The key benefit of air dryers on the factory floor is quality prepared air, but not only do these compact but powerful units help remove the moisture in compressed air systems, they deliver much more.
And while it’s ‘that easy’, Robert Taylor, product specialist at SMC Corporation ANZ, says the integral benefits of a refrigerated air dryer are often overlooked.
“Refrigerated air dryers are not new to our range and should in fact be sold as complementary products across the board,” he says.
“However, perhaps the lesser addressed benefit of air dryers is the potential savings that they can produce on the factory floor. By removing the moisture out of the compressed air system, you are protecting your pneumatic components and ensuring a long life span – saving you on downtime and replacement costs.”
Designed to meet dew points as low as -60°C (Membrane Air Dryer IDG series) and flow ranges up to 1340 m3/h (for the Refrigerated Air Dryer - IDFA series), SMC’s broad range of air dryers answers the call of various applications and industries – and has proved to be particularly popular in the local meat processing sector among others.
“The series is designed to perform in demanding environments and delivers dry compressed air, ideally suited for meat processing plants which are currently experiencing an uptick in demand,” Taylor adds.
Speaking to development prospects, Taylor says that “as it stands, our range is up-to-date and comprehensive. At this stage, we don’t require any new R&D developments on this particular product because we have the right solution to meet every customer requirement".
Taylor does warn that when it comes to spec’ing an air dryer, it’s not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Below, he breaks down the various considerations to spec an air dryer:
- What dew point does your equipment require?
- What is the flow rate required?
- What is the inlet temperature to the dryer at its warmest peak?
- What are the ambient temperature conditions?
“While we work with our customers to determine these considerations, we also offer an easy-to-use online Refrigerated Air Dryer Model Selection Software,” Taylor explains.
The range unpacked
IDFA series - Refrigerated Air Dryer
According to Taylor, the IDFA series remains a firm favourite for the food, beverage and processing sectors. It’s designed to improve flow ratings and features an auto drain and standard dust filter for years of reliable service.
Key benefits include:
- Applicable for the high-temperature environments
- Ambient temperature: max. 45℃
- Inlet air temperature: max. 65℃
- Increased air flow capacity
- Power supply voltage: single-phase 230 VAC (50Hz)
IDG-D series - Modular Connection Type Membrane Air Dryer
Key benefits include:
- Compatible with various ISO water quality classes
- Modular connection is possible
- Non-fluorocarbon
- Power supply not required
- No vibration or heat discharge
- Contributes to energy saving
- Pressure drop: reduced by up to 61%
- Outlet air flow rate: max. 25% increase
- Purge ratio: approx. 14%
“No longer a nice-to-have, dryers are now a must-have essential on the factory floor,” Taylor concludes.
