NH - SERIES

REFRIGERATION AIR DRYERS

OPERATION MANUAL

Professional Purification In
Compressed Air
1. INTRODUCTION
The main function of the refrigeration compressed air dryer is to remove the water/moisture
content in compressed air. In the drying process, firstly the compressed air temperature is bring
down to 2-10°C by a chiller, so that the moisture will condense and become liquid, then the liquid
will be separated out from the compressed air by a liquid separator and finally the liquid will be drain
out from the system via automatic drain valve. At normal condition, after the drying process, the
remain water content in the compressed air will be around 1.47~0.59g/m³, remove 81~93% water
content out from the compressed air. User may select suitable dryer model and install additional
filter base on the actual requirement.

This manual will guide you through on how to operate and maintain the dryer correctly so that
the required outlet air quality (dryness) is obtained, having minimum trouble and prolong the dryer
life span. To ensure continuing good performance and safe operation, everyone who installs, uses
or maintains the dryer must read and carefully follow the instructions in this manual.

CAUTION!!!
PLEASE FOLLOW THE BELOW RULES TO PREVENT DRYER
DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY.

a) Do not operate the dryer at pressures or temperatures above the maximum conditions shown on
data plate.
b) Before doing any work or dismantling the dryer, make sure there is no internal pressure in the
dryer.
c) Always supply electrical power that complies with the voltage shown on the data plate.
d) Before doing any work on the dryer, be sure the electrical supply has been cutoff or isolated.
e) Be sure all the factory safety regulations are followed when doing any work on the dryer

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Warranty failure if not to follow the operating and maintenance
instructions in this manual.

2. DIAGRAM

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Item name number Item name number
1 Riveting nut M8 2 29 Brass Ф12 1
2 The knurled screw bolt 2 30 Copper elbow Ф10 2
3 Cooling plate 1 31 CapillaryⅡФ3(hard) 1
4 Bottom plate 1 32 Brass Ф10 1
5 Self tapping screw ST4.2×13 20 33 Dry filter 1
6 A left side plate 1 34 Condenser 1
7 The top plate 1 35 Fan motor Ф300 1
8 Panel 1 36 Outside the wire G1/2" 1
9 Switch label 1 37 Beam section G1/2" 1
10 Rocker switch 1 38 Electronic drain valve 1
11 Pressure table label 1 39 Quick connector G1/2"-Ф6 1
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 Refrigerant pressure
12 1 40 PU tube Ф6 2
gauge(color)
Quick connector M10×1-Ф
13 Pipe copper flare nut 2 41 1
6(inside)
14 Brass hat 2 42 Ejector switch 1
15 Refrigerant pressure gauge 1 43 Pressure switch 1
Framework of pressure
16 Quick connector G7/16"-Ф6 1 44 1
controller
17 The back plate 1 45 Compressor 1
18 Evaporator support 4 46 Bolt M8×80 3
19 A right side plate 1 47 Flat pad φ8 3
20 Bolt M10×30 8 48 Spring pad φ8 3
21 Flat pad φ10 8 49 Capacitance 2μf 1
22 Spring pad φ10 8 50 Wiring terminal 15 A 4 digit 1
23 Drainage device of plate 1 51 Circuit breaker 1
24 Evaporator 1 52 Capacitance clamp 1
Quick connector M10×1-Ф
25 1 53 Capacitance 35μf 1
6(outside)
26 Nut M10 4 54 Wearing coils Ф15 2
27 CapillaryⅠФ3(soft) 1 55 Electrical control box 1
28 Copper tee Ф12 2

2.1 COMPRESSED AIR FLOW

Hot saturated compressed air enters the after-cooler where it is cooled by fan cooling air flow
and air to air heat exchanger where it is cooled by outgoing cold air. With the above pre-cooling
step condenses most of the water vapor contained in the system. The inlet compressed air is
further cooled down to 2-10°C in the refrigeration chiller. At this stage most of the water content in
the compressed air will condense and is removed from the air stream by a centrifugal separator,
and finally drain out from the dryer via automatic drain valve. The cold and dry air is reheated by
incoming warm air as it passes back through the air to air heat exchanger. The reheating can
prevent the air outlet piping from sweating and corrosion as well as save energy.

