INTRODUCTION This document presents engineering data on com- pressed air systems for pneumatic controls. COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS GENERAL compressed air system furnishes clean, dry air at the proper pressure to all control devices in a pneumatic con- trol system, Clean air prevents clogging of control devices. Most devices contain filters, orifices, nozzles, and valve mechanisms, which are affected by dirt and/or oil accumulation. Orifice restrictions of 0,003- to 0.007- inch diameter are commonly used. Air should be dry enough to prevent condensation anywhere in the pneumatic system. Condensation causes corrosion. Products of corrosion cause blockage of ori fices and valve mechanisms. Dry air aids a filter's ability to remove oil and/or ditt. It is important that oil be removed from the com- pressed air, Oilin compressed air mixes with fine dirt par- ticles acting as a bonding agent. This causes a build-up of contamination. Air is normally compressed to a high pressure average of 80 psi (552 kPa) to allow efficient storage, drying, and filtering. The air pressure is then reduced and distributed throughout the system. Normally, main-air distribution systems are operated between 130 25 psi (90to 172 kPa) pressure, depending on type of control AIR VOLUME The air supply requirement of a pneumatic control system is the air consumption sum of all air consuming devices in the system. Air consumption of a device is based on the maximum continuous consumption as it Rev. 10-85 Copyright 1985 Honeywell Inc. Comfort Control Systems COMPRESSED AIR SUPPLY SYSTEMS FOR PNEUMATIC CONTROLS Engineering Data Information is provided for choosing and sizing oil- lubricated and oil-less reciprocating air compressors, fil- ters, dryers, and accessory equipment. ‘operates normally in a system. This is measured in cubic feet of air per minute at standard atmospheric pressure (cfm) or liters per second (1/s) in metric units. Specific device air consumption figures may be found in the Com- pressor Specifying Worksheet 77-9029. BLEED-TYPE DEVICES A bleed-type device uses: 1, Maximum air at minimum branchline pressure. 2. Approximately 90 percent of maximum air at 8 psi (55 kPa) branchline pressure. 3. A minimum amount of air at the maximum branchline pressure, Sizing requirements for bleed-type controls are for ‘maximum air consumption. Fig. 1. Air Consumption versus Branchline Pressure for Bleed-Type Devices. 77-9370PILOT OPERATED TYPE DEVICES Apilot operated type device uses: ‘A relatively constant amount of air at all branchline pressures. 2. A greater amount of air when device is hunting. ‘The amount used depends on air volume of the cycled actuators and frequency of cycling. Sizing requirements for pilot operated controls are for steady state air consumption. AIA CONSUMPTION (PERCENT) ee) sy aaNAI GaN DEVICE BRANCHLINE PRESSURE PS! (6) Fig. 2. Branchline Pressure versus Air Consumption for Pilot Operated Devices. CLEAN AIR REQUIREMENT Contamination in the atmosphere requires a compres- sor intakeair filter to remove particles which would inter- fere with clearances in the compressor pump. This is critical on oil-less compressors as contaminated inlet air ccauses excessive wear on piston rings. Compressed air from the pump discharge is routed into a receiver or storage tank where flow rate fluctua- tions are smoothed out. Cooling and settling actions con- dense some of the excess moisture and allow fall-out of the larger oil droplets generated by the compressor pump. The high pressure air from the storage tank flows through the dryer, the central station filter, the pressure reducing valve (prv), and then, into the air distribution system at a reduced pressure. The filter is located just before the prv for removal of all liquids or particulates generated in compressing and moisture condensing functions. It is important to main- 77-9370 tain this filter for maximum operating efficiency. All harmful air contaminants must be removed by the dis- charge filter. Remote air consuming devices have