Kaeser i.HOC dry-running rotary screw compressors

Kaeser Compressors’ latest range of dry-running rotary screw compressors features its integrated Heat of Compression (i.Hoc) rotating dryer to provide a source of compressed air at a pressure dewpoint as low as -30°C, with a space-saving and energy-efficient design.

The dryer is integrated into a dry-running compressor and desiccant is contained in a drum through which the compressed air flows. Compressed air drying and regeneration of the desiccant occur continuously within a single pressure receiver but are separated both structurally and in terms of the process. Slight pressurisation of the drying sector ensures that once dried, the compressed air does not reabsorb moisture from the regeneration air flowing by in the adjacent sector.

Following the final air compression stage in the compressor, the hot compressed air is diverted directly to the drying sector of the integrated rotating dryer before it exits the compressor. The heat arising as a result of compression is also used for desiccant regeneration. This heat is freely available as no additional energy is required for the drying process. Low pressure dewpoints of -20°C down to -40°C in special conditions can be achieved by the dryer. It uses the flow of hot compressed air available at the end of the second compression stage for regeneration purposes. The discharge temperature of the dryer following the second stage (the regeneration air temperature) can be increased by a controlled bypass around the first compression stage cooler.

Originally published here.