Gas and Air Dryers Flashcards
What is the term used to describe the amount of water vapour
Grains. 7000 grains equals one pound of water
What is relative humidity?
It is a comparison of the amount of water a sample of air holds, to the maximum it could hold of saturated.
What is dew point?
The temperature at which the moisture comes out of the gas
What does pressure do to the amount of moisture air can hold?
As pressure increases, the amount of moisture it can hold decreases
What is another name for a large amount of liquid entering the compressor inlet?
Slug
What are some problems with moisture in a gas stream
It plugs instrumentation components,
mechanical damage due to liquids not being compressible.
If air is used outside it could freeze, paint applications require a dry are stream for adhesion
What are the four categories of dryers?
Adsorption
Absorption
Refrigeration
Mechanical
Describe adsorption
It is the adhesion of molecules in a thin layer on a surface. It uses the attraction of certain compounds to water
When is the adsorption drying agent no longer active?
When the vapour pressure of the film on the drying agent equals the vapour pressure of the air stream
What must be done when adsorption dryer no longer can remove moisture from the air stream
It must go through a cycle of regeneration (reactivation). This removes the film of moisture
Define regeneration
The process of removing the accumulation of moisture from the dryer bed
Approx how much dried air is used to regenerate the dryer bed?
About 10-15%
What is a benefit of adsorption dryers?
They can achieve lower dew points than any other type of dryer
What are some common desiccants used in an adsorption dryer?
Activated alumina Granulated silica gel Bead type modified silica gel Molecular sieve
Describe activated alumina
It is a porous aluminum oxide, and is inert. Suitable for use in variety of gas streams, and s spherical shape is common
Describe granular silica gel
Irregular shape, large surface area to collect moisture. Commonly used in packaging of medicines, electronics, cameras
Describe bead type silica gel
Similar to granular, but spherical shape. It is very porous
Describe molecular sieve
Acts as a filter by restricting the size of particles able to pass through the bed. Used in applications such as: Hydrocarbons, nitrogen, hydrogen, H2S, CO2
Where are coalescing filters used?
Downstream of the dryer to ensure dust from desiccant that breaks down over time is picked up. It is also used as a pre filter to ensure desiccant isn’t loaded with oil or other contaminants
How is the flow for regen, and why?
The flow used is reversed through the bed for regen. They do this so the flow of air goes from least saturated. To most saturated , and it reduces compaction of the bed
What are the methods of regeneration?
Heater less, heater dryers, and removing contaminants
What is the relativity of temperature and water vapour
As air warms up, the amount of water it can hold, in the form of vapour, increases
What happens with heat when moisture is removed?
Heat is given off by the water and absorbed by the desiccant
What is a negative aspect of heatless regeneration?
Because 10-15% is going to regen, you have to make 10-15% more air than your demand
Describe a heater dryer?
The regen air is warmed, from an external source, and passes through to remove moisture
What is a hydrometer ?
It measures the amount of moisture in the gas stream. Sometimes called a wet bulb
What is an absorption?
It uses a chemical bond between the drying agent and the gas stream being dried. The moisture is absorbed by the material and forms a new solution
Are all absorption methods able to be regenerated?
no
What are the two types of absorption dryers?
Chemical dryer (deliquescent) Liquid dehydration (glycol)
What is another name for a chemical dryer
Solid dehydration
Why are chemical dryers not able to be regenerated
Because the deliquescent material is consumed by the drying process. It forms a solution called brine
What is the most common deliquescent?
Calcium chloride
Which way is the flow in a chemical dryer?
Upward