Membrane dryers

Pneumatech PMD 1-7

Pneumatech PMD dryers with pre-filters remove oil- and moisture-contaminated particles from compressed air even under the most demanding conditions, ensuring the lowest possible energy consumption at two different dew point levels. Thanks to advanced fiber technology, PMD dryers offer the lowest pressure drop and minimal purge air consumption, increasing efficiency and saving you time and money.

From small spaces to environments with fluctuating temperatures, PMD dryers can operate reliably in a wide range of tough and critical conditions. PMD dryers are available with different membrane types, allowing you to choose exactly the air treatment and dew point your production needs. Thanks to their innovative design, PMD dryers deliver air quality that improves the reliability and energy efficiency of your production.

 

Hollow Fiber Technology

State-of-the-art compressed air dryer technology for achieving the required pressure dew point: thousands of hollow fibers with a special internal surface ensure highly efficient performance. The internal coating ensures effective separation of water vapor and gas molecules in the compressed air. The result is reliable operation and exceptionally low pressure drop — all thanks to membrane dryer technology.

 

 

 

PMD N series technical specifications

Specification Unit PMD 1N PMD 2N PMD 3N PMD 4N PMD 5N PMD 6N PMD 7N
Pressure bar 7 / 10 / 13 7 / 10 / 13 7 / 10 / 13 7 / 10 / 13 7 / 10 / 13 7 / 10 / 13 7 / 10 / 13
Max inlet flow m³/h 5.4 / 7.2 / 9.0 12.6 / 19.8 / 21.6 28.8 / 36.0 / 32.4 32.4 / 43.2 / 54.0 54.0 / 46.8 / 64.8 82.8 / 61.2 / 79.2 100.8 / 93.6 / 126.0 / 162.0
Purge % 18 / 13 / 11 19 / 13 / 10 7 / 12 / 10 17 / 14 / 10 17 / 12 / 10 19 / 14 / 10 18 / 13 / 10
Pressure drop mbar 80 / 80 / 80 250 / 240 / 240 160 / 150 / 150 250 / 240 / 240 180 / 190 / 190 250 / 240 / 250 250 / 240 / 250
Filter model   PMH G54 / C54 PMH G54 / C54 PMH G54 / C54 PMH G54 / C54 PMH G85 / C85 PMH G85 / C85 PMH G119 / C119
Connection G 3/8” 3/8” 1/2” 1/2” 1/2” 1/2” 1/2”
Weight excl filters kg 0.7 0.9 2.4 2.4 2.4 3.6 6.8
  lbs 1.5 2.0 5.3 5.3 5.3 7.9 15.0
Weight incl filters kg 3.0 3.2 4.7 4.7 4.7 6.1 9.7
  lbs 6.6 7.0 10.3 10.3 10.3 13.4 21.3

 

 

What is a membrane dryer and how does it work?

A membrane dryer is a compressed air dryer that works without refrigeration or complex regeneration cycles, removing water vapor directly from the compressed air generated by the compressor using a special membrane. Moist air enters the membrane, where the water vapor diffuses through the membrane walls, and the dry air continues to the next stage of the system. To keep the membrane clean and reliable, part of the already dried air is directed back through the membrane to flush out any remaining moisture.

  • Pressure range:​ typically 4–16 bar

  • Dew point: –20 to +3 °C (depending on model)

  • Purge air consumption: 5–15% of total airflow

 

What are the advantages of a membrane dryer?

  • No electricity required

    • Operates solely on the compressor’s air pressure — no separate electrical connection needed.

  • Small and compact

    Can be installed directly into the pipeline, requiring minimal space.

  • Low noise level

    Below 45 dB, suitable for work areas where background noise must be kept low.

  • Easy maintenance

    Membranes need to be replaced every 3–5 years on average, with no extra filter units or refrigeration circuits.

  • Stable dew point

    Does not fluctuate significantly even with changing operating conditions, ensuring consistently dry air.

What doesn’t a membrane dryer do as well?

  • Limited dew point

    Cannot achieve very low dew points (< –40 °C) required by, for example, the chemical industry or critical laboratory environments.

  • Flow capacity

    Effective flow rate is typically below 1,000 l/min; for larger systems, a refrigeration or adsorption dryer is more appropriate.

  • Purge air consumption

    Some air is used to purge the membrane, which reduces the effective air supply.

  • Sensitivity to contaminants

    Excessive oil, dust, or chemical contamination can damage the membrane and shorten its lifespan.

When should you choose a membrane dryer?
A membrane dryer is the best choice if your compressed air usage and conditions match these criteria:

  • Moderate airflow (up to ~1,000 l/min)

  • No available electrical connection or preference to avoid additional electrical equipment

  • Limited installation space

  • Lower operating costs and infrequent maintenance

  • An environment where low noise levels are important

However, if your production process requires very dry air (< –40 °C) or a solution with very high throughput, consider a combined system (refrigeration dryer + membrane or adsorption dryer) or a dedicated adsorption dryer.