Condensation Compressed Air Dryer – Efficient Moisture Removal for Industrial Use
Condensation compressed air dryer (also known as a refrigeration dryer) removes moisture from compressor-generated compressed air by cooling it to a low temperature. The unit contains a refrigeration circuit that cools the incoming air typically to around +3 °C. This causes the water vapor in the air to condense – vapor turns into liquid (condensate). The condensed water is then separated by a separator and discharged via an automatic condensate drain. After the moisture is removed, the dry air is slightly reheated (via heat recovery) to prevent condensation in downstream piping. The result is dry air with a pressure dew point typically around +3 °C, suitable for most common applications.
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Advantages
- Relatively lower initial investment compared to advanced dryer types.
- Simple operation and low maintenance; no need to replace any media.
- Operates without compressed air loss (does not require purge or regeneration air).
- Proven and reliable solution for a wide range of compressors and air treatment systems.
Disadvantages
- Limited pressure dew point capability – can only reduce moisture to around +3 °C, which may be insufficient for applications requiring extremely dry air (e.g. outdoor piping in freezing temperatures).
- Continuous electricity consumption (powers refrigeration compressor, fan, and control system).
- Requires adequate ventilation and proper ambient conditions: waste heat is generated during operation and must be dissipated, or drying efficiency drops.
- If not properly maintained (e.g. clogged condenser), performance can decline and desired dew point may not be achieved.
Applications
Condensation dryers are among the most widely used air drying solutions in workshops and industry. They provide sufficiently dry air for most pneumatic tools, paint shops, production lines, and other machinery. Typically installed in auto repair shops, engineering and woodworking facilities, packaging and filling operations, or anywhere excessive moisture may cause corrosion, surface defects, or other problems. Ideal wherever a dew point around +3 °C is sufficient and achieving ultra-dry air is not economically viable or necessary.
Comparison with Other Dryer Types
Compared to other technologies, the condensation dryer offers a balanced price-to-performance ratio. If ultra-low dew points aren't needed, it's often preferred over more expensive adsorption dryers that can reach dew points as low as –40 °C or lower. Condensation types offer lower operating costs and no air loss. However, for specific requirements – such as very low air flows or mobile systems – membrane dryers may be suitable, as they work without electricity. For maximum air quality, it's common to add fine filtration or activated carbon columns after the dryer to remove oil vapors and odors.
Reminder: For optimal dryer performance, use a pre-filter such as a compressed air filter (mechanical/coalescing) to capture particles and oil aerosols before entering the dryer. This protects the unit from clogging and improves both its efficiency and lifespan. Find more tips on air treatment in our knowledge base, in the article “Why and how to dry compressed air from a compressor”.
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RDP condensation dryers; pressure dew point +3 °C
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Condensation dryers WDF; dew point +3°C with filters
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HDI air dryers; pressure dew point +4°C
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RDL condensing dryers; pressure dew point +5°C
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Cool air dryers; pressure dew point +5°C
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MDX air dryers; pressure dew point +3°C
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ADRY air dryers; smaller adsorption -40°C
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BDRY air dryers; large adsorption -40°C
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MADRY air dryers; membrane -40°C
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Activated carbon columns; activated carbon separation

Compressed air condensation dryer for dew point +3°C. The maximum inlet pressure is 14 bar with a flow rate of up to 144 m³/hr (2,333 l/min) and a G1" male thread connection....

Compressed air condensation dryer for dew point +3°C. The maximum inlet pressure is 14 bar with a flow rate of up to 1,900 m³/hr (31,666 l/min) and connection via a G2 1/2" male...

The extremely quiet and dust-free operation of the compressed air condensation dryer up to a flow rate of 600 m³/hr from the compressor at a 3°C dew point enables use in...

Compressed air condensation dryer for dew point +3°C. Maximum inlet pressure is 14 bar with a flow rate of up to 75 m³/hr (1,250 l/min) and connection via G3/4" male thread. The...

Compressed air condensation dryer for dew point +3°C. The maximum inlet pressure is 14 bar with a flow rate of up to 480 m³/hr (8,000 l/min) and connection via a G1 1/2" male...

The extremely quiet and dust-free operation of the compressed air condensation dryer up to a flow rate of 42 m³/hr from the compressor at a 3°C dew point enables use in...

Compressed air condensation dryer for dew point +3°C. Maximum inlet pressure is 14 bar with a flow rate of up to 380 m³/hr (6,333 l/min) and connection via G1 1/4" male thread....

Compressed air condensation dryer for dew point +3°C. Maximum inlet pressure is 14 bar with a flow rate of up to 50 m³/hr (833 l/min) and connection via G3/4" male thread. The...

Compressed air condensation dryer for dew point +3°C. The maximum inlet pressure is 14 bar with a flow rate of up to 1,500 m³/hr (25,000 l/min) and connection via a G2 1/2" male...

Compressed air condensation dryer for dew point +3°C. The maximum inlet pressure is 14 bar with a flow rate of up to 600 m³/hr (10,000 l/min) and a G2" male thread connection....

Compressed air condensation dryer for dew point +3°C. The maximum inlet pressure is 14 bar with a flow rate of up to 950 m³/hr (15,833 l/min) and a G2" male thread connection....

