Why Dry Compressed Air Matters in Landfill Operations
Landfill operations rely on a variety of equipment and systems to keep facilities operating safely and efficiently. Compressed air can play an important role in these environments, powering pneumatic controls, valves, actuators and other equipment used throughout a facility.
But where there is compressed air, there is also moisture—and in demanding landfill environments, that moisture can create problems.
The Challenge of Moisture in Compressed Air
Atmospheric air naturally contains water vapor. When that air is compressed and cooled, moisture can condense within the compressed air system.
If it isn't properly managed, excess moisture can contribute to corrosion, freezing in cold temperatures, sticking or malfunctioning pneumatic components, and premature equipment wear. For equipment exposed to outdoor conditions and changing temperatures, reliable moisture control becomes especially important.
That's where compressed air drying comes in.
Why Deliquescent Dryers Are Well-Suited for Landfill Applications
Deliquescent compressed air dryers offer a simple and reliable method of reducing moisture in compressed air without requiring electricity. They can withstand environments that most compressed air dryers can't.
Van Air Systems' D-Series Single Tower Deliquescent Dryers use a hygroscopic desiccant that absorbs moisture from the compressed air as it passes through the dryer. The moisture and dissolved desiccant collect at the bottom of the vessel, where they can be drained from the system.
This simple design provides several advantages for demanding applications:
- No electricity required – allowing the dryer to operate in remote locations or installations where electrical power may be limited.
- No moving parts – a simple design helps minimize maintenance requirements.
- Effective moisture removal – deliquescent dryers provide dew point suppression relative to the temperature of the incoming compressed air.
- Suitable for harsh environments – their rugged design makes them a practical option for outdoor and industrial applications.
These characteristics can make deliquescent drying particularly useful for compressed air systems supporting landfill operations.
Supporting Reliable Pneumatic Equipment
Pneumatic valves, actuators and controls depend on a consistent supply of compressed air. Introducing excess moisture into those systems can negatively affect reliability and shorten component life.
Installing the appropriate compressed air treatment equipment upstream can help reduce the amount of moisture reaching these critical components.
For landfill facilities, where equipment may operate outdoors and under widely changing environmental conditions, a simple air treatment system can provide an added layer of protection.
Van Air in the Field: Clay County Landfill
The installation pictured above shows a Van Air Systems deliquescent dryer at Clay County Landfill.
While every landfill facility and compressed air system has different operating requirements, installations like this demonstrate how deliquescent drying technology can be incorporated into real-world industrial environments where dependable moisture removal is needed.
Finding the Right Dryer for Your Application
Selecting a compressed air dryer isn't one-size-fits-all. Air flow, operating pressure, inlet temperature, ambient conditions and required dew point all need to be considered when determining the appropriate air treatment solution.
Van Air Systems offers deliquescent compressed air dryers designed for demanding industrial and outdoor applications.
Not sure which dryer is right for your application?
Our team can help evaluate your requirements and recommend the appropriate air treatment solution.