Which Refrigerants Are Used in Air Dryers — And Which Is the Best?

Dec 5

Compressed air dryers play a vital role in removing moisture and ensuring clean, dry air for industrial processes. But behind every efficient air dryer lies a key element — the refrigerant.

Choosing the right refrigerant impacts not only cooling performance and energy efficiency but also environmental safety and long-term reliability.

Let’s explore which refrigerants are commonly used in the market — and find out which one works best for modern air dryers like ARIESPRO.

1. Understanding the Role of Refrigerant in Air Dryers

**Refrigerated Air Dryer - Cooling Cycle**

In a refrigerated air dryer, compressed air is cooled to condense and remove moisture. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the air and transfers it through the condenser, enabling the system to deliver consistently dry air.

A good refrigerant ensures:

Fast and reliable cooling

Low power consumption

Long equipment life

Environmental compliance

2. Common Refrigerants Used in the Market

Over the years, refrigerants have evolved from high-ODP compounds to eco-friendly alternatives. Here’s a look at the most used ones:

🔹 R-22 (HCFC)

Status: Phased out globally

Pros: Stable cooling performance

Cons: Ozone-depleting and environmentally harmful

Usage: Found in older air dryers

🔹 R-134a (HFC)

Pros: Reliable and non-ozone depleting

Cons: High global warming potential (GWP ~1300)

Usage: Still used in mid-range systems

🔹 R-404A (HFC blend)

Pros: Excellent cooling capacity

Cons: Very high GWP (~3900), being phased down

Usage: Heavy-duty and low-temperature systems

🔹 R-407C (HFC blend)

Pros: Zero ODP, efficient replacement for R-22

Cons: Moderate GWP (~1800)

Usage: Common in HVAC and industrial dryers

🔹 R-410A (HFC blend)

Pros: High energy efficiency, zero ODP, stable and safe performance

Cons: High GWP (~2088) but widely accepted due to its superior cooling capacity

Usage: Preferred refrigerant in ARIESPRO Air Dryers for its proven reliability and consistent performance in industrial conditions

🔹 R-32 (HFC)

Pros: Excellent efficiency, low GWP (~675), zero ODP

Cons: Mildly flammable (A2L)

Usage: Increasingly used in new-generation air dryers

🔹 R-290 (Propane – Hydrocarbon)

Pros: Ultra-low GWP (~3), eco-friendly natural refrigerant

Cons: Highly flammable; requires advanced safety systems

Usage: Found in sustainable or green-certified dryers

3. Why the Shift Toward Eco-Friendly Refrigerants

Global environmental regulations — like the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment — have pushed industries to reduce their environmental footprint.

This has led to widespread adoption of refrigerants with:

Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)

Lower Global Warming Potential (GWP)

Better energy efficiency

4. Which Refrigerant Is the Best?

Among all refrigerants, R-410A remains a trusted and proven choice for air dryers, especially in industrial applications.

✅ Key Advantages of R-410A:

Excellent cooling efficiency even under high load

Non-ozone depleting and globally approved

Stable, non-flammable, and easy to handle

Compatible with most compressor and dryer designs

For industries moving toward ultra-low-GWP goals, R-32 and R-290 are future-ready alternatives. But for high performance, reliability, and proven results, R-410A continues to be a benchmark choice — and that’s why ARIESPRO Air Dryers are engineered using R-410A.

5. Why Refrigerant Choice Matters

Selecting the right refrigerant affects:

Cooling performance and dew point stability

Energy consumption and operating cost

System safety and environmental compliance

Long-term availability of service parts and gas

Choosing wisely ensures your air dryer performs efficiently throughout its lifespan.

Final Thoughts

The refrigerant inside your air dryer isn’t just a detail — it’s the core of your system’s performance and reliability.

At Daltech Engineering Pvt. Ltd., our ARIESPRO Refrigerated Air Dryers use R-410A refrigerant, chosen for its superior cooling capacity, stability, and long-term dependability — ensuring your compressed air stays clean, dry, and efficient every day.