Refrigerated Air Dryers – Clean, Dry Compressed Air for Australian Industry
Refrigerated Compressed Air Dryers from 42 to 883 CFM
Moisture is the single biggest cause of corrosion, tool wear and finish defects in a compressed air system. Our refrigerated air dryers remove water vapour before it reaches your pipework, tools and machinery — protecting equipment, improving air quality and reducing unplanned downtime. Ten models cover 1,200 to 25,000 L/min (42–883 CFM), matching everything from a single-operator workshop to a full industrial plant.
How Does a Refrigerated Air Dryer Work?
A refrigerated dryer cools incoming compressed air to around 3 °C, causing water vapour to condense into liquid. The condensate is separated and drained away, and the now-dry air is reheated before leaving the dryer. The result is a stable pressure dew point suitable for the large majority of industrial applications — without the running cost or complexity of desiccant drying.
Key Features & Benefits
Protects Your Whole System — Removing moisture prevents rust in receivers and pipework, and extends the life of air tools, cylinders and valves.
Consistent Air Quality — A stable pressure dew point means predictable results in spraying, finishing and pneumatic control.
Efficient Refrigerant Circuits — R134A and R410A circuits sized to the airflow, keeping power draw and operating cost down.
Simple Installation — Standalone units install in-line downstream of the compressor and receiver; no special foundations required.
Low Maintenance — Automatic condensate drainage and accessible service points keep routine upkeep straightforward.
Typical Applications
Our refrigerated air dryers are engineered to support:
- Spray painting and finishing lines
- Automotive workshops and service centres
- Manufacturing and precision machining
- Food processing and packaging
- Pneumatic control and instrumentation
- General workshop and plant air
Sizing a Refrigerated Air Dryer
When selecting a refrigerated air dryer, consider these key factors:
- Match Airflow – The dryer's nominal flow must meet or exceed your compressor's output; oversizing slightly is safer than undersizing.
- Correct for Site Conditions – Nominal ratings assume standard ambient, inlet and pressure conditions; hotter or lower-pressure sites need a larger unit.
- Check Power Supply – Models to 8,500 L/min run on 220V single phase; 11,500 L/min and above require 380V three phase.
- Consider Pressure Dew Point – Refrigerated drying suits most industrial work; adsorption drying is the option where a very low dew point is required.
- Allow for Growth – Size to your likely future air demand, not just today's.
Every Sollant compressor detail page includes a dryer sizing calculator that applies ambient, inlet and pressure corrections and recommends the smallest suitable model.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need an air dryer if my compressor already has a tank?
- A receiver tank drops out some bulk water but does not lower the dew point. Air leaving a tank is still saturated and will condense further down the line. A refrigerated dryer is what actually removes the vapour.
- What is the difference between a refrigerated and an adsorption dryer?
- Refrigerated dryers cool air to condense moisture and suit the large majority of industrial applications. Adsorption (desiccant) dryers achieve a much lower dew point and are used where extremely dry air is essential, typically as a staged addition after refrigeration rather than a replacement.
- Which dryer suits my compressor?
- Match the dryer's nominal flow to your compressor's output, then correct for your site's ambient temperature, inlet temperature and working pressure. The sizing calculator on each compressor page does this for you.
Find the Right Refrigerated Air Dryer for Your System
Browse the full Sollant refrigerated dryer range from 42 to 883 CFM, with single-phase and three-phase options. Contact our team for help matching a dryer to your compressor and site conditions.