Heat-exchange dryer apparatus, system and method

• Main Authors: Howell David W, Hoffman Fred W
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 04.10.2016
• Subjects: ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OFVEHICLES; SEPARATION; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS; TRANSPORTING; VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES; VEHICLES IN GENERAL

Various embodiments of a heat-exchange dryer apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, a heat-exchange dryer apparatus includes a desiccant cartridge comprising desiccant material, a purge-air reservoir secured to the desiccant cartridge, and a compressed-air conduit disposed inside the purge-air reservoir. In another embodiment, a vehicle air-brake system includes an air compressor, a desiccant cartridge comprising desiccant material, and a heat exchange dryer apparatus disposed between the compressor and the desiccant. The temperature of the compressed air is decreased while the temperature of the purge air is increased and the desiccant adsorbs a greater amount of contaminants form the compressed air for improved drying.