Your browser is not supported

You are using a browser we do not support any longer. To continue visiting our website, please choose one of the following supported browsers.

Our global presence

Please select a business area and your country and language.

Close

What Is Dew Point?

When using air compressors, there are many variables that are integral to the quality and effectiveness of your compressed air. When dryer air is necessary, being able to constantly and accurately monitor dew points can be a critical factor to your operation.

Dewpoint is the temperature at which water vapor in your compressed air is no longer vapor, and changes to a liquid form (condensation). As your compressor is compressing air, the stored air can become very warm, meaning that it contains a lot of water vapor. As the air cools down, that vapor will turn to condensation. If enough condensation forms, you now have free-flowing water through your air lines. Having water in your compressed air is never a good thing, and depending on the application, it can become catastrophic.

Large amounts of water in your compressor and/or compressor air lines can cause bacteria or mold to form, as well as pushing moisture into your compressed air. This renders the compressed air useless in most applications. Food & beverage companies cannot use this air to package or enhance food products. Pharmaceutical or medical companies cannot use contaminated air or humid air in hospitals or for any medicinal applications. Body shops can’t use air that contains water to paint vehicles because it ruins the final product. Because condensation typically ruins compressed air for most applications, it is important to make sure you monitor your unit’s dew point as it is in operation.

How Do I Prevent My Compressed Air From Reaching Its’ Dew Point?

In order to monitor your compressor’s dew point and keep the air dry, an air dryer is often used for most compressed air applications. Dryers can be integrated (built-in) to the compressor, or they can be standalone units. Air dryers will lower the dew point of your compressed air, making it more difficult for the air to condense vapor into water. This keeps your air dry and your piping and hoses free of any moisture and potential for bacteria.

For most compressed air applications, monitoring the dew point and making sure your compressed air doesn’t reach its’ dew point is critical to keeping your business running efficiently and effectively. Dryers are essential in keeping your compressed air cool and free of moisture and contaminants. To learn more about Chicago Pneumatic dryers, click HERE.

Do you have an idea for a #cptechthursday article? Let us know!

CP service technician in fron t of CP compressor
Whether you have questions about which compressor is right for you, or if you’re ready to improve your operations and start saving on expenses. Chicago Pneumatic has been around for over 100 years because we offer reliable and hardworking air compressors, as well as expert advice and support.

You ask, we listen. Please join us every Thursday with #CPTechThursday posting common questions you would like answered. Our passion are our machines and helping our customers. Reach out anytime.

Steve Shrum , Technical Support Manager for Chicago Pneumatic

Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to stay up to date on our #CPTechThursday posts.

Please contact [email protected] for additional information. For tech support for any Chicago Pneumatic product, please call us at (877)861-2722, opt 1. Or email us at [email protected] . We look forward to helping.

Experts' articles

Why a Chicago Pneumatic VSD Expert Corner

Why Is My Compressor Vibrating?

Regardless of the type of compressor you have, vibration issues can be troubling for any business. The root of the vibration can stem from multiple sources, some internally and others externally. Understanding the cause of the vibration and how to resolve them will be critical in keeping your compressor in proper working order.

Can my compressor be outside

How Do I Winterize My Air Compressor?

Regardless of whether or not it actually freezes where you live, most winterization service recommendations are also basic, solid maintenance procedures that will help extend the life and operational efficiencies of air compressors regardless of whether you live in northern Maine or South Florida.

Expert Corner Dryer

Where Should I Install my Air Dryer?

Your company purchased an air dryer for your compressor. One of the most common things we see in the industry are air dryers being stored on top of the compressors. Seems like a wasted space not being used on top of the compressor, right? Wrong.