Familiarise with High Pressure Terminology

Compressor Dictionary - D

Drying Cartridges

The DIN EN 12021 (former 3188) standard defines maximum humidity levels that are deemed acceptable for breathing air. Alongside physical separation, special drying cartridges may be required to meet these strict quality norms.

There are two established methods for drying air:

Absorption filters

A drying agent, such as molecular sieve, is used to remove water vapours by absorption. Residual humidity can be reduced to around 10 mg/m³.

To prevent premature saturation during transport and storage, the drying cartridge must be kept in an airtight and waterproof container. The latter should only be opened if a filter change is imminent (i.e. once the previous cartridge is fully saturated).

Please refer to the section on » "filtration" to find out about the make-up of a filter cartridge and the characteristics of specific filter substances, such an activated carbon.

Refrigeration dryer

Air is cooled down to +2°C by a refrigeration unit. At that temperature, residual water vapour condenses. The liquid separates from the gaseous components and can be drained. Because the condensate is removed physically rather than chemically, disposable cartridges are not needed. In the long term, refrigeration dryers always pay off; even though the initial investment is substantial, the dryer quickly amortises by virtue of the compressor's reduced operating cost.

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