Membrane Dryers

Membrane dryers take a different approach to drying compressed air entirely. Rather than using refrigeration or desiccant material, they rely on a simple physical process, passing air through a bundle of hollow fibres that allow water vapour to diffuse out through the membrane walls, leaving dry air behind.

  • No moving parts, reducing wear and maintenance requirements
  • Silent operation
  • Compact footprint, ideal where space is limited

Everything you need to know
about Membrane Dryers

Membrane dryers are best suited to lower flow rates, and become less efficient as an option for larger installations. For high-volume applications, a refrigerant or desiccant dryer is likely to be a more practical solution.

Where simplicity, silence, and a compact footprint matter more than high flow capacity, membrane dryers offer a genuinely low-maintenance solution. ADT can advise whether membrane drying is the right fit for your application, or whether an alternative technology would better suit your requirements.


Features

  • No moving parts, reducing wear and maintenance requirements
  • Silent operation
  • Compact footprint, ideal where space is limited

Typical Applications

  • Medical equipment
  • Laboratories
  • Remote installations

How it Works

  1. Compressed air is passed through a bundle of hollow fibre membranes
  2. Water vapour diffuses through the walls of the membrane and is vented away
  3. Dry air continues through the membrane and on to the application

Dry Air Outlet
Supplies low PDP compressed air

Purge Exhaust Ports

Air Inlet Port

Sweep Tube

Lower Potting Plug

Hollowfibre Bundle

Calibrated Purge Nozzle

Compressor

Role
Compresses atmospheric air to the required pressure. Heat of compression increases the air temperature and the moisture content.

Key Points

  • First stage of the system
  • Efficiency affects energy cost
  • Generates heat and moisture

Aftercooler

Role
Cools the hot, compressed air to near ambient temperature, causing much of the moisture to condense into liquid.


Key Points

  • Removes the heat from the system
  • Improves efficiency
  • Protects downstream equipment

Water Separator

Role
Separates and removes bulk liquid water (condensate) from the compressed air.

Key Points

  • Protects filters and dryers from water overload
  • Automatic drain removes collected condensate
  • Essential for system reliability.

Pre filter (Coalescing)

Role
Removes oil aerosols, water droplets and solid particles before the air enters the dryer.


Key Points

  • Prevents contamination and protects dryer
  • Coalescing media joins tiny droplets into larger ones for effective removal
  • Typical filtration down to 0.01 micron

Air Dryer

Role
Removes moisture vapor from the compressed air by cooling (refrigerated) or adsorption (desiccant) to achieve the required pressure dew point.


Key Points

  • Determines how “dry” the air is
  • Protects against corrosion, freezing and product contamination
  • Choose type based on required dew point

After Filter

Role
Removes fine particles and any desiccant dust carried over from the dryer to protect your application.


Key Points

  • Ensures clean, dry air reaches critical equipment
  • Typical filtration down to 0.01 micron or better
  • Mandatory after desiccant dryers

Activated Carbon Filter

Role
Removes oil vapor, hydrocarbons and odours to deliver high-purity air for sensitive applications.


Key Points

  • Uses activated carbon media to adsorb vapors
  • Essential for food, beverage, pharma, paint and breathing air applications
  • Replace media regularly

Air Receiver / Distribution

Role
Stores treated air, stabilises pressure and supplies clean, dry air to the plant distribution network.


Key Points

  • Provides buffer for demand fluctuations
  • Helps remove any final moisture before use
  • Pressure gauge shows system pressure

The right filtration and drying shows measurable returns across the whole facility.

– Air loss

20-30%

Reduction in total air loss when leaks are properly sealed and repaired.

– ENERGY SAVINGS

~7%

Energy savings per bar of pressure drop recovered when filters are clean & dryers cleared

– ELECTRICITY REDUCTION

10-15%

Electricity reduction as compressed air accounts for up to 30% of a facility’s total electricity bill

– INCREASED LIFESPAN

20-30%

Increase in the lifespan of pneumatic tools. Clean, dry air prevents this internal wear and tear.

All statistics have been researched and reported within reputable industry reports.

OUR Accreditations

We provide complete sales and service support on all types of compressed air and gas treatment equipment. Our primary function is on‑site servicing of desiccant and refrigerant dryers, filtration and condensate management.

This includes

  • Total Care Contracts
  • Maintenance Contracts
  • Call‑out servicing
  • Trouble‑shooting service
  • Operational advisory service
  • Air Quality Testing

Whether you’re managing planned system maintenance, expanding temporary capacity, or facing an emergency breakdown, ADT provides short- and long-term rental units designed for immediate deployment.

ADT provide attractive finance deals to give you different options to pay for your equipment, including hire purchase and fixed-term rental options.

OUR CLIENTS

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