High temperature refrigerated air dryers accept hot compressor discharge, removing the need for a separate aftercooler in many installations. They suit piston and portable compressors where the air enters the dryer at elevated temperature.
Design difference
- Larger refrigerant circuit and heat exchanger
- Built-in pre-cooling of the inlet air
- Higher allowable inlet temperature
- Reduced footprint versus separate aftercooler
Applications
Use a high temperature dryer when the compressor does not have an effective aftercooler, when the air line is short, or for piston compressors and temporary installations. It condenses the water load before the air reaches the downstream filters.
Considerations
Check the maximum inlet temperature and pressure rating, and confirm the dew point class the dryer guarantees. For oil-lubricated systems, still install coalescing filtration downstream to remove oil carryover.