Hidden Costs of HOC Air Dryers in Centrifugal Compressor Operation
Compressed air is a significant cost consideration as it generates millions of BTUs annually in waste heat energy. Another vital component in most plant air applications is the selection of an efficient air dryer to complement the compressor. Air dryers can provide varying levels of moisture control depending on the application and environment. Both, in combination, can often provide a solution to recover heat lost through compression and apply it for other purposes in a plant. This is often referred to as Heat of Compression (HOC).
Heat of compression (HOC) dryers use waste heat generated by a compressor to regenerate the desiccant. In some cases, dryer suppliers and compressed air operators skip vital factors, which can cost a plant thousands of dollars if not applied correctly. This white paper will:
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Review the different types of compressed air dryers, including how to select the right technology for your application.
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Explain the differences between deliquescent, refrigerant, and regenerative dryers.
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Examine how heat of compression dryers work along with what questions to ask to ensure your system will work efficiently.