Copper Pipe air dryer

[theastronaut]

Originally Posted by A1971Blazer

This is my experience, and the results may vary according to specific conditions.

A copper pipe set-up will help, but when you start dealing with large volumes of air it won't be as effective.

The only sure way to get dry air is by using a refrigerated dryer.
You have to be able to lower the dew point enough for the water vapor to condense quickly, and drop out of the air stream.

The copper may work fine until it starts heating up, then it just won't be able to remove the moisture efficiently.

A water separator will help, along with perhaps a fan on the copper to help keep it cool.

Be sure to add in some kind of drain, preferably an automatic one that can be set to activate at timed intervals. The water will build quickly especially in high humidity conditions.

I have a small machine shop with several machines that use compressed air solenoids to operate. The air must be dry!
I use a 25HP Ingersoll Rand rotary compressor with an output of about 100 SCFM and a refrigerated dryer rated for that amount.

This X2. Any kind of loop no matter the material its made from or how large it is can only drop the temp down to ambient at best, no lower. Refrigerated is the way to go.