individual device filters to catch any contamination introduced into the piping system after the central filter. Individual device filters improve device reliability. DRY AIR REQUIREMENT Pneumatic tubing runs throughout most buildings. The coldest ambient temperature to which tubing is exposed must be considered the criterion for required dryness (dewpoint) of the compressed air supply. Dewpoint is the temperature at which moisture starts to condense out of the air. The coldest winter operation exposure is normally a function of outside air tempera- ture, Summer operation exposure is normally a function of temperature in cold air ducts or air conditioned space. The coldest type of exposure is an air-tine and control device (such as a damper actuator or temperature con- troller) mounted on @ rooftop air handling unit and exposed to outside air temperatures during winter (Fig. 3). The second coldest type of winter exposure is an air line run in a furred ceiling or outside wall. For example, with an outside air temperature of OF (-18C) and an inside temperature of 72F (220), the tubing temperature would be 24F (40). & 3 Le bo ae ao wo GoW a So £ aheimerainen i doa anenca OUTSIDE AIR TEMP F () Fig. 3. Winter Dewpoint Requirement. A typical summer dewpoint requirement is a cold air plenum temperature of SOF (10C). This is shown in Fig- ture 4 along with winter requirements, to give a year- round composite. If air line condensation occurs, the controls may not function properly. Water and products of corrosion may block passages and immobilize vital moving parts.von: cous) sou) sow soe 2000) roca] 59 ort 10123, REQUIRED DEWPOINT F() OF MAIN AIR (25) clayea24¢ Fh eH dope) BANG (OUTSIDE AIR TEMP FC) Fig. 4. Year Round (Summer-Winter) Composite Dewpoint Requirement. APPLICATION AND SIZING OF AIR SUPPLY EQUIPMENT —— AIR COMPRESSORS COMPRESSOR SIZING Fig. 5. Schematic of Typical Air Supply System, ‘The compressor pump is normally sized to operate up to one-half of the time to provide normal system air con- sumption. The air storage tank capacity is matched to the pump and is designed to give a reasonable number of cycles per hour. The storage tank provides sufficient storage to carry peak air consumption loads. Tables 1, 2, ‘and 3 provide compressor data required for different vol- ‘umes of air. At higher altitudes, the compressor pumps less air and the controls consume more air. Figure 6 shows a derating factor due to the effect of altitude. ‘The curve shown on Figure 6 combines the factors for air compressor capacity reduction and control device increased usage. To determine the scfm rating of com- pressors to be used at higher altitudes: 1, Determine the scfm requirement from Compressor Specifying Worksheet 77-9029. 2. Determine the multiplier for the altitude of the compressor from Figure 6. 3. Multiply the scfm determined in Step 1 by the multiplier and choose a compressor with the appropriate scfm output at 33 percent or 50 percent operation. SrA I eek enw eaUIREMENT Fig. 6. Altitude Derating Multiplier Graph. ‘The air-consumption rates given in Honeywell litera- ture assumes an 18 psi mainline pressure. If a higher ‘mainline pressure is used, the following correction to the air consumption must be made: Corrected usage (scfm) = Total usage (scfm) x 0.055 (higher press. -18) NOTE: For total usage use the value calculated from the Compressor Sizing Worksheet or the value cal- culated for high altitudes, if that correction also applies. 