Why do I need a dryer for my compressor?

A common questions asked is why do I need an air dryer for my compressor? Typically, air compressors produce water, and although the water can be drained, there can still be aerosol and vapour droplets that are present. This is because water cannot be compressed. Water can damage your compressor by corroding the valves, pipes and machinery controls, which will cost you time and money to resolve. In the long run, the cost of a new compressor is a small price to pay compared to the loss of production that could potentially arise due to water damage in your compressor.

How do I know my compressor needs an air dryer?


Why is it important to know the size of my dryer needs?

When sizing an air dryer that keeps up with your application needs; it is important to get the right fit. A dryer that is too large will cause harmful wear and tear long before normal, opposed to having an undersized dryer can lead to poor air quality downstream.

What questions do I need to think about when sizing a dryer for my compressor?

What is the desired dew point (how dry compressed air needs to be – this will determine whether it is a refrigerated or desiccant style dryer)?

•  How much CFM will your compressor be sending through the dryer, and at what pressure?
•  What are the ambient conditions of the dryer (ambient temperature, elevation, etc.)?
•  What is the inlet temperature of the air going into the dryer?

Answering these few questions will give you a good start on selecting the right dryer technology and the appropriate size for your compressor.

Remember, a desiccant dryer consumes 2% -20% of your CFM as purge air during the regeneration cycle of the vessels. With that in mind, you will need to make sure you make the necessary arrangements. If it is a new install, the compressor will need to be sized appropriately to compensate for the CFM loss during the purge cycle. If it is an existing install, you may have to upgrade the compressor. Ambient conditions and correction factors also come into play.


Another thing to think about is the upfront costs of purchasing the air dryer and its installation aren’t the only costs that are incurred in total. There are other costs that also need to be considered here, such as additional energy consumption and, the way the dryer is regenerated (in case of desiccant air dryers).

The bottom line

Air compressors are a significant investment, crucial for many businesses operations through New Zealand, and the world, and sometime they need to power some very important tools.That being said, keeping your compressor in tip top shape, regular services, having an air dryer etc, ensures a longer lifetime of your compressor and will increase your production levels by reducing equipment failure issues due to corrision of components. In conclusion, air dryers are worth every penny spent.

How we can help you - yes we have air dryers!

At Ash Air we stock top quality compressed refrigerated air dryers, desiccant air dryers. air receivers, and in-line filtration to give the best possible air quality your compressor can supply. Ash Air has a range of quality cycling and non-cycling Pneumatech refrigerated dryers for your air compressors.

Our innovative desiccant dryers give customers efficient protection against the presence of any humidity in the air, which often is the source of pipe corrosion and decreased efficiency of equipment and tools. We sell all the connections and plumbing components commonly used in New Zealand, and our comprehensive selection of compressed air filters is based on a unique, enhanced media to efficiently reduce all types of contamination.

View our range of Dryers here:



Breathing Air Dryers


Here at Ash Air, we offer BA 15-310 HE Breathing Air Purifiers. The Pneumatech solution for Industrial Breathing Air applications, build to exceed standards. The Breathing Air Dryer range assures safe working environment in a wide range of applications. Built to exceed standards, Breathing Air Dryers provide certified breathing air, even in situations with polluted intake air to ensure personnel safety at all times.

Desiccant Dryers


The Ash Air range of advanced technology 360-1080 m3/hr and 1188-10800 m3/hr adsorption air dryers are for customers who have a focus on energy efficiency and low operating costs, while maintaining the highest standards in air purity. Our Pneumatech blower purge air dryers use heated blower purge air to remove moisture from the desiccant material, which means no purge loss during regeneration.

Refrigerated Dryers


Ash Air has a range of quality cycling and non-cycling Pneumatech refrigerated dryers for your air compressors.Our non-cycling Pneumatech refrigerated dryers offer a reliable and economic solution for removing moisture from your compressed air system. These refrigerated dryers for air compressors are easy to install, offer energy savings, prevent pressure losses, are equipped with rotary compressors and R410A refrigerant, and have improved connectivity features.

Do you have an idea for our #expertcorner? Let us know!

Useful links:

Air Dryers

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Who we are and how Ash Air can help your business!

Ash Air has been around in New Zealand since 1979, and we’ve grown into a nationwide company with international support and a reputation for quality and reliability.We look after all things compressed air for your business!

  • Reciprocating, Screw, air compressors
  • Vacuum pumps
  • Nitrogen
  • An extensive line of air treatment components

Ash Air's range of Chicago Pneumatic, Alup, Pneumatech, and Quincy compressors are used extensively around the world in industries ranging from oil and gas to food, automotive and farming, and we bring you these world class compressors here in the land of the long white cloud.Our technicians are compressed air equipment experts and are dedicated to addressing customer needs. Supported by a 13 locations nationwide, Ash Air offers one of the widest selections of compressed air equipment and parts available today in New Zealand.

Reliability and Efficiency

With Ash Air compressors, you can count on reliability and high performance for even the most demanding applications. We focus our efforts on the following:

  • Increasing uptime
  • Reducing unexpected repairs
  • Reducing energy consumption
  • Improving the cleanliness of compressed air


Talk to the team today:  CONTACT US CONTACT US

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