The WDF-53 condensing air dryer efficiently removes moisture at a flow rate of 53 m³/h (883 l/min) and reaches a dew point of +3 °C. Integrated 1 µm and 0.01 µm filters ensure...

The extremely quiet and dust-free operation of the compressed air condensation dryer up to a flow rate of 54 m³/hr from the compressor at a 3°C dew point enables use in...

Compressed air condensation dryer for dew point +3°C. The maximum inlet pressure is 14 bar with a flow rate of up to 1,150 m³/hr (19,166 l/min) and connection via a G2 1/2" male...

Compressed air condensation dryer for dew point +3°C. Maximum inlet pressure is 14 bar with a flow rate of up to 300 m³/hr (5,000 l/min) and connection via G1 1/4" male thread....

Compressed air condensation dryer for dew point +3°C. The maximum inlet pressure is 14 bar with a flow rate of up to 100 m³/hr (1,666 l/min) and connection via a G3/4" male...

The extremely quiet and dust-free operation of the compressed air condensation dryer up to a flow rate of 72 m³/hr from the compressor at a 3°C dew point enables use in...

Compressed air condensation dryer for dew point +3°C. The maximum inlet pressure is 14 bar with a flow rate of up to 180 m³/hr (3,000 l/min) and connection via a G1" male...

Condensing compressed air dryer for dew point +5°C. Maximum inlet pressure is 13 bar with a flow rate of up to 35 m³/hr (583 l/min) and connection via external thread G 1/2"....

Compressed air condensation dryer for dew point +3°C. Maximum inlet pressure is 14 bar with a flow rate of up to 35 m³/hr (583 l/min) and connection via external thread G3/8"....

Bypass piping for MDX400 to 1800 condensation dryers for easy replacement of filter cartridges without the need for shutdown.Simple assembly during dryer installation. The...

Compressed air condensation dryer for dew point +3°C. The maximum inlet pressure is 14 bar with a flow rate of up to 750 m³/hr (12,500 l/min) and a G2" male thread connection....

The WDF-70 condensing air dryer provides efficient moisture removal from compressed air with a flow rate of 70 m³/h (1,166 l/min) and a pressure dew point of +3 °C. Thanks to...

The WDF-100 condensing air dryer provides efficient compressed air drying with a flow rate of 100 m³/h (1 667 l/min) and a pressure dew point of +3 °C. Integrated filters of 1...

The WDF-155 condensing air dryer effectively removes moisture from compressed air and achieves a pressure dew point of +3 °C. With a flow rate of 155 m³/h (2 583 l/min), it is...

The extremely quiet and dust-free operation of the compressed air condensation dryer up to a flow rate of 108 m³/hr from the compressor at a 3°C dew point enables use in...

Condensing compressed air dryer for dew point +5°C. Maximum inlet pressure is 13 bar with a flow rate of up to 75 m³/hr (1,250 l/min) and connection via G 3/4" male thread. The...

The extremely quiet and dust-free operation of the compressed air condensation dryer up to a flow rate of 25 m³/hr from the compressor at a 3°C dew point enables use in...

Condensing compressed air dryer for dew point +5°C. The maximum inlet pressure is 13 bar with a flow rate of up to 100 m³/hr (1,666 l/min) and connection via a G 1" male thread....

Compressed air condensation dryer for dew point +3°C. The maximum inlet pressure is 14 bar with a flow rate of up to 235 m³/hr (3,916 l/min) and a G1" male thread connection....

Compressed air condensation dryer for dew point +3°C. Maximum inlet pressure is 14 bar with a flow rate of up to 20 m³/hr (333 l/min) and connection via external thread G3/8"....

The WDF-190 condensing air dryer ensures efficient moisture removal from compressed air with a flow rate of 190 m³/h (3,166 l/min) and a pressure dew point of +3 °C. Thanks to...

The WDF-210 condensing air dryer provides highly efficient compressed air drying with a flow rate of 210 m³/h (3,500 l/min) and a pressure dew point of +3 °C. Integrated filters...

The WDF-23 condensing (refrigeration) compressed air dryer with a capacity of 333 l/min up to 16 bar ensures reliable removal of moisture from compressed air up to a pressure...

The WDF-38 condensing (refrigeration) compressed air dryer with a capacity of 633 l/min up to 16 bar ensures reliable removal of moisture from compressed air up to a pressure...

Compressed air condensation dryer for dew point +3°C. The maximum inlet pressure is 14 bar with a flow rate of up to 1,300 m³/hr (21,666 l/min) and connection via a G2 1/2" male...

The WDF-1388 condensing air dryer provides highly efficient compressed air drying with a flow rate of 1,388 m³/h (23,133 l/min) and a pressure dew point of +3 °C. Thanks to the...

The WDF-1800 condensing air dryer provides high-capacity compressed air drying with a flow rate of 1,800 m³/h (30,000 l/min) and a pressure dew point of +3 °C. Integrated...

The WDF-305 condensing air dryer effectively removes moisture from compressed air at a flow rate of 305 m³/h (5,083 l/min) and achieves a pressure dew point of +3 °C. The...

The WDF-385 condensing air dryer efficiently removes moisture from compressed air at a flow rate of 385 m³/h (6,416 l/min) and achieves a pressure dew point of +3 °C. Integrated...