WILKERSON
OPERATIONS
Page 7
The Compressed Air Circuit
Hot, saturated, compressed air first enters the air-to-air heat
exchanger “A”, where it is precooled by the exiting dry outlet
air. By precooling the incoming air, energy is saved by
reducing the heat load imposed on the refrigeration system.
As soon as the incoming air comes in contact with the cooler
air, condensation begins.
The saturated air then enters the evaporator (section “B”)
where the air temperature is reduced to 35°F to 39°F
(1.6° to 3.8°C). The water vapor is condensed and drained
off. The cold air then flows through the separator “C” where,
by gravity and vortex action the condensed water and
contaminants are collected in a “quiet zone” at the bottom of
the separator and are discharged through an automatic drain
valve. Our unique and highly efficient separator design
combines centrifugal action, directional flow change,
impingement, and velocity reduction to achieve superior
performance.
The dry chilled air then reenters the air-to-air exchanger
where it precools the incoming air and in turn is reheated.
Reheating of the air does not affect its dew point. The chilled
air flows in a counter flow thereby assuring high temperature
differential throughout the heat exchanger. The reheating
of the air prevents moisture condensation on the air
system piping.
AIR TO AIR AND EVAPORATOR
FLOW SCHEMATIC
REFRIGERANT IN
REFRIGERANT OUT
X17 Drain
Air Outlet
Air Inlet
EVAPORATOR
“B”
AIR TO AIR HEAT EXCHANGER
“A”
WATER
SEPARATOR
“C”
REFRIGERATION
EVAPORATOR
COIL