77-9370oncurneen fy eotnaonnuns sreurrneyeyene sana aa “ia posesoeseernD fg earnoereenn sono 8 wnennen am eee eee ovr: 30 arent Seas! 20 svoeuin 20 seasmus| 10 stoeaa TORT 36 es rernenedo we/teet wou fe cer wel core sor yt sasae eeeslaii “eieg rossaxdoD aySuIg A ‘N-PASAAA “Tt AIGEL 77-9370vied Jossordte> [eng A “T-AdAATA "7 7198, 77-9370Table 3. WP260A-E, T Compressor Data. ration Bee Bb ‘AIR COMPRESSOR STARTS PER HOUR It may be necessary to determine the effects of sizing, pressure switch settings, and tank size on compressor starts per hour to meet a specification and/or determine proper tank size, Generally the DEVSP and DEVDP compressors should be limited to 12 starts per hour. Larger units may exceed this limit. WP260 Compressors should be limited to 30starts per hour with a minimum of one minute bleed-down (off) time. NOTE: This is for theoretical operation and not to be confused with installation check-out procedures where tank valve is shut. Use the following steps to determine the number of starts per hour: ‘Step 1—Determine ir usage Fin sfm rom Compressor Specifying Worksheet 7.9028, Step 2—Determine compressor output Qin sefm at 80 psig, 100 per ent operation from Table 1, 2,0" 3 ‘Also noe tank sie. ‘Step 3—Determine air volume V under standard conditions at pes sre switch limits of 70 and 9 psi (483 and 620 kPa). ‘vcaxdcu ny ~ {Tangs X0.1397 x Pres. psig + 14.7) yan i8 cu-out pressure Vrow fat cutin pressure ‘Tale has vals of V fo selected cank sizes. ‘Step 4—Calculte build-up time (on time). Trp up teinutes) ‘Step $Caleulate bleed down time (of time). Vanion-¥ TBLEED-DOWN (iinutes) = Step 6~-Caleulate stars per hour Stane/Hour = fa TauicD-up * TBLEED-DOWN 77-9370 Table 4, Air Volume at Standard Conditions. nk | Vanrgut | Yow at 90PSIG | 70PSIG 2} oma 92 20 19.0 15.4 30 | 28.6 Bd wo} S71 46.2 80 | 76.2 61.6 0 | 114.2 92.4 240 | 228.4 184.8 EXAMPLE: ‘Step 1— F = 0.33sefm ‘Thisallows a DEVSPB (1/2hp) compressor sized for 33 percent operation, ‘Step 2— Q = 2.1 sefin from Table 1 tank size = 20a, Step 3— Vyig = 1.08dou ft, Vygw = 184stdeuft = 190-184 sep 4~ Tguinp.up = 2.3 minutes 21-055 190-154 Sep 5— TBLEED.DOWN = = 6.8minues 08 step 6— Starts/Hour = =66 23468 Ifsized at $0 percent, a DEVSPY (1/3hp) compressor is used and Starts/Hour = 4.6 OIL-LUBRICATED VERSUS OIL-LESS COMPRESSORS Oit-lubricated reciprocating compressors have been the standard in the control industry. Oil-less reciprocat- ing compressors are now available which are an accept- able alternative.OIL-LUBRICATED COMPRESSORS Oil-lubricated compressors employ either splash lubrication or pressure lubrication by means of an oil pump. In the process of lubricating the piston rings, the cylinder walls become oil coated. This puts oil in the com- pression chamber which contaminates the compressed air and requires that oil be added to the crankcase at regu- lar intervals. Control-quality oil-lubricated compressors have an extracil-controller piston ring to minimize the amount of lubricating oil entering the compression chamber. These compressors are run at relatively low rpm (typically less than 550 rpm) to prevent overheating. The amount of oil absorbed by the air is proportional to the heat of the cyl- inder. The heat generated by a compressor is propor- tional to the speed and to ON time versus OFF time. ‘Other techniques to keep compressors from overheating. are: (1) radiating fins on the cylinder and head castings, and (2) a finned-tube intercooler between the first and second stages of a two-stage compressor. General-purpose compressors such as those used for painting or in gas stations are not suitable for pneumatic control systems. OIL-LESS COMPRESSORS Oil-less reciprocating compressors use self-lubricating Teflon rings and lifetime lubricated bearings. Therefore, they do not require oil lubrication, and no contaminating oils introduced into the compressor. ‘The close fitting rings of the oil-less compressors are more sensitive to contaminating particulates. To minimize contamination, exercise caution in locating the air intake. Oil or moisture-laden air from a contaminated environment passes right through the compressor into the air lines. (On oil-less compressors the crankshaft is connected directly to the integral drive motor. The crankshaft speed FILTERS, PRVS, AND RELIEF VALVES FILTER APPLICATION AND SIZING INTAKE FILTERS ‘The compressor intake filter or strainer is factory designed to match the pump. This filter handles the con- stant flow delivery when the pump is running. Particles 25microns or larger are filtered out of the air. This isade- quate to protect the pump from abrasion and