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2.2 REFRIGERATION FLOW

Refrigerant will be compressed by the refrigerant compressor to become high pressure and
high temperature refrigerant gas. The high pressure and high temperature gas is then cooled down
and condenses by a condenser and become high pressure liquid. This high pressure liquid
refrigerant will then flow through a filter/dryer to the expansion device. The main function of the filter
dryer is to remove the particles and water content from the liquid refrigerant. After the expansion
device, the high pressure liquid refrigerant will become low pressure and low temperature
refrigerant gas and enter the evaporator. Evaporator is the place where very cool refrigerant gas
absorbs heat and cool down the compressed air. At last, the refrigerant will flow back and
compressed again by the refrigerant compressor.

3. INSTALLATION
3.1 LOCATION AND CLEARANCE
1. Install the dryer in a clean, well-ventilated area to reduce fouling of the condenser coils with
dirt and dust. Call your local distributor for the dryer installation at ambient temperature
under 40°C.
2. Mount the dryer on a level base and allow at least 70cm clearance for cooling air flow and
for maintenance access.
3. Do not install the dryer at outdoors or wet and dusty or highly corrosive location.
4. Allow clearance at least as indicated in the below drawing for cooling air flow and for
maintenance access.
5. Mount the dryer on a level base to prevent water separation / draining problem.
6. Do not place anything on the back of the dryer which will block the cooling air flow and
affect the cooling effectiveness.

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TOP VIEW

SIDE VIEW

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3.2 PIPING AND CONNECTIONS
1. It is recommended to install the dryer after the air compressor after-cooler or after the air
receiver/storage tank. Make sure the inlet and outlet connections are at correct direction.
2. To minimize pressure drop in the air system, piping should be at least the size of the inlet
and outlet connections and avoid unnecessary bends and pipe length. If the air compressor
vibration is too high, high pressure flexible hose is recommended.
3. Inlet and outlet isolation valves and a bypass valve are recommended for safety and
convenience during maintenance and repair.
4. Install a pre-filter（Grade V）at upstream of the dryer to remove oils, liquids, particulates, and
other contaminants.
5. Install an after-filter（Grade Z or X）at downstream of the dryer to remove oil mist.
6. Compressed air drain equipped with a manual ball valve. It can be adjusting the rate but
cannot fully close.
7. Using Ø 6~8 nylon hose for compressed air drain. Regards to the pressure, the hose
should be firmly fixed. Please do not combine and connect the 2 hoses.（Fig. 1）

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 It is recommended to have standby dryer if air dryness is critical needed .

3.3 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS

1. Provide dedicated power supply with safety protection (fuse, etc.) for the dryer itself. For power
supply specification, please refer to the dryer name plate.
2. Installation shall be carried-out by a competent electrician or electrical engineer. Earth
connection is a must.
3. Power cable requirement is depend on the maximum current and the length of the cable.
4. Do not share power breaker with other machine / equipment.
5. Earth connection must be connected properly.
6. The handling capacity of less than 15 dryer using of single phase 220v power. Others using
of 3-phase 380v power.
7. It is recommended to install an additional interlock, so that after the dryer on for 3 minutes then
only the air compressor will start.

4. OPERATING PROCEDURE

Before turn on the dryer, please make sure everything is satisfy and according to
the name plate and this instruction manual. For example, power supply, voltage,
ambient temperature, condenser coil, automatic drain system, etc. The

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 temperature shown on the refrigerant suction pressure gauge should tally with the
surrounding temperature.

Important check point after switch on the dryer：

a. Is the running current normal?

b. Is the fan motor running normal?

c. Is the compressed air inlet flow, pressure and temperature normal?

d. Is the refrigerant discharge pressure normal?

e. Refrigerant suction pressure, R22：50-90 Psig / R134a：25-60 Psig

f. Is dryer outlet temperature at 10-30℃?

g. After the dryer running for 30 minutes, check is the automatic drain functioning well.

Attention!
a. Avoid running under unload condition for more than 24 hours.

b. Do not take off the dryer body casing to avoid affect to the cooling air flow and result a

trip.

c. After turn off the dryer, wait for at least 3 minutes then only turn the dryer on again to

avoid refrigerant compressor trip.

d. Let the dryer for 3 minutes first before put the dryer on load, this is to make sure the dew

point is good and stable.

