Compressed Air Dryers

Compressed Air Dryers

A compressed air dryer can come in many forms, but among the most common are compact brazed plate heat exchangers. Coupled with a compression cycle (refrigerant) these compact heat exchangers provide the best combination of value and performance, as well as the convenience of a compact form factor. Other air-to-water slabs, tube and shell, and brazed plate heat exchangers can do the job as well, but refrigerant-based designs will give the most consistent performance, and best outcome. More over, "combi-dryer" units like our CD-line from Alfa Laval are designed and optimized for this single purpose.

  • Refrigerated Air Dryer: Certain Brazed Plates, and our CD-line Heat Exchangers -- Refrigerant driven dryers are the preferred option for drying compressed air as they reach much lower temps, and provide a single path for the air flow to reach the lowest possible temp and shed the most moisture.
  • Water-Cooled: Tube & Shell, and Brazed Plates -- Capable of drying and cooling, this is a middle of the road budget-friendly option for users with an adequate supply chilled-water (water temps generally need to be less than 60F to dehumidify).
  • Air-Cooled: Air-to-water Heat Exchangers -- This is the least capable option for drying, and is limited to operating pressures below 190PSI, but will help knock the temperature down.
Water-cooled Brazed Plate Compressed Air Dryer

Water-cooled compressed air dryers are a great budget-friendly option for users with an existing chilled water supply cool enough to condense moisture from a compressed air flow (generally around 60F and below). Brazed plates are generally designed for higher pressure applications which make them a safer, and more appropriate water-cooled option than tube and shell heat exchangers.

Alfa Laval - CD-Series Compressed Air Dryers (Combi-dryers)

The Alfa Laval CD line is engineered for air dehumidification in compressed air drying applications, and is part of our complete offering of heat exchangers for the compressed air industry. Known as “combi-dryers,” these units bring together an air-to-air and air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger within one unit. This unique design ensures a compact installation with excellent thermal performance.