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Air Dryers and Compressed Air Treatment
Compressed air dryers and air treatment equipment remove moisture from compressed air before it reaches your tools, finishes, and processes. CompressorPros carries standalone refrigerated and desiccant air dryers from 15 to 200+ CFM, plus compressor-dryer combo systems. Standard shipping is free.
What Are Dryers and Compressed Air Treatment?
Every air compressor produces moisture as a byproduct of compression. Warm, humid air enters the compressor, gets pressurized, and releases water vapor that condenses inside the tank, piping, and distribution system. Without treatment, that moisture may cause corrosion in air lines, water spots in paint and coating work, premature wear on pneumatic tools, and contamination in food, medical, and pharmaceutical processes. A compressed air dryer removes that moisture before it reaches the point of use. CompressorPros carries standalone dryers that plumb inline after an existing compressor, and compressor-dryer combo systems that integrate both into a single package.
Standalone Dryers (by CFM) vs. Compressor-Dryer Combos
Standalone Compressed Air Dryers
Standalone dryers are purchased separately and plumbed inline between the compressor and the compressed air system. They are the right choice when you already own a compressor and need to add drying capability, or when you need a dryer rated for a different CFM than your compressor's integrated option. CompressorPros organizes standalone dryers by CFM capacity: 0-15 CFM, 15-30 CFM, 30-60 CFM, 60-100 CFM, 100-200 CFM, and 200+ CFM.
Compressor-Dryer Combos
For buyers purchasing a new compressor, a combo system integrates the compressor and a factory-matched dryer into a single package. This eliminates the risk of undersizing the dryer, simplifies installation, and saves floor space. Piston air compressors with dryers are available from 5 to 10 HP. Rotary screw air compressors with dryers are available from 3 to 30 HP.
Refrigerated vs. Desiccant Air Dryers
Refrigerated Air Dryers
Refrigerated dryers cool the compressed air using a refrigeration compressor, condensing moisture out of the airstream and draining it away. They typically produce a 38-40 degree F pressure dew point, which is sufficient for most shop, painting, coating, and general manufacturing applications. Refrigerated dryers are the most common type and are available in non-cycling and cycling configurations. The Quincy QRHT 75, 75 CFM High Inlet Temperature Refrigerated Air Dryer handles up to 75 CFM and can take a higher inlet air temperature. The COOL 25, 25 CFM Refrigerated Air Dryer is a popular entry point for smaller systems.
Desiccant Air Dryers
Desiccant dryers pass compressed air through a bed of moisture-absorbing material (typically activated alumina or silica) to achieve extremely low dew points, often -40 degree F or lower. They are required for applications where even small amounts of moisture can cause problems, including pharmaceutical manufacturing, electronics assembly, pneumatic instrumentation, and outdoor piping in freezing climates where a 38 degree F dew point would still allow condensation.
Key Specifications
- CFM Capacity: The dryer must be rated to handle the full CFM output of the compressor it serves. An undersized dryer will not remove moisture effectively. Browse by CFM range using the sub-categories listed above.
- Pressure Dew Point: Refrigerated dryers produce 38-40 degree F dew points. Desiccant dryers produce -40 degree F or lower. Match the dew point to your application's moisture sensitivity.
- Max Inlet Temperature: The maximum temperature of compressed air entering the dryer. Standard dryers handle inlet temperatures up to 100 degree F. High inlet temperature models like the Quincy QRHT series handle up to 180 degree F, which is important when the dryer is installed close to the compressor without an aftercooler.
- Voltage/Phase: Most standalone dryers run on 115V single phase. Larger units may require 230V single phase or even three phase power.
- Max Operating Pressure: Typically 150-200 PSI. Verify that the dryer's pressure rating matches or exceeds your compressor's maximum output pressure.
Brands Carried
- Quincy: QPNC non-cycling and QRHT high inlet temperature refrigerated air dryers from 25 to 200+ CFM.
- Chicago Pneumatic: CPX series refrigerated air dryers from 30 to 184 CFM for shop and light industrial use.
- Elgi: EGRD series refrigerated air dryers from 50 to 200+ CFM, available with pre-filters. The Elgi EGRD 200 Refrigerated Air Dryer with Pre-Filter is the largest Elgi standalone dryer on the site.
- EMAX: Industrial EDRCF series refrigerated air dryers from 30 to 144 CFM. The EMAX EDRCF1150058 Industrial 58 CFM Refrigerated Air Dryer serves mid-size shop applications.
- C-Aire: KRAD series refrigerated air dryers from 10 to 100 CFM with competitive pricing.
- Schulz: ADS series refrigerated air dryers from 10 to 200 CFM for industrial applications.
CompressorPros buys direct from the manufacturer, saving time and money.
FAQ
Do I need a compressed air dryer? If you spray paint, powder coat, run air-powered instruments, process food, or supply medical or dental air, yes. Moisture in compressed air causes water spots in finishes, corrosion in piping, and contamination in sensitive processes. For general shop tools like impact wrenches and nailers, a dryer is beneficial but not always critical.
What is the most common mistake when buying a compressed air dryer? Undersizing the dryer for the compressor's CFM output. A dryer rated for 25 CFM connected to a 50 CFM compressor will not remove moisture effectively. Always match or exceed the compressor's rated CFM when selecting a standalone dryer.
What is the difference between non-cycling and cycling refrigerated dryers? Non-cycling dryers run the refrigeration compressor continuously regardless of air demand. Cycling dryers modulate the refrigeration compressor based on load, reducing energy consumption during low-demand periods. Cycling dryers cost more upfront but save on electricity in operations with variable air demand.
What is a high inlet temperature dryer? Standard refrigerated dryers require compressed air to enter at or below about 100 degree F. High inlet temperature dryers (like the Quincy QRHT series) handle air up to 180 degree F, which is useful when the dryer is installed immediately after the compressor without a separate aftercooler in the line.
Should I buy a standalone dryer or a compressor-dryer combo? If you already own a compressor, a standalone dryer is the most practical addition. If you are buying a new compressor, a combo system is typically more cost-effective and space-efficient. Browse the piston and rotary screw compressor-dryer combo categories listed above for integrated options.
Does CompressorPros offer free shipping on dryers and air treatment equipment? Yes. Standard shipping is free, direct from the manufacturer, on every unit in this category.
Shop Dryers and Compressed Air Treatment at CompressorPros
CompressorPros carries standalone refrigerated and desiccant compressed air dryers from 0-15 CFM to 200+ CFM, plus piston compressor-dryer combos and rotary screw compressor-dryer combos from 5 to 30 HP. Standard shipping is free, direct from the manufacturer.
If you need help sizing a dryer for your compressor or choosing between refrigerated and desiccant, call (803) 339-0445 or email info@compressorpros.com.