Is Drying Air Before a Compressor the Best Way to Limit Water Vapor?

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LotteVV
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Hi,

I was wondering if a dryer is ever placed before the compressor? For limiting the presence of water vapor before the compressor inlet, I was thinking of drying the air before the compressor (it's a closed system btw). Is this the right technique? Or you this be done otherwise?

Limiting the water vapor is so make sure no bacteria can reach the oil filter that is located right after the compressor.

Kind regards
Lotte
 
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It can be done, but you would need a good desiccant air dryer because you are up against pressure dew point (search those terms). Here is one good hit: https://www.vaisala.com/sites/default/files/documents/Dew-point-compressed-air-Application-note-B210991EN-B-LOW-v1.pdf

It would be more expensive than drying the air after compression, but it just might be worthwhile in your case.