Compressed air treatment
Atlas Copco Refrigerant Dryers
Moisture in your airline causes problems across a compressed air system — rust and corrosion in the receiver, blocked drains, excessive tool wear, and spoiled spray finishes in painting applications.
The solution is an Atlas Copco refrigerant dryer: a cost-effective, reliable air dryer that removes the majority of water vapour and prevents condensation, achieving a stable pressure dew point (PDP) down to +3°C.
+3°C
stable pressure dew point
Class 4
ISO 8573-1:2010 air quality
3-60 mo
finance options
7 yr
Guardian warranty
How it works
How Does a Refrigerant Air Dryer Work?
A refrigerant dryer works on a simple, proven principle, much like a household refrigerator, delivering clean dry air in three steps.
1. Chilling
Hot, wet compressed air first passes through an air-to-air heat exchanger that pre-cools it, then an air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger rapidly chills it, forcing the water vapour to condense into a liquid.
2. Separation
The liquid moisture is removed from the air stream by an integrated water separator and automatically evacuated by a drain.
3. Re-heating
The cold, dry air travels back through the air-to-air heat exchanger and is reheated before exiting, preventing condensation forming on your downstream pipework.
Air quality
Understanding Pressure Dew Point (PDP)
The pressure dew point is the temperature at which compressed air is 100% saturated with moisture and condensation begins to form.
A refrigerant dryer delivering a PDP of +3°C, like the Atlas Copco FX and FD range, guarantees no liquid water will form in your system as long as the ambient temperature stays above 3°C. This meets the ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 4 standard, ideal for the vast majority of industrial and manufacturing processes.
Why choose us
The Lowest Total Cost of Ownership
You will likely keep your new air dryer for at least 10 years, and around 80% of your total cost of ownership over that period is electrical energy.
Atlas Copco refrigerant dryers are extremely efficient and designed to minimise energy consumption, typically offering the lowest total cost of ownership once you factor in purchase price, running costs and maintenance. That focus on efficiency cuts your energy costs and delivers a rapid return on investment.
Buying with Design Air
Flexible Finance and a Long Warranty
Finance options
We can be flexible to meet your payment requirements. A new Atlas Copco dryer is a long-term investment, so we can finance it over 3-60 months. Rather than waiting for a return, you save immediately — we can show that your monthly payments are lower than the energy savings the new dryer delivers.
7 Year Guardian Warranty
As official Atlas Copco distributors, agreeing a Guardian Service Plan with us means your new refrigerant dryer comes with a 7-year warranty. If it ever fails to run reliably and efficiently, you will not pay a penny for the repair.
The range
Our Range of Atlas Copco Refrigerant Dryers
From standard-efficiency units to premium variable-speed models, matched to your flow rate and energy budget.
Atlas Copco FX Series (Standard Dryers)
- 14 – 2,374 cfm
- 13 – 16 bar(g)
- +3°C PDP
Reliable, cost-effective drying for everyday industrial air. A compact, plug-and-play solution for general workshop and manufacturing use.
Key details
- Max capacity: 14 – 2,374 cfm
- Max pressure: 13 – 16 bar(g)
- Pressure dew point: +3°C
Atlas Copco FD & FD VSD+ (Premium Efficiency)
- 13 – 8,480 cfm
- 13 – 16 bar(g)
- +3°C PDP
Premium-efficiency dryers, including variable-speed drive models that match energy use to demand for the lowest possible running costs on larger installations.
Key details
- Max capacity: 13 – 8,480 cfm
- Max pressure: 13 – 16 bar(g)
- Pressure dew point: +3°C
Free quote
Size the right dryer for your system
Tell us your flow rate and pressure and we will specify the correct Atlas Copco refrigerant dryer and show you the energy savings.
FAQs
Refrigerant Dryer FAQs
What’s the difference between a refrigerant and a desiccant dryer?
What are the UK F-Gas Regulations for air dryers?
What maintenance does my air dryer need?
Refrigerant dryers are highly reliable but need simple, regular maintenance. The key tasks, all part of our Guardian Service Plan, include:
- Weekly: checking the condensate drain is discharging water and not blocked.
- Monthly: cleaning the condenser fins for unrestricted airflow and efficient cooling.
- Annually: replacing the pre-filter element to protect the heat exchangers from oil and dust.
Talk to Design Air
Ready to dry your compressed air?
Tell us your flow and pressure and we will specify the right Atlas Copco refrigerant dryer, quote it and show your return on investment.