What size Refrigerated Air Dryer needed?

[Doc]

Looking to replace my current Compressor with a 2 stage 60-80 gal 5hp that puts out bewteen 14-17 CFM at 175 PSI and more at 90PSI. I am looking at adding a refrigerated air dryer at the same time since I paint cars on the side as well as running a blast cabinet. I need dry air and not getting it here in Florida. I have tried some of the smaller tips and tricks from thios forum but still getting a lot of water. Current compressor is a single stage 5hp/60 gal that works its **** off to keep up with my minimal needs
I am looking at the Hankison HPR15 and HPR25 dryer and not sure if the 15 is what will work fine for my needs since I normally only run 1 or 2 D/A sanders at a time at most for air consumption. Or do I need at least the 25? The difference is about $200 between the 2 dryers.

Thanks in advance for any advice or education regarding the dryers.

 

[Slackerzinc]

If your compressor puts out 14-17 cfm then you will need the 25 cfm unit. I went with a Sullair RN35 refrigerated dryer that is double my compressor output. You don't want to be maxed out when you are using the tool you have the air dryer for.

 

[stonesfan68]

Make sure that the new compressor has an after-cooler installed or neither dryer will work for very long. If the compressor doesn't have an after-cooler then get the dryer that is rated for a high inlet air temperature. Also, install a coalescing filter in front of the dryer.

 

[Doc]

Exactly the info I was looking for. Didnt think about the aftercooler. I will add that to my searches.

Thanks Again!

 

[Falcon67]

I would also pick the 25. I have a Hankison 10 that I have yet to hook up. 10 should be plenty for my little HVLP stuff. I'd rather have This Unit But I got the 10 CFM model for free.

 

[Fixnair]

Be sure to install the dryer before the receiver. And like stones fan said use an after-cooler. An adequately sized after-cooler and moisture separator will remove more than half the water in your air. By installing the dryer before your receiver you won't over flow the dryer. By that I mean,while the dryer is sized for the compressor, there will be instances where you will use a large tool that will use more air than the dryer can handle and you will get wet air. By storing the air in a dry state you lessen the chance of that.

 

[NakeDiesel]

This is the compressor I have from Eaton:

http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/504747/1710568.htm

I've used it for sandblasting and painting as well as general air tool used, it's rated to run continuous and I've put it through it's paces.

Here is the dryer unit I have as well from them.

I used both in SC and you wouldn't believe the amount of moisture they pulled out of the air thier....

http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/506941/1017584.htm

 

[mark52621]

How important is the placement of the coalescing filter?

Most places recommend putting it ahead of the dryer, but my ingersoll rand manual says to put the coalescing filter after the dryer.

What's the expert opinion on this?

 

[Fixnair]

After the dryer is the preferred method for a refrig dryer. A desiccant dryer would want the coalescing filter ahead of it to protect the desiccant.
I'm a little concerned with the Dewpoint temp. 37 to 50* is a broad spread. You may very well experience some moisture carryover @ 50* in your part of the country. Most industrial dryers ar rated @ either 50* or 35* depending on how dry you need the air.

 

[Doc]

well picked up an IR compressor today with built in aftercooler, autodrain, low oil shutdown and 2 year warrenty since I also got thier maintence kit. , 1 micron filter with auto drain for after compressor and the IR 25CFM refridgerated dryer. Came as a complete package from the local rep. Still need to hook up everything but what I could not find in the owners manual was what is the textbook answer for distance from the compressor should the dryer be?

Thanks to all that gave me advice!

 

[gearheadjim]

Dryer should be "as close as possible" to the compressor. W/coalescing filter in front of it, from what I understand.

 

[Bob C]

Dryer should be "as close as possible" to the compressor. W/coalescing filter in front of it, from what I understand.

Dryer should be as close to the VERY first drop as physically possible.

 

[tylermcurrie]

It's the air temperature that matters most when locating the dryer. The "nameplate" CFM rating on a refrigerated dryer is usually assuming 100F compressed air temperature. If you put the dryer close to the compressor without an after-cooler, then you'll be way above 100F. Too hot and you could flow through the dryer and still get water in the air lines.

You can get high temp units rated for well above 100F inlet, but they cost more (because an after-cooler is usually built in).

 

[md21722]

This is an old post that was revived. It raises a question though, why use s coalescing filter before the dryer? Wouldn't a regulator filter be fine?

 

[72Anthony]

Normally there is an after cooler and water separator upstream of the dryer: this cools the air and removes any condesned water. I think its recommended to have a particle filter and coallescing filter upstream of the dryer to keep small solids and oil out of the dryer's heat exchanger.