaire refrigerated dryer because I could not find a cost effective dessicant dryer. I couldnt find a dessicant dryer that would handle my compressor cheap enough. My compressor/pump makes 34.8 CFM at 125 PSI. My speedaire will take the moisture out of 35 CFM max. I bought it off ebay for 367.00 plus 40.00 shipping and works like a charm. There are a couple of speedaires on ebay depending on your needs.

 

[senlow]

I have a dessicant air dryer and think it's great. I filled mine about a year ago with pellets and have done a lot of sand blasting, primed and painted a car and used it alot with perfect results. I was going to change the pellets last week but it was till full! So it's cost effective as well!

You should not need to change the dessicant. If it has turned from blue to pink, it has absorbed all the moisture that it can. To rejuvinate the dessicant, just spread it on a cookie sheet and place in an oven at 200-250 degrees. This will drive out the moisture. This may take several hours depending upon the amount of dessicant that is in the oven. I find that it helps to open the oven door ocasionally to release the moisture from the oven. You will know that the process is complete when the dessicant has turned bright blue. Pour it back into the dryer and you are back in business.