Choosing an Air Dryer: Refrigerated vs Desiccant

An air dryer is not optional for most compressed air systems. The choice between refrigerated and desiccant depends on how dry the air must be, which is measured by pressure dew point.

Refrigerated Dryers

  • Cool air to about +3 °C pressure dew point.
  • Low cost and simple to operate.
  • Ideal for general industrial and workshop air.

Desiccant Dryers

  • Reach -20 °C to -70 °C pressure dew point.
  • Needed for outdoor piping, freezing conditions and sensitive processes.
  • Higher purchase and operating cost.

How to Decide

  • Match the dew point to the coldest temperature your piping will see.
  • Consider the cost of the dryer versus the cost of wet air damage.

Which dryer is best for general workshops?

A refrigerated dryer at +3 °C pressure dew point is the right choice for most general industrial air.

Talk to an Engineer

Contact Panrui with your flow, pressure and air quality requirements to get a recommendation and factory quote for your project.