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Membrane Air Dryer Working Principle

Membrane dryers are especially suitable as point-of-use dryers or in areas where there is no electrical power supply available. In this article, we're explaining the membrane air dryers working principle of membrane air dryers. These dryers make use of a small quantity of compressed air as purge air. The quantity of purge air depends, among others, on the desired pressure dew point. In the HMM series, the membrane bundle is in a pressure-resistant housing. This construction offers the possibility to interrupt the purge air flow by means of an optionally mounted solenoid valve, which can be operated from the compressor on-off contact.

Membrane dryers eliminate water suspended in compressed air using a selectively permeable membrane. This separation membrane is composed of microtubules that retain water when air is circulated through them:

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A stream of “wet” compressed air is passed through the membrane leading to water retention with a “dry” stream of air emerging from an outlet on the other side of the membrane dryer:

Membrane Compressed Air Dryers Technology

Water vapour diffuses caused by different partial pressure through the membrane and will be steered out through a wet air outlet. This purge air – saturated with water vapour – is dispersed freely in the environment without any noise and without the need for condensate management.

Typical Purge Air consumption vs pressure dew point of Membrane dryers

 

Pressure dew point °C 3-10-20-40
Purge air consumption appr.% 15172224

 

The membrane air drying technology is an excellent alternative to refrigerant and adsorption dryers. These dryers can be selected independently from the desired pressure dew point and need no maintenance. To protect the delicate membrane surface, particle and oil-fine filtration are required. The appropriate filter combinations are available in our Hankison filter program.

Typical Applications of Membrane Compressed Air Dryers

  •   Control & Instrument Air for outside installations
  •   Ventilation in electr. control cabinets
  •   Laboratory applications where small flows needed
  •   Ex-proof applications
  •   Supply of air for purged bearings (Turn tables)
  •   Point-of-use installations

Criteria to Choose Membrane Compressed Air Dryers

  • Small flows in combination with high-quality pressure dew points
  • No electrical supply is available
  • Ex-proof application in combination with low capital investment
  • Reliability (no rotating parts)

Membrane Air Dryers offered by Hankison

HMD Series: Streamlined Efficiency at Your Service

  • Flow rates tailored for versatility: 2.6 to 112.8 m³/h.
  • No need for electrical power, enhancing flexibility in placement.
  • Absence of moving parts for minimal maintenance and increased reliability.
  • Ideal for a variety of applications thanks to multifunctional capabilities.
  • Eliminates liquid condensate treatment, ensuring dry air delivery.
  • Lightweight design for easy integration and user-friendly operation.

HMM Series: Robust and Unyielding Performance

  • Broad flow rate spectrum: 2.4 to 240.0 m³/h.
  • Pressure-resistant aluminum housing for exceptional durability.
  • Reliable drying technology, ideal for stable and continuous operation.
  • Designed for resilience in demanding conditions.
  • Ensures consistent, uninterrupted performance.

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Membrane Compressed Air Dryers

Explore Hankinson's extensive portfolio featuring compact to large-scale equipment, designed for a wide range of capacities, pressures, flows, and dew points.

Conclusion

Membrane compressed air dryers stand as a testament to innovation in air purification. Their core operating concept, the membrane air dryer working principle, enables them to supply top-tier, desiccated compressed air across diverse applications and settings. Whether for critical laboratory environments, outdoor installations, or explosion-proof requirements, the membrane air dryer is a solution that combines simplicity with performance. Discover the difference with Hankison and elevate your air quality standards to new heights.