Latest Atlas Copco Class 2 Dryers Deliver Compliance Without the Cost

Atlas Copco’s latest expansion of its rotary drum dryer range introduces new options for industries needing reliable, energy-efficient air treatment solutions that meet ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 2 air quality standards. The MDG, iMDG, and XDG series of dryers guarantee -40°C pressure dew points with minimal energy input, ensuring compliance without the high operational costs typically associated with such strict air quality requirements.

“Our dryers meet the demanding -40°C air quality standard with minimal energy input, allowing industries to comply with ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 2 requirements at a fraction of the cost,” said Michael Pingram, Product Specialist at Atlas Copco. “The addition of the MDG 450 air-cooled dryer along with the MDG1050 and MDG2100 water-cooled models expands our offering and provides greater flexibility to meet specific operational needs.”

The heat-of-compression technology used in Atlas Copco's MDG, iMDG, and XDG dryers regenerates the adsorptive desiccant material by using the waste heat generated by the compression process from the compressor. The compressed air used for regeneration is then pushed back in to the discharge compressed air stream, ensuring there are no losses or wastage of energy, eliminating the need for additional energy-consuming components like external heaters and blowers, or parasitic compressed air losses. This method ensures that moisture is effectively removed from the air stream while reducing energy consumption by up to 90%, resulting in a significant reduction in operational costs. This innovative approach not only ensures that compressed air meets the required -40°C pressure dew point but also reduces environmental impact, offering a more sustainable solution compared to traditional drying technologies.

Atlas Copco’s dryers are specifically designed to meet ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 2 standards, which are critical for industries like food production, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, where even small amounts of moisture in compressed air can lead to contamination, spoilage, and equipment damage.

The MDG 450 air-cooled dryer along with the MDG1050 and MDG 2100 water-cooled models are the newest additions to the Class 2 dryer range, offering industries even more flexibility. These dryers are designed to deliver the same guaranteed -40°C air quality, while the MDG 450 air-cooled dryer eliminates the need for a water-cooling system, ideal for environments where water is a limited resource. The MDG 2100 water-cooled model, on the other hand, caters to industries requiring larger flow capacities while maintaining energy efficiency.

Cost-Effective Air Treatment: The Advantage of Oil-Free Compressors paired with Rotary Drum Dryer Technology

Atlas Copco’s heat-of-compression dryers offer significant energy savings over traditional systems that rely on external heaters and blowers. Unlike conventional dryers, which are often paired with oil-injected compressors, Atlas Copco’s MDG, iMDG, and XDG series can be used with oil-free compressors, providing businesses with improved air quality and even lower operational costs.

A case study with a leading supplier of cooked meat products illustrates the benefits of this approach. Initially, the company considered using an oil-injected compressor with external filtration and a stand-alone desiccant dryer to meet ISO 8573-1 compressed air quality standards after being advised by their current supplier it was the best way forward. However, after consulting with Atlas Copco and conducting an AIRscan audit, they opted for an Atlas Copco oil-free compressor with an integrated heat-of-compression dryer. This switch resulted in significant savings in maintenance, energy consumption, and the elimination of oil changes and filtration costs. The return on investment for the oil-free system was calculated at under three years, while also ensuring the company’s operations were free from the risk of product contamination.

To help businesses select the right dryer for their specific needs, Atlas Copco offers the ISO-Air-Purity-Class-App. This user-friendly tool helps customers choose the most suitable dryer based on factors like pressure dew point and flow capacity, ensuring they meet ISO 8573-1:2010 standards without overpaying for unnecessary features.

For more information about Atlas Copco’s Class 2 dryers, visit.