Heatless pressure swing adsorption dryers
February 22nd 2010 A full range of HPS (heatless pressure swing) adsorption dryers for compressed air systems are available from Hi-line Industries. These have been designed with simplified ‘plug and play’ installation combining high efficiency with minimum running cost, while also providing reliability.
These products operate at a pressure range of 7-10barg (min 4barg), and are not to be confused with budget versions using cheap shuttle valves which invariably fail within a relatively short time. They are suitable for any commercial/industrial application where high quality dry air is required. This includes food and beverage processing, aerospace and electronics production together with automotive painting and instrument air supplies.
With the Hi-line HPS range, positively driven ball valves are fitted which provide maximum reliability and longevity. They also incorporate stainless steel pipework and high quality check valves to ensure continuity of flow without dewpoint spiking or pressure drop. A digital logic controller is fitted, with an optional automatic energy management system (AEMS) also available for dewpoint control. The dryer package is designed to give value for money available for both capital cost and lifetime ownership.
The dryers do not use any external heat energy source. The desiccant used is a standard activated alumina for a -40°C dewpoint operation (molecular sieve for -70°C dewpoint), which is regenerated by using very dry purging air supply. This is expanded over an orifice plate, which further reduces the dewpoint due to the pressure reduction. This very dry air supply desorbs water from the desiccant, passing through silencers back to the atmosphere. This purge air supply typically uses 12.5% of the dryer capacity.
The dryers operate as standard on a timer, with a normal ten minute cycle time between vessel changeovers. This is sufficient to ensure that extracted water does not enter the core of the desiccant material (2.5 to 4mm diameter spherical material). The optional AEMS control system extends the cycle time to 30 min per vessel in low water loading situations.
There are 19 models available in the range, with most sizes available ex-stock. They provide air throughput capacities from 20scfm (34 Nm³/h), up to 5500 scfm (9350 Nm³/h), with all models being skid mounted. Product footprints range from 675 x 380mm up to 2900 x 1900mm and heights from 1625 to 3000mm. All units can be supplied in a choice of colours, or can be privately labelled for OEM customers. More articles from Hi-Line Industries Ltd: | 
