The ZEKS Refrigerated Cycling Air Dryer is designed to remove moisture and contaminants from compressed air systems with flow capacities from 200 to 1,600 SCFM. Using HeatSink technology, the dryer cools compressed air through a refrigerated thermal mass, causing moisture and contaminants to condense for efficient separation and removal.

Its True-Cycling operation allows the refrigeration system to cycle off during periods of lower demand while the thermal mass continues cooling the compressed air. This helps reduce unnecessary refrigeration energy consumption compared with conventional non-cycling dryers that operate continuously.

For compressed air systems where moisture control, reliable operation and energy efficiency are important, the ZEKS refrigerated air dryer provides a practical solution for maintaining treated compressed air.

How Does a Refrigerated Air Dryer Work?

A refrigerated air dryer reduces moisture in compressed air by cooling the air to condense water vapour and other contaminants.

The ZEKS HeatSinkâ„¢ system uses refrigeration to cool a thermal mass. As compressed air passes through the dryer, it is cooled by this stored thermal energy. The resulting condensation is then separated from the compressed air through a high-efficiency separator.

The refrigeration system does not need to operate continuously. During periods of lower compressed air demand, the stored cooling capacity allows the refrigeration system to cycle off while moisture removal continues.

This True-Cyclingâ„¢ technology helps the dryer adapt to changing air demand while reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

Why Use a Refrigerated Air Dryer for an Air Compressor?

Compressed air naturally contains moisture. When this moisture is not properly removed, it can move downstream through the compressed air system and affect equipment and processes.

A refrigerated air dryer for air compressors helps condition compressed air by removing condensed moisture before the air reaches downstream equipment.

The ZEKS cycling dryer is designed for applications where users need:

  • Consistent removal of moisture from compressed air
  • Efficient separation of condensate
  • Reliable operation across changing air demand
  • Lower refrigeration energy consumption during periods of reduced demand
  • A compact and practical compressed air treatment solution

The appropriate dryer should always be selected according to the compressor's airflow, operating pressure, inlet temperature and application requirements.

ZEKS HeatSinkâ„¢ Technology

The HeatSinkâ„¢ design combines refrigeration with a thermal mass to provide cooling capacity even when the refrigeration system is not actively running.

The process can be understood in four stages:

Cooling : The refrigeration system cools the thermal mass inside the dryer.

Heat Transfer : Compressed air passes through the cooled system and its temperature is reduced.

Condensation : As the compressed air cools, moisture and contaminants condense.

Separation : A high-efficiency separator removes the condensed moisture from the compressed air stream.

This approach allows the dryer to respond to variations in compressed air demand rather than running the refrigeration system continuously.

True-Cyclingâ„¢ Operation for Changing Air Demand

Compressed air demand is rarely constant throughout an industrial facility. Equipment may operate intermittently, production schedules may change, or sections of the plant may shut down temporarily.A conventional refrigerated dryer may continue operating its refrigeration system even when compressed air demand is low.

The ZEKS True-Cyclingâ„¢ system is designed differently. When cooling is not required, the refrigeration system cycles off while the thermal mass retains stored cooling energy.

This can help reduce energy use during periods of lower demand while continuing to provide moisture removal.

Key Features of the ZEKS Refrigerated Air Dryer

Multi-Layer Heat : The multi-layer heat design supports the cooling and heat-transfer process within the dryer.

Advanced Digital Controller : The advanced digital controller provides control of the dryer operation and helps users monitor its functioning.

Fully Hermetic Refrigeration Compressor : A fully hermetic refrigeration compressor is used as part of the refrigeration system.

R134A Refrigerant : The dryer uses R134A refrigerant as specified for this product range.

Efficient Refrigeration Condenser : The refrigeration condenser is designed to support efficient operation of the cooling system.

Timed Solenoid Condensate Drain : The timed solenoid drain helps remove collected condensate from the dryer.

Available Options

Depending on installation and application requirements, available options include:

  • FilterStopâ„¢ / strainer drain connection
  • Compact footprint and lightweight design
  • Simple electrical connection
  • Galvanized internal structure
  • Powder-coated enclosure

These options allow the dryer configuration to be adapted to different compressed air system requirements.

Choosing the Right Refrigerated Compressed Air Dryer

Selecting a dryer is not simply about matching the SCFM number. The dryer needs to suit the complete compressed air system.

Before choosing a refrigerated compressed air dryer, consider:

Airflow : Determine the compressed air flow the dryer needs to handle. The ZEKS range covered on this page is designed for 200–1,600 SCFM.

Operating pressure : Check the pressure at which the dryer will operate.

Inlet air conditions : Inlet temperature and ambient conditions can influence dryer performance.

Air demand pattern : If your compressed air demand varies throughout the day, cycling technology can be an important consideration.

Installation requirements : Consider available space, electrical requirements, condensate drainage and access for maintenance.

Application : Understand the required compressed air quality for the equipment and process downstream.

FAQs

What is a refrigerated air dryer?

A refrigerated air dryer is compressed air treatment equipment that cools compressed air to condense moisture. The condensed moisture is then separated and removed from the air stream.

How does a refrigerated air dryer work with an air compressor?

Compressed air from the compressor enters the dryer, where it is cooled through the refrigeration system. Moisture condenses during cooling and is separated before the treated air continues downstream.

What is the advantage of a cycling refrigerated air dryer?

A cycling dryer can reduce refrigeration energy consumption during periods of lower air demand by switching the refrigeration system off while retaining cooling energy in its thermal mass.

What is the capacity of the ZEKS refrigerated air dryer?

The ZEKS Refrigerated Cycling Air Dryer covered on this page has a capacity range of 200–1,600 SCFM.

What refrigerant does the ZEKS dryer use?

The product specifications provided for this range list R134A refrigerant.

How do I choose the right refrigerated compressed air dryer?

Consider airflow, operating pressure, inlet conditions, air demand pattern, installation requirements and the compressed air quality required by downstream equipment.

Need help selecting the right refrigerated air dryer for your compressed air system? Contact G3 Industrial Solutions for assistance with sizing and compressed air treatment requirements.

  • Multi-Layer Heat
  • Advanced Digital Controller
  • Fully Hermetic Refrigeration Compressor
  • R134A Refrigerant
  • Efficient Refrigeration Condenser
  • Timed Solenoid Condensate Drain
  • Filterstop/Strainer Drain Connection
  • Compact Footprint/Light Weight
  • Simple Electrical Connection
  • Galvanized Internal Structure
  • Powder Coated Enclosure
  • 3-Valve Bypass – Isolates dryer from compressed air system
  • External Gauge Package
  • No-Air Loss Drain