A refrigerated air dryer is reliable when maintained, but neglect quickly shows up as a rising dew point. The maintenance is simple and centres on the condenser, the condensate drain and the refrigeration circuit.
Routine checks
- Clean the condenser coil and check airflow
- Verify the condensate drain operates and is not blocked
- Check for refrigerant leaks and frost patterns
- Monitor the dew point at the outlet
Signs of trouble
A higher than normal dew point, a condenser that runs hot, or a drain that floods all indicate a dryer that is no longer performing. Frost on the refrigerant lines can point to low refrigerant or a restriction.
Keeping it reliable
Keep the dryer inlet air within its rated temperature, because an overloaded dryer cannot reach its dew point. Annual servicing by a refrigeration technician catches slow refrigerant loss before the dryer fails outright.