Precautions for using cold dryer in winter

A refrigerated dryer is a device that uses refrigeration technology to dry compressed air. Its working principle is mainly to use the refrigeration effect of the refrigerant to condense the moisture in the compressed air into water droplets, and then remove the moisture through a filter device to obtain dry compressed air. This process mainly involves core components such as compressors, condensers, evaporators, and steam-water separators.

Most common cold dryers on the market are calibrated to have a pressure dew point of 2-10°C, for example, a dew point temperature of 10°C under a pressure of 0.7Mpa; when the pressure drops to atmospheric pressure, the corresponding dew point temperature is -16°C. Therefore, there is no problem using a cold dryer in winter. However, it is still necessary to pay attention to its operating conditions and efficiency in use and management to prevent failures from occurring, causing gas supply interruptions and equipment shutdowns.

1. Precautions for use in winter

Prevent freezing

Water pipe, valve and compressor protection: The temperature is low in winter, and the moisture in the equipment is easy to freeze, which may cause damage to the water pipes, valves and compressors. Therefore, the equipment needs to be preheated before use to ensure that the operating temperature is not lower than 0°C. In addition, these components should be checked regularly for ice, and if found, they should be handled immediately.

Indoor temperature control: When using a refrigerated dryer in winter, the indoor temperature should be reasonably controlled to avoid adverse effects of too low ambient temperature on the equipment.

Refrigerant selection

Performance affected by temperature: The performance of the refrigerant will change with changes in temperature. In winter, due to the low temperature, the cooling effect of the refrigerant may decrease, thus affecting the drying effect of the equipment. Therefore, it is necessary to reasonably select the refrigerant according to the ambient temperature, humidity and other conditions to ensure the normal operation of the equipment.

Preheating operation

Necessity: Preheating can ensure that the internal temperature of the equipment is moderate and prevent the water pipes, valves and compressors from freezing due to low temperatures. Preheating can also make the refrigerant circulate more fully and improve the drying efficiency.

Operation method: Before use, you can start the preheating device or run the equipment for a period of time for preheating. The preheating time depends on the equipment model and outdoor temperature. It is generally recommended to preheat 30 minutes before starting the equipment.

Regular inspection and maintenance

Inspection content: The status of the water pipes, valves, compressors and refrigerants of the equipment should be checked regularly to ensure that they are in good working condition. In addition, check the drainage of the steam-water separator to ensure that the drainage is unobstructed.

Maintenance method: Any problems or abnormal phenomena found should be handled and maintained in time. For example, if the water pipe is found to be frozen, the machine should be stopped immediately for thawing; if the refrigerant is insufficient or the performance is degraded, the refrigerant should be replenished or replaced in time.

2. Advantages and challenges of winter use

Advantages

High cooling efficiency: In winter, due to the low ambient temperature, the cooling efficiency of the refrigerated dryer is usually higher. This is conducive to achieving a lower dew point temperature, thereby improving the drying effect.

Reduced energy consumption: Compared with the high temperature and high humidity environment in summer, the low temperature and low humidity environment in winter is conducive to reducing the energy consumption of the equipment. Because the equipment does not need to consume too much energy to combat the effects of high temperature and high humidity on the drying effect.

Challenges

Increased risk of freezing: As mentioned earlier, the moisture inside the equipment is prone to freezing in the low temperature environment in winter, which poses a threat to the normal operation of the equipment.

Refrigerant performance degradation: Although the cooling efficiency is high in winter, the performance of the refrigerant may also be affected by the low temperature and decline. This requires more caution in selecting and using refrigerants.

1. Optimization strategies and suggestions

Strengthen insulation measures

Pipe insulation: Insulate the water pipes, valves and other components of the equipment to reduce heat loss and the risk of freezing.

Insulation of the machine room: If the equipment is installed in the machine room, the machine room can be insulated to improve the temperature stability in the machine room.

Use anticoagulant

Adding an appropriate amount of anticoagulant inside the equipment can lower the freezing point of water, thereby reducing the risk of freezing. However, it should be noted that the use of anticoagulants should comply with equipment requirements and relevant standards.

Adjust operating parameters

Adjust the operating parameters of the equipment, such as refrigerant flow, compressor speed, etc., according to ambient temperature and humidity conditions to optimize the operating effect and energy consumption of the equipment.

Strengthen monitoring and early warning

Real-time monitoring of the operating status and parameter changes of the equipment, and immediate processing should be carried out once abnormal phenomena are found. At the same time, establish an early warning mechanism to detect potential problems in advance and take corresponding measures to prevent them.

Training and guidance

Provide professional training and guidance to operators to improve their operating skills and safety awareness. This helps to reduce equipment failures and safety accidents caused by improper operation.

In summary, refrigerated dryers can be used in winter, but care must be taken to prevent problems such as freezing of water pipes, valves and compressors. By rationally selecting refrigerants, strengthening insulation measures, using anticoagulants, adjusting operating parameters, and strengthening monitoring and early warning, the normal operation of the equipment can be ensured and its service life can be extended. At the same time, professional training and guidance for operators is also an important means to improve the efficiency and safety of equipment operation.