How is Silica Gel Desiccant Used with Compressed Air?

Silica gel desiccant is an essential component in the compressed air and gas industry for its moisture adsorption qualities. Silica gel plays a super important role in providing efficient, safe, and sustained operation of compressed air systems and equipment. 

Silica gel desiccant is a highly adsorbent, porous material that is used to remove moisture from compressed air and gases. It is made from silicon dioxide, which is a naturally occurring mineral that has been treated to increase its surface area and porosity. Silica gel desiccant is available in indicating (color changing) and non-indicating versions. Silica gel indicating beads change color when they have reached adsorption capacity.  Silica gel is most often used in in bead form, but the desiccant is also available as granules.

How it's used

In compressed air systems, silica gel desiccant is used inside of a desiccant air dryer, which are typically designed with two towers filled with silica gel beads. As compressed air passes through one tower, moisture is absorbed by the silica gel beads, while the other tower regenerates (dries) the beads using either a portion of the dried air or external heat, ensuring continuous moisture removal.

When it's used

Silica gel desiccant air dryers are used for applications demanding exceptionally dry air. Compressed air dryers using silica gel can achieve dew points down to -40°F or lower, perfect for industries where moisture control is critical, including high humidity environments.

Where it's used

Applications of silica gel desiccant span across various sectors:

• Manufacturing facilities for moisture sensitive compressed air operations.
• Painting and coating processes to avoid imperfections caused by moisture.
• Pharmaceutical and medical industries for air quality control in production and packaging.
• Food and beverage production to prevent moisture impact on quality.
• Instrumentation and control systems requiring dry air for accurate operation.

Why it's used

The use of silica gel desiccant in compressed air systems is driven by the need to:

• Prevent corrosion within compressed air equipment, piping, and tools.
• Maintain product quality in manufacturing processes with sensitive moisture requirements.
• Avoid freezing in compressed air lines within cold environments.
• Protect downstream equipment from moisture-related damages.

Silica gel desiccant is crucial for controlling moisture in compressed air and gas systems. Those little clear beads you find in your packages not only keep your new shoes dry, but also keep hundreds of thousands of manufacturing plants in operation. Shop our large selection of Silica Gel Desiccant at Compressor Shop.