provides is thus the same as the motor, typically 1725 rpm. This generates more operating noise than the slower-speed, oil-lubricated units. Locate the oil-ess compressor in an area in which this noise will not be objectionable. A silencing shroud is available for smaller units. This shroud reduces noise to the level of oil-lubricated com- pressors, Regular, periodic oil maintenance is not required on oil-less units. Valve and ring inspection and possible replacement service is required at 4000 to 5000 service life hour intervals (about one year at SO percent duty service), ‘Major overhaul service may be expected at three to five years life. SINGLE VERSUS DUAL (OR DUPLEX) COMPRESSORS. Air compressors are available either as single or dual compressor assemblies. The single assembly is consid- ‘ered standard, however; many job specifications require dual units. ‘The dual compressor assembly consists of two sepa- ‘rate motor-pump units mounted on a storage tank. This assembly uses a single dryer/filter/prv station, and dis- charges into a single air distribution system. Through control of an automatic alternator, the two units run alternately to maintain required tank pressure. The sec- ‘ond unit also acts as an automatic standby to maintain pressure should the primary unit shut down. Manual alternation is not recommended. One of the units could inadvertently remain off for a long period of time. This could result in damaged valves. Dual compressor assemblies provide increased reliability of the air pressure source for critical, auto- ‘matic control systems. Each unit runs only half the time it would as a single compressor assembly. Reduced run time results in lower head temperature, less oil con- tamination in the compressed air, and doubles the time between servicing, improved air quality. As the filter accumulates dirt, an abnormal pressure drop occurs. This results in excessive oil usage and air contamination in oil-lubricated com- pressors and a reduction in air delivery. Intake filters should be large enough so that their periodic cleaning will coincide with other service activi- ties, such as adding oil or replacing Teflon rings. To a large extent, the compressor environment determines the 77-9370size requirement of the filter. The filter also attenuates compressor intake noise. Felt filters are not recom- mended due to inconsistent filtering characteristics. CENTRAL STATION FILTERS A central station filter filters out solid particulate mat. ter and oil aerosols (mist) so that the air-using control devices function satisfactorily through normal life. Air quality required for commercial control devices is a max: imum of $0 micrograms per cubic meter (0.04 parts per ‘illon) of 0.3-microns or larger particles. Oil contamination in compressed air appears in gas- cous or aerosol forms. Gaseous oil usually remains in a vapor state throughout the system and does not detri- mentally affect operation of the controls. Aerosols coalesce (join together) while flowing through the sys- tem, These collect in device filters, orifices, and small passages where turbulence causes impingement and accu- mulation. In today’s typical control system, oil con- tamination results in device failures. Numerous filters are available to adquately filter out solids. The only satisfactory method of removing oil aerosols from control air is with an oil coalescing filter. This type filter is made of a bonded fibrous material which acts to coalesce the small particles of oil mist into larger droplets on the filter fibers. The coalesced liquids and solids gravitate (o the bottom section of the outer surface of the filter material and drop off into a sump. Here they are discharged automatically or drained manu- ally. Oil coalescing filters continue to coalesce and drain off accumulated oil until solid particles plug the filter. For extremely dirty air, a 5-micron prefilter filzers out particulate matter preventing premature final filter cartridge replacement. An indication of the need for cartridge replacement is an increase in pressure drop across the filter to approximately 10 psi (69 kPa). ‘The filter element in the Honeywell PP902C and D PRV Stations is a coalescing type. It is rated at 99.999 AIR DRYERS SELECTION AND APPLICATION OF AN AIR DRYER ‘The selection of an air dryer is based on expected job conditions of moisture in the air and the lowest tempera- ture to which an air line will be exposed. Two methods of drying compressed air are discussed. These are condens- ing drying and desiccant drying. Refrigerant dryers, high pressure drying, and water-cooled after-coolers are examples of condensing dryers. 