Choice of dessicant material

[MaxPlanck]

Dear all,

I have a question concerning the right choice of dessicant material for air drying.
What type of adsorption material, molecular sieves or silica gel, should be used in what type of environment. Or which dessicant is more chemically stable in acidic or base environment? And maybe someone knows the reason?

Many thanks in advance for replying.
MaxPlanck

 

[ash9144]

For normal applications, like instrument air, usually silica gel is adequate. If the air is for some specialized application it may be beneficial to go to molecular sieve, like a drying solid products. Sieves are going to be more expensive to buy as well as maintain.

 

[toothless]

If you are just drying air and removing only moisture, activated alumina is also used. But if you want to remove something else as well, such as CO2, then molecular sieve could remove both items.

 

[dcasto]

Three in a row, Silica Gel for most air drying. If you are going to LOX/LIN plant and need -200 dew point, then Mole Sieves.

 

[chief]

If you want to extend the life of your selected dessicant, consider fitting a cyclone separator after your air compressor.It will remove approx 98% of moisture and an auto drain attached will make it maintenance free. Wright-Austin are the people who manufacture.

Offshore Engineering&Design