5. MAINTENANCE
1. Check the automatic drain everyday. Clean it if blocked.

2. Check the condenser coil filter/screen. Clean it if dirty.

3. Make sure good ventilation all the time.

4. Make sure the dryer inlet temperature never exceed the design temperature.
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 5. Before switch on the dryer make sure the temperature shown on the refrigerant suction

pressure gauge should tally with the surrounding temperature.

6. After maintenance, services, inspection, and so on, don’t forget the install back the cooling

plate to avoid refrigerant compressor trip.

Condenser Maintenance

6. TYPE AND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Flow
Air Power Freon Dimension Approx
Model Capacity Electrical
Connections (Kw) Gas (L×W×H)mm Weight
(Nm³/min)

NH-0.5 0.7 G1/2” 0.7 580×400×570 53

NH-1 1.2 G1/2” 0.7 690×440×570 58

NH-1.6 1.6 G1” 0.9 R22/R40 790×440×700 68

NH-2 2.6 G1” 0.9 7C/R134 220/1/50Hz 790×440×700 70

NH-3 3.8 G1” 1.3 A 790×440×700 80

NH-4 4.5 G1” 1.3 790×440×700 83

NH-6 6.8 G1 1/2” 1.4 1126×528×971 180

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NH-8 8.5 G1 1/2” 1.4 1126×528×971 190

NH-10 11 G2” 2 1126×632×1050 220

NH-13 13.6 G2” 2.6 1126×632×1050 230

NH-15 17 G2” 2.6 1126×632×1050 240

7. TROUBLE SHOOTING

SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION

Main protected switch breakdown Check electrical wires

（A）
Refrigeration system Be sure that voltage is within ±5%
Incorrect voltage
not function properly as marked on nameplate

Faulty wiring, loose terminals Check for electrical connections

Faulty power switch, magnetic

Renew
switch or fuse
Faulty over relay or high pressure
Renew or reset
trip switch.

Faulty compressor Renew

Faulty pressure switch Renew

Faulty fan motor Renew

Faulty capacitor Renew

At least 3-minute interval between

Continue to switch on/off
each start-up

Excessive air flow Dryer over-loaded. Check flow rate

High inlet or ambient temperature Add after-cooler. Improve ventilation

Condenser or cooler fins clogged Clean

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 Un-proper cooling water or water Check cooling water or clean
cooled condenser clogged condenser
Refrigerant leak or Refrigerant lines
Contact factory
clogged

SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION

（B）
Air by-pass valve is open Close the valve tightly
Water downstream
of dryer Inlet and outlet connections are
Check for correct connection
reversed
Residual moisture remaining in
Blow out system with dry air
downstream pipelines

Excessive air flow Check flow rate

High inlet temperature Add after-cooler

High ambient temperature Improve ventilation

Incorrect air inlet pressure Check inlet pressure

Faulty drain valves Renew

Drain clogged Clean or renew

Drain pipes are higher than drain Lower the drain pipes

Dryer is not in horizontal position Install dryer horizontally

（C） Not fully open the valves of pipe

Open all the valves
High pressure drop lines
across dryer
Smaller pipe connection Enlarge pipe connection

Long pipe lines, too many turns and

Redesign pipe arrangement
joints

Filter is clogged Clean or renew

Too many leaks at joints of pipe

Check the turns and joints
lines

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 Excessive air flow Check air flow

Freezing of moisture in evaporator

due to refrigeration system See symptom（A）
improperly functioning

SYMTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION

（D）
Breakdown after Faulty pressure switch Renew
operation
Faulty fan motor Renew

Faulty over relay Renew

Faulty start relay Renew

Faulty capacitor Renew

Continue to switch ON/OFF 3 minutes minimum internal

Excessive air flow Check flow rate

High inlet or ambient temperature Add after-cooler. Improve ventilation

Condenser or cooler fins clogged Clean

High cooling water temperature Check cooling water

Faulty water regulator Renew

Incorrect cooling water system

Consult factory
（piping arrangement）

Faulty compressor Renew

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