Best Desiccants for Compressed Air and Natural Gas

Best Desiccants for Compressed Air and Natural Gas

Posted by AVP on Sep 23rd 2019

What is a desiccant? 

A desiccant is a hygroscopic substance that is used to induce or sustain a state of dryness (desiccation) in its vicinity; it is the opposite of a humectant. Commonly encountered pre-packaged desiccants are solids that absorbwater. Desiccants for specialized purposes may be in forms other than solid, and may work through other principles, such as chemical bonding of water molecules. They are commonly encountered in foods to retain crispness. Industrially, desiccants are widely used to control the level of water in gas streams.

Remove water from solvents

Desiccants are also used to remove water from solvents, typically required by chemical reactions that do not tolerate water, e.g., the Grignard reaction. The method generally, though not always, involves mixing the solvent with the solid desiccant. Studies show that molecular sieves are superior as desiccants relative to chemical drying reagents such as sodium-benzophenone. Sieves offer the advantages of being safe in air and recyclable.

Where to buy absorbent deliquescent and regenerative desiccants

Recently our industry has seen a change in deliquescent desiccant manufacturers. The second largest manufacturer has exited the market leaving their customers without a clear solution. Van Air Systems has been manufacturing equivalent desiccants for years, so you end users can make the switch with confidence. You will get the same great performance from Van Air Systems Deliquescent Desiccant.

Need help selecting the best compressed air dryer?

We would love to help. Buy from an expert at Air Vacuum Process (AVP) in Houston, TX.