177-9370 percent oil removal and 100 percent of 0.03-microns or larger solids. ‘An absorption type filter works well if it has not reached saturation. For continuous, uncontaminated supply air, this filter is not reliable and requires periodic monitoring of the filter media saturation. If the filter ‘media is not changed as required, oil will discharge into the air distribution system, causing possible damage. This type of filter is not recommended. Filters recommended with compressor assemblies are sized for maximum normal delivery of the compressor. This allows good filtration efficiency and about one-year holding capacity at normal levels of contamination. Placing the filter in high pressure air (ahead of the pressure reducing valve) minimizes pressure drop consid- erations. The pressure reducing valve compensates for changes in filter pressure drop. To choose the proper fil- ter for a specific compressor see Table 1, 2, or 3. PRESSURE REDUCING VALVES (PRV) Sizing a prv for a range of flow variations depends on the control characteristic of the prv. Choose the proper prv and filter size for a specific compressor assembly from Table 1, 2, or 3. Adequate reserve capacity meets the maximum sustained demand flows. RELIEF VALVES: ‘The relief valve on a compressor tank relieves air at a pressure lower than the rated pressure of the tank. A relief valve is normally positioned downstream of the prv to protect equipment from damage in the event of prv failure. These reliefs are sized to safely pass the amount of air supplied by the compressor. Relief valve sizes are determined for a specific compressor assembly as shown in Tables 1, 2, and 3. CONDENSING DRYERS Moisture in compressed air is removed by either an increase in pressure, a decrease in temperature, or both. ‘When air is compressed and/or cooled beyond its satura- tion point, moisture condenses. Draining this condensate ‘causes some drying of the air supply (Fig. 7). ‘The amount of drying is determined by the com- pressed air pressure and temperature. Application con- siderations depend primarily on these factors.1 = ee 7 t 7 tine LE REFRIGERANT DRYERS ‘The refrigerant dryer is the most common means of attaining dry, compressed air. It provides the greatest system reliability and requires the least amount of main- tenance. Using a noneycling operation with a hot gas bypass control on the refrigerant flow (Fig. 8), the refri- gerant dryer provides a constant dewpoint of approxi- mately 35F (2C) at the tank pressure. Direct, air-to: refrigerant exchangers provide efficient operation. The refrigerant system is hermetically sealed to prevent loss of refrigerant and lubricant and to protect against dirt. ‘The dryer includes a prefilter/separator for efficient liq- tuid removal and condenses both water and oil. An auto- matic drain exhausts the generated condensate. Refrigerant dryers are available in several capacities. With a dewpoint of 35F (2C) and an average compressar-tank pressure of 80 psi (552 kPa), air is dried toa dewpoint of 12F (-11C) at 20 psi (140 kPa) pressure as determined from Figure 9. In many parts of the coun- try, under severe winter conditions, where piping and devices are exposed to outside temperatures (such as ig. 7. Drying by Compression and Refrigeration. rooftop unit controls), the 12F (-11C) dewpoint is not low enough. Figure 10 compares requirements to the capability of the refrigerant dryer. Refrigerant Dryer Maintenance Refrigerant dryers