May 2026
What is a Compressed Air Dryer?
Compressed air dryers are essential for removing moisture, improving air quality, and protecting your facility's equipment. Read this blog to learn more about compressed air dryers.
What is an Air Dryer?
Compressed air dryers are pieces of air treatment equipment that can be added on to your compressed air system to remove excess moisture from your compressed air. There are a handful of different configurations and technologies available, but all options aim to achieve the goal of providing drier compressed air for your operations. Air dryers can absorb moisture and other impurities in the air creating not only drier air, but cleaner air as well. While not all applications and environments need an air dryer, it is recommended that most compressed air systems include an air dryer when dry or clean air is required for the application.
How Do Air Dryers Work?
Each air dryer type has a slightly different method to provide dry air. In general, all air dryers use some sort of process to separate any moisture from the air that passes through the unit so that the result is a drier air for any applications. Put simply, air enters an air dryer, moisture is absorbed or drawn out, and the drier air continues to the next piece of equipment or point-of-use.
What Options for Air Dryers are Available?
Refrigerated Air Dryers
- Cycling
- Non-Cycling
Desiccant Air Dryers
- Twin Tower Desiccant
- Heatless
- Blower Purge
- Heat of Compression
- Rotary Drum
- Membrane Air Dryers
Read our blog post, Compressed Air Dryers 101, to learn more about the types of air dryers you can purchase for your operations.
Why Should My System Have an Air Dryer?
Moisture is unavoidable in compressed air due to the high temperatures and humidity it creates. This means, all compressed air will develop moisture from condensation of some sort at some point. While some applications can withstand some moisture in the compressed air, most industries call for drier air to protect the quality of their applications and end products. Aside from providing dry air to your applications, ensuring your system has dry air also protects your system against corrosion, rusting, excessive water buildup, frozen pipes in cold temperatures, and contamination concerns. In conclusion, air dryers provide drier and cleaner air to your operations, enhance efficiencies, and protect your investment of your compressed air equipment.
ZORN'S PROMISE
Zorn is the Midwest leader of custom, engineered compressed air and vacuum solutions. We provide the best customer experience by understanding your applications and needs and offering an unparalleled commitment to customer satisfaction.
Our comprehensive product and service solutions keep you running 24/7.
- Reliable equipment
- Trusted brands
- Seamless, easy installation
- Post-sales support
- Local, 24/7 service
Our compressed air experts look forward to meeting you to discuss your equipment and support needs. Please contact us directly at (262) 695-7000 with any questions or to schedule service for your system moving forward.
Related Resources
- Zorn Equipment Rental Agreement
- 12 Days of Compressed Air Maintenance
- Spooky Compressed Air Warning Signs to Pay Attention To
- 10 Common Compressed Air Myths: Busted!
- Air Compressor Usage in Modern Manufacturing
- Spring Cleaning Checklist For Compressed Air
- Air Compressor Dew Point 101
- Zorn Compressor Contractor Brochure
- Heat Recovery 101
- Air Compressor Applications in Toy Manufacturing