I was highly impressed with use of evaporator coils for drying compressed air.
I called a few HVAC contrators from yellow pages, and, unfortunately, none of them could give me anything. I would like to hear some creative ideas on where to get them.
Actually I think your idea of a automotive condenser coil is good. One out of large pickup or even a truck. Make it up with one of those and mount it in front of the pulley on the air compressor so that it moves air through it and I think you'd be in good shape. If it proves to be to small you can always go and get another one.
Wayne Cook Shamrock, TX
I will check it out... Is it rated for appropriate PSI? (say 200 PSI)
i
I've forgotten what R-12 and R-134A run at, but 'normal' pressure for an R-22 system is about 225 on the high side (condensor). So I'd say it was working in the safe range for drying air.
LLoyd
I had a freind make a air dryer for his shop , He took a small water heater took it apart cut it in half .Then he took small room dehumidifier emptyed the freon out of it and put the evaporator coils inside the tank. Then he weled it all back up recharged the dehumidifier put the insulation back around the tank .It works great it keeps the air around 35 deg. I an not sure how he emptys all the water that codensis in the bottom of the tank but i can hear it let some air out abour every hour.
There's a huge (240 cfm) Arrow air dryer on my local craigslist (Bothell, WA) -- the seller wants $400 and would probably take $250.
GWE
Easily. Pop off pressure on R-12 is generally 350 PSI. By using the condenser instead of the evaporator you're using the component made to take that pressure.
Wayne Cook Shamrock, TX
Can you enlighten me, please?
Nick
You might consider getting a radiator, car or truck, get the size you need. Find one that has pipes long enough to solder on connectors.
I had one from a failed airconditioner on my house that took me 3 yrs to get rid of. I finally hauled it to the dump. Would have made a pretty decent condenser, but for that big assed 220volt fan spinning the electric meter.
Gunner
"Pax Americana is a philosophy. Hardly an empire. Making sure other people play nice and dont kill each other (and us) off in job lots is hardly empire building, particularly when you give them self determination under "play nice" rules.
Think of it as having your older brother knock the s*it out of you for torturing the cat." Gunner
Another tank added inline works very nicely to seperate water. Doesn't cost anything to 'run'.
michael
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Ask the community — no account required