should be kept operating at peak efficiency to prevent damage to control components from water condensation. A service bypass valve on the dryer, or one field fabricated around the unit, allows the dryer to be shut down for service without shutting down the system. Use the bypass only in emergencies and only for the period of time absolutely necessary. Operating condition indicator lights may be provided on the dryer to indicate whether the dryer is on and if the evaporator temperature is at a safe level. A refrigerant suction pressure gage may be provided for system analy- sis. The hot gas bypass valve is factory set for the required evaporator temperature and normally does not require field adjustment. For efficient passage of air, keep the condenser clean and free of. " sepanazan ano COMPRESSOR Fig, 8, Schematic Diagram of Refrigerant Dryer Systems. 77-9370GRAINS MOISTURE/# DRY AIR 150 P51) 175 PS! FEES (1084 KPa) (1207 KPa) 7 100 P51 ii {69 ves ain Naopsi 4 190 Pst Fe cee. Jif. (310% 15 PSMA 1 80 pst (103 KPa) ELE[! 652 Wea) “oo ~~ SCSSSCSSC«SCSC«]SC*dO SAO 120130140180 8) 2] YG AH) 298) 4H}_— (HK) G)(66) DEWPOINT TEMPERATURE F (C) NOTE: ASSUME: ‘A. 35F (2C) DRYER OPERATOR TEMPERATURE 80 PSI (552 kPa) COMPRESSOR TANK PRESSURE, TO DETERMINE CONTROL AIR DEWPOINT. 1. FIND 35F (2¢) LINE ON GRAPH. 2. FOLLOW 35F (2C) LINE TO 80 PS! (552 KPa) CURVE. Pm CURVE(21C) ambient temperature provides adequately dry air. ‘This method of drying requires cool ambient and receiver, air temperature to condense enough moisture from the Figure 11 shows the means of determining supply air dewpoint (moisture content) for any specific condition. ‘Temperatures of 70F (21C) ambient and 15F (-9C) rise of 100 60 0 PSI (0 kPa) ATMOSPHERIC. 50 GRAINS OF MOISTURE/# DRY AIR. ° 010 2 ©6030 «40506 a 13 67) A) i 15 PSI i (108 kPa) A HELE | (652 kPa) tank dryer ambient give a main air line dewpoint tem- perature of S6F (13C). Figure 12 shows this is inadequate for most typical job conditions. Possible alternatives to an external air dryer are increasing the tank pressure and/or placing the receiver tank in a cooler temperature environment. These methods may reduce the dew point of the air to an acceptable level. 150 PSI 175 PSI (2034 kPa}Qif) (1207 kPa) 20 PSI 190 PSI (1310 KPa) e 90 ~«:100«s10«120.«:130«140— 150 27) G2) (38) (43) (49) (54) (60) (65) DEWPOINT TEMPERATURE F (C) NOTE: ASSUME: A. 70 (21) AMBIENT AT TANK. B15 DEGREE (8c) TEMPERATURE RISE FROM COMPRESSION FOR 50 PERCENT OPERA. TION. C. BO PSI (552 kPa} TANK PRESSURE, ‘TO DETERMINE CONTROL AIR DEWPOINT 1, FIND 70 F (21 C) LINE ON GRAPH. 2, ADD TEMPERATURE RISE 70+ 15 » 85 F (21+ 9), 3, FOLLOWS F (29) LINE TO 80 SI (552 kPa) CURVE. 4. FOLLOW THIS POINT LEFT TO 20 PSI (138 kPa) (MAIN LINE PRESSURE) CURVE. 5. DROPDOWN AND READOUT DEWPOINT FOR 20S! (138 kPa), WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY ——_xezg3, 56 F (13), Fig. 11. High Pressure Air Drying, 77-9370FORREB CEILING rey 3 cous 66 130) 5 soo) Boe B soc 2 ropa, 3 ova 10¢23) By cycle CH G08) By Gey OUTSIDE AIRTENPR(C) HE Fig. 12, Summer and Winter Conditions, High Pressure ‘Air Drying. 100 60 50 i | 0 PSI (0 kPa) ATMOSPHERICN, 40 GRAINS OF MOISTURE/# DRY AIR WATER-COOLED AFTER-COOLERS ‘An efficient water-cooled after-cooler lowers com: pressed air temperature to within five or six degrees of cooling water temperature. Dewpoint of the air is there- fore determined by the temperature of the cooling water and pressure of the compressed air. Figure 13 shows that ‘with SOF (10C) cooling water and a SF (2.5C) approach of air temperature to water temperature, air with a 30F (- 1C) dewpoint is supplied to the controls at 20 psi (138 kPa). These are considered reasonable estimates of typi- cal temperatures. Figure 14 shows that a dewpoint of 30F IC) is adequate for summer and mild winter conditions, ‘but not for severe winter conditions. 