1. How do I size a dryer for my compressor or
compression system?
Ans.: Normally the dryer is sized to match the maximum output of the compressor.
i.e. a 80 SCFM dryer is used on a compressor that can produce a maximum 80
SCFM. If there is not a dryer size that directly matches the compressor output,
then the next larger dryer should be selected. I.e. A 40 SCFM dryer should
be used on a 30 SCFM compressor.
2. How dry do I need my compressed air to be?
Ans.: Air Options dryers are designed for approximately 95% of all compressed
air applications. Applications using air tools, sand blasting, industrial
painting, pneumatic controls, aeration, HVAC, etc. will be supplied appropriate
dry air from these dryers.
3. How does the refrigeration technology
work?
Ans.: Air Options refrigerated dryers generate their low temperatures by a
proprietary water evaporation process. For a detailed description of the technology
refer to the technical bulletin titled: "Basic
Operational Description".
4. How much water will the dryer use daily?
Ans.: Air Options dryers use only pennies of water daily. The average water
usage and associated cost of any given dryer can be found in the technical
bulletin titled: "Average
Water Consumption"
5. How much air does the dryer use?
Ans.: A dryer typically uses 2 to 7 % of the output of the compressor. This
means that the compressor will run 2 to 7% longer during each cycle, to make
up for the dryer. Specific information on SCFM consumption by the dryers can
be found in the technical bulletin titled: "SCFM
Usage".
6. Does the temperature of the input water
matter?
Ans.: No, as long as the temperature of the tap water is within the range
specified in the Air Options installation guide. Information on the effect
that varying water temperature can have on the dryer can be found in the technical
bulletin titled: " Effects
of Air and water Temp.".
7. Can I set up the dryer with a closed
cycle water source?
Ans.: We generally do not recommend using the dryers with a closed cycle water
source unless the source is very large, i.e. a cooling pond, cooling tower,
etc. If the compressor has a duty cycle of less than 10%, a closed cycle water
source may be used. For information about using a closed cycle water source
refer to technical bulletin titled: "Closed
Cycle Water Source".
8. Some places in my compressed air system
have a very big problem with water build up and other places have a very small
problem, Why?
Ans.: This is most likely caused by inappropriate compressed air plumbing.
This is normally a fairly easy problem to solve. For more information on this
topic, refer to our technical bulletin titled: "Compressed
Air Plumbing".
9. What are the operational costs for
an Air Options Dryers compared to a typical CFC dryer?
Ans.: Normally an Air Options dryer has considerably lower operational cost
than a typical CFC based Dryer. Additionally, Air Options dryers have a average
life expectancy of 25 to 30 years verses a 5 to 10 year life for a CFC based
dryers. Air Options Dryers also have the added advantage of requiring almost
no maintenance for the life of the dryer. For operational cost and comparison
data refer to our technical bulletin: "Cost
AOI vs. CFC".
10. Can I install one Air Options Dryer
to service two compressors?
Ans.: Yes, this is referred to as a duplex installation. Air options dryers
are routinely installed on duplex systems. The installation and operation
manuals have a specific section on duplex installation and there is a technical
bulletin on this topic titled: "Duplex
Installations"
11. Can I use an Air Options dryer as a line
or point of use dryer?
Ans.: Although Air Options dryers are designed and work the best at the discharge
of the compressor, they may be adapted for line and point of use applications.
For information on how to adapt to these applications refer to the technical
bulletin titled: "Line
and Point-of-Use".
12. I don't have a drain any ware near
my compressor. How do I deal with the coolant discharge?
Ans.: We typically recommend that a simple sump pump and bucket arrangement
be installed for center of the plant locations. A complete explanation of
this system is detailed in our technical bulletin titled: "Remote
Drain System".
13. Most of our operations are either
offshore or shipboard. We are very cautious about using fresh water for anything.
Can I use salt water as the coolant water in an Air Options Dryer?
Ans.: Any dryer that Air Options manufactures can be specially manufactured
for salt water usage. Salt water can only be used on a salt water prepared
dryers. Refer to our technical bulletin titled: "Salt
Water Dryers".
14. Do I really need a air dryer for my
location in the lower mid west?
Ans.: Most likely, The U.S. is divided up into 5 humidity zones. You will
benefit greatly if your compressor operates in zones 1 through 4. Depending
on the installation you may see substantial benefits even in zone 5. For more
information on humidity zones refer to our technical bulletin titled: "U.S.
Humidity Zones"
Patent
Pending
© 2005 Air Options, Inc. All
rights reserved
