Membrane Dryers set Highest Standards for Compressed Air Systems

The new range of Hi-DRI compressed air membrane dryers from Hi-line Industries have been re-engineered to be technologically superior products, achieving new standards for reliability, performance and energy efficiency. They feature a patented arrangement of structurally packed, permeable hollow fibres spirally wound on a support core. This creates an optimised design combining efficient air flow with high contact areas to maximise the drying performance within a compact unit size. These products are ideal for in-line installation to ensure the delivery of dry compressed air at the point of use. This ensures maximum effectiveness with virtually any dewpoint or degree of drying being achievable.

As the humid compressed air passes through the Hi-DRI unit, water vapour diffuses through the walls of the hollow membrane fibres without loss of compressed air. At the dryer outlet, a small volume of the now dry air is expanded and released into the annular space between the membrane fibres and the outer aluminium shell. This air purge then sweeps away entrained water vapour to atmosphere as a humid air stream.

The Hi-DRI air dryer makes it easier and less expensive to supply pneumatic equipment and instrumentation with clean, dry compressed air. This simple, proven technology helps eliminate condensation, oxidation and microbial growth, resulting in reliable and predictable performance of downstream air operated equipment. It also reduces component failures, improves equipment performance and operator satisfaction while showing savings on both warranty and production costs.

These dryers are designed to provide the superior solution for existing compressed air systems, maintaining maximum process reliability while remaining virtually invisible to the process installation. They do not contain moving parts and there are no desiccants or refrigerant to replace. They are also compact and lightweight, do not incorporate valves, drains or electrical connectors and do not require adjustments.

These Hi-DRI membrane air dryers are suitable for a wide range of industrial plant installations including specialised commercial operations. The range of models available cover air flow rates from 17 to 1050 litres/min. Multiple dryer units can be used in parallel to achieve higher flows where required. Outlet dewpoints from +15° to -40°C can be achieved at 7 barg pressure (12.5 barg max) and with 35°C inlet air temperatures.