Refrigerated air dryers are typically used in industrial applications because they are easy to maintain, relatively low-cost, and have few special requirements. Similar to a home refrigerator or air-conditioner, the industrial refrigerated air dryer works in the following way:
· Warm, moist air enters the air dryer.
· It is rapidly cooled to a temperature slightly above freezing in a refrigeration unit.
· The water vapor condenses into liquid water.
· The water is collected in a trap and emitted through discharge lines.
· The warm, gaseous refrigerant is cooled and regenerated in a condenser.
· The remaining dry air is then reheated to room temperature and fed through an outlet.
Refrigerated air dryers are typically best used for general plant operations, as opposed to critical processes that may require extremely dry air.