In industrial settings where compressed air is used as a power source, it is imperative to dry the air before circulating or using it.
Freshly compressed air is full of condensates that, when introduced into a system, can cause corrosion of pipes, valves, tools, and a wide range of other issues.
For many in the industrial sector where compressed air is used, desiccant compressed air dryers are used to remove moisture from the air before it is utilized.
Some of these systems use calcium chloride desiccants in their compressed air dryers. But why calcium chloride, and what makes it a viable choice?
What Is Calcium Chloride and How Is It Produced
Calcium chloride, CaCl2, is an inorganic solid compound that manifests as a white crystalline material under normal conditions. It may also appear as a powdery or flaky white substance.
Calcium chloride is chiefly produced by introducing limestone to a solution of hydrochloric acid, which produces CaCl2 as a byproduct of the reaction. It can also be extracted from purified brine and salt water.
Calcium Chloride Desiccant’sRemarkably Absorptive Capacity
This chemical formula also possesses some unique traits that make it a highly effective desiccant that is both deliquescent and hygroscopic. This means it is very effective at absorbing moisture from the air, so effective, in fact, that it will continue to absorb moisture until it has dissolved into a liquid brine.
It is used chiefly because its absorption capacity is so high. Desiccant formulas containing calcium chloride can typically absorb several times their own weight in water before they need to be replaced.
That is another thing that makes calcium chloride a viable deliquescent desiccant. Once it has reached its capacity and has become an aqueous brine, it can generally be easily disposed of. Typically the solution can be disposed of with normal waste discharge.
Calcium chloride desiccants are produced in a range of concentrations. The higher the concentration of calcium chloride in the desiccant formula, the more pronounced will be its propensity to absorb water from the air.
Calcium chloride is also a popular desiccant because it is considered an environmentally friendly option and can be sustainably produced and used. This extends beyond the costs of using calcium chloride itself.
Due to its efficiency as a desiccant, when used economically, the net result may be a lower usage of transport fuel and packaging, which makes it a more sustainable option as well.
Where Can You Learn More and Find High-Quality Desiccants?
Are you interested in learning more about the comparative advantages of different desiccant compounds for use with compressed air dehydration systems? Looking for affordable prices on quality alumina, aluminum oxide, and silica gel desiccants? Visit Air and Vacuum Process, Inc., to accomplish both objectives.
Air and Vacuum Process, Inc. carries a wide range of high-quality desiccants from Van Air Systems, which has been in business for nearly 100 years and produces some of the highest-quality compressed air systems and treatments in the industry.
Air and Vacuum Process, Inc., carries sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and lithium chloride desiccants from Van Air Systems in addition to activated alumina, aluminum oxide, silica gel, and molecular sieve desiccants.
Just like calcium chloride desiccants, each of these different types of compressed air dryer desiccants possesses unique properties and traits that make them affordable and effective for dehydrating either compressed air or natural gas.
To learn more about any of these types of compressed air desiccants, visit Air and Vacuum Process, Inc.’s website at AirVacuumProcess.com. You can also directly contact their customer service representatives by calling them at 866-660-0208 if you have any questions about the economic viability or efficiency of particular deliquescent desiccants.
