Options for clean, dry, oil-free compressed air

It takes more than point-of-use filters to remove dirt, oil, and water from compressed air. In-line desiccant dryers provide dew points to 40°F, but require regular maintenance. Heatless regenerative dryers, such as these units from Parker's Wilkerson Operations, automatically switch airflow between two desiccant towers to ensure a constant supply of dry air. A membrane dryer, shown here with a coalescing filter, takes advantage of the different size of oxygen, nitrogen, and water molecules to deliver moisture-free air. The need for cleaner compressed air is apparent to anyone trying to increase the productivity of sensitive pneumatic applications. Today, the modern manufacturer has needs for high-speed spindles, air gauging, air transfer, bagging, and other pneumatic controls