Compressed Air Refrigerant Dryer Breakdown: Causes, Fixes & Prevention
Compressed Air Refrigerant Dryer Breakdown: Causes, Fixes & Prevention
When your compressed air refrigerant dryer breaks down, production can grind to a halt. Moisture in your compressed air lines leads to corrosion, product spoilage, tool failure, and increased maintenance costs. In this blog, we’ll cover what causes refrigerant dryer breakdowns, how to fix them, and how to avoid costly downtime in the future.
What Does a Refrigerant Dryer Do?
A refrigerant dryer removes moisture from compressed air by cooling the air, condensing water vapour, and draining it off. This protects your downstream equipment and ensures your processes meet quality standards.
Common Causes of Refrigerant Dryer Breakdown
Understanding what can go wrong helps you catch small issues before they become major problems. Here are the most common causes of breakdown:
1.
Dirty or Blocked Condenser Coils
Dust and debris can build up on the condenser coils, reducing cooling efficiency and causing overheating. In many cases, poor airflow is the first sign of trouble.
2.
Refrigerant Leaks
Leaks in the refrigerant circuit reduce the system’s ability to cool, leading to ineffective drying. This is often caused by vibration, corrosion, or poorly maintained connections.
3.
Electrical Faults
Blown fuses, relay failures, or sensor malfunctions can cause dryers to shut down unexpectedly. These faults can be triggered by power surges or component wear over time.
4.
Compressor Failure
The internal refrigeration compressor can fail due to overuse, poor lubrication, or overheating. This is often a costly repair and usually indicates lack of routine servicing.
5.
Faulty Drain Valves
If the automatic drain fails, moisture builds up inside the dryer and downstream lines, defeating the purpose of the system.
How to Fix a Refrigerant Dryer That’s Broken Down
While every breakdown is different, here are the typical steps for diagnosing and repairing a refrigerant dryer:
Check for Alarm Codes: Most modern dryers display fault codes. Refer to the manual or call a service technician to interpret them.
Clean the Coils: Clear away dust and debris using compressed air or a soft brush.
Inspect Electrical Components: Replace blown fuses, damaged wires, or faulty sensors.
Check Refrigerant Levels: A qualified technician can top up the refrigerant and repair any leaks.
Test Drain Functionality: Replace or clean blocked drains to prevent moisture build-up.
🧰 Need urgent help? Contact Airmass Limited for fast dryer fault diagnosis and emergency repair across the North West.
📞 Call us now on 0151-909-5573
📧 Or email sales@airmass.co.uk
How to Prevent Dryer Breakdowns
Regular maintenance is the key to long dryer life and uninterrupted operation. We recommend:
Quarterly cleaning of condenser coils and fans
Annual refrigerant leak tests
Monthly checks on drains and filters
Electrical inspections to catch early faults
Full service every 12 months (or as recommended by the manufacturer)
Why Choose Airmass Limited?
At Airmass, we specialise in compressed air systems and refrigerant dryer servicing across the North West. Whether you’re dealing with frequent faults or a total dryer failure, we offer:
Fast on-site diagnosis and repair
Replacement dryers from leading brands
Scheduled servicing plans to prevent future issues
Friendly, expert advice from engineers who know your system inside out
Need Help Today?
If your dryer has broken down or you’re seeing signs of moisture in your air lines, don’t wait. Unfiltered moisture can quickly damage your entire system.
📞 Call Airmass on 0151-909-5573
📧 Email us at sales@airmass.co.uk
📍 Serving industrial and commercial sites across the North West