COMPRESSED AIR DRYER

*Compressed Air Dryer* = The most important machine after compressor in Lagos. Removes water from air.

Without dryer, Lagos humidity = water in paint, rust in tools, CNC valves jam, spray gun spits water.

### *2 Main Types*
Type How it works Dew Point Best For
**Refrigerated Dryer** Cools air to 3°C like fridge, water drops out +3°C to +10°C 90% of workshops – Spray, tools, CNC
**Desiccant / Adsorption Dryer** Uses chemical beads to absorb water -20°C to -70°C Pharma, food, PET blowing, laser cutting
*For 95% of Nigeria → Buy Refrigerated Dryer. It’s enough.*
### *How to Size – Simple Rule*
`Compressor CFM x 1.2 = Dryer CFM`
Compressor CFM Dryer You Need
**5HP Piston 300L** 22 CFM 25 CFM dryer
**10HP Piston 500L** 40 CFM 40-50 CFM dryer
**10HP Screw** 32 CFM 40 CFM dryer
**20HP Screw** 70 CFM 100 CFM dryer
**30HP Screw** 100 CFM 120 CFM dryer
Too small dryer = pressure drop + water still passes.

### *Installation Order – Don’t Get Wrong*
*CORRECT*: `Compressor → Air Tank → Refrigerated Dryer → Precision Filters (Water Sep + Coalescing + Carbon) → Tools`

### *Running Cost*
Item Refrigerated 40CFM Desiccant 40CFM
**Power** 0.8KW = ₦167/hr 0.2KW = ₦42/hr but +15% air

### *Maintenance – Simple*
1. *Weekly*: Clean condenser filter with brush – Dust blocks cooling
2. *Monthly*: Drain auto drain – Check it’s working
3. *Every 6 months*: Service refrigerant check – Technician ₦15k
4. *Location*: Leave 50cm gap around dryer. Needs air to cool. Not inside compressor room if room is 50°C

### *Key Tips Before Buying*
1. *Check ambient*: Lagos 35°C + compressor room 45°C. Buy dryer rated for 45°C ambient, not 35°C.
2. *Pressure drop*: Good dryer = 0.2-0.3 bar drop. Bad = 1 bar drop
3. *Auto drain*: Must have electronic auto drain, not manual
4. *Don’t buy too big*: 100CFM dryer on 10HP = waste light. Size x 1.2 is enough
5. *Test*: Ask seller to run dryer 10 mins, outlet pipe must be cold

*Common Scam*: Some sell air cooler (fan only) as dryer. Real dryer has compressor inside like AC. Weight: 40CFM dryer = 40KG-80KG

*Bottom line*:
For workshop / spray / 5-10HP → *Refrigerated Dryer 40CFM

What HP is your compressor and what are you using air for? Tell me spray, CNC, or factory and I’ll tell you exact dryer CFM + if you need refrigerated or desiccant so you don’t overspend.