How are moisture and contaminants removed?
Aftercoolers are a good first step. They lower the compressed air temperature to safe, usable levels and remove up to 70% of the water vapor; however, the air is still saturated. A further drop in temperature will cause additional condensation to occur in downstream air lines. Air dryers remove the water vapor and lower the dew point temperature of compressed air. This prevents liquid water from forming downstream, but does not eliminate all the entrained contaminants. Separators and filters remove the liquid water, and solid and gaseous contaminants that adversely affect the air system. Drains discharge the accumulated water and liquid contaminants from various points throughout the air system.