175 PSI (1207 kPa) 1150 PS (1034 Pa) 20 PSI (138 KPa) —190 PSI oes FE (1310 kPa) (852 kPa) yy a 2 0 1 2 30 40 50 60 70 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 (1) 1) AQ} 6) 21) A)_—5)_3BY_— (43) (49) 4) (60) (66) DEWPOINT TEMPERATURE F (C) NOTE: ASSUME: A. COOLING WATER AT 50 F (10), 8. FIVE DEGREE (25 CENTIGRADE) APPROACH OF AIR TEMPERATURE TO WATER ‘TEMPERATURE. C. BOPSI (552 kPa) COMPRESSED AIR PRESSURE. ‘TO DETERMINE CONTROL AIR DEWPOINT: 1. FIND 50 F (10C) LINE ON GRAPH. 2. ADD TEMPERATURE RISE -50+ 5 =59 F (10+ 3= 13), 3, FOLLOW S8F (13 C) LINE TO 80 PSI (552 kPa) CURVE. 4. FOLLOW THIS POINT LEFT TO 20S! (138 kPa) (MAIN LINE PRESSURE) CURVE. 5. DROPDOWN AND READOUT DEWPOINT FOR 20PSI (138 kPa) WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY 30 F (-1C). x26 Fig. 13, Water-Cooled After-Cooler Performance. 77-9370 12Sor Fo) ociey (2 (12) £7) G1) (A) (10) (28921) (27) (32) OUTSIDE AIR TEMP. F (0) Fig. 14. Summer and Winter Conditions, Water-Cooled After-Coolers CONDENSATE DRAINS Accumulated condensate (water/oil) within the air supply must be discharged to maintain continuous clean and dry air to the system. Condensate s discharged either manually or automatically as it accumulates. ‘The receiver tank and central station filter can be periodically drained manually. Automatic drains are rec- ‘ommended for greater system reliability. Normally, the refrigerant dryer has an automatic drain due o the large amount of water and oil generated. The addition of an automatic drain should be considered for the air storage tank and central station filter. ‘The automatic drain should be checked periodically either by visual inspection or by manually blowing it down to determine proper functioning. Ifit requires serv- ice, promptly disassemble, clean, and put it back in serv- DESICCANT DRYERS ‘There may be applications, such as roof-top air units in the northem section of the country, where the 12F LIC) dewpoint at 20 psi (138 kPa) mainline pressure is 3 insufficient to prevent condensation in air lines. It may be necessary to install a desiccant or chemical dryer fol- owing the refrigerant dryer to provide adequate drying. ‘Dewpoints down to -40F (-40C) are possible with a desic- cant dryer. ‘The desiccant dryer most applicable to control sys- tems uses the adsorbant principle of operation. The adsorbant principle of drying uses porous materials to attract water vapor. The water vapor is condensed and held as a liquid in the pores. This drying action occurs as long as the desiccant is unsaturated. The desiccant is regenerated by removing the moisture from the pores of the desiccant material. The most common adsorbant desiccant material is silica gel, which adsorbs over 40 per- cent of its own weight in water and is totally inert, Another type of adsorbant desiccant is the molecular seive. The same principle of adsorbant drying applies to both types. ‘The regeneration of a desiccant is accomplished either by heating the desiccant bed and removing the resulting ‘water vapor from the desiccant chamber, or by flushing the desiccant chamber with air at a lower vapor pressure. This last method is called heatless regeneration. In order to provide a continuous supply of dry air a desiccant dryer has two desiccant chambers. While one chamber is being regenerated, the other supplies dry air to the sys- tem. Heatless regeneration of a desiccant dryer uses a large amount of air dried in the other chamber to back flush and regenerate the desiccant chamber. Part of the air from the drying chamber is diverted to the chamber being regenerated. The diverted air is saturated and at high pressure. The chamber being regenerated is open to the ‘atmosphere which reduces the diverted air through the chamber to near atmospheric pressure. Reducing the air pressure lowers the vapor pressure of the ait below that of the desiccant, which allows the moisture to transfer from the desiccant to the air. The air compressor must be sized to furnish the amount of required product air plus the amount of air used for regeneration. To prevent damage to air lines and control compo- nents, fine filter is used after the desiccant dryer to filter ‘out any desiccant discharged into the air supply. 77-9370