Castair C-DF12 Desiccant Tower Dryer -- 1/2-inch NPT, 15 SCFM Capacity, 150 PSI
The Castair C-DF12 is a regenerative desiccant tower dryer for 1/2-inch NPT compressed air lines. It is rated for a maximum flow of 2500 SCFM and an effective drying capacity of 15 SCFM based on 70 degrees F inlet temperature at 100 PSI. The desiccant vessel measures 3 x 3.5 x 6 inches (L x W x H) and holds approximately 3/4 lb of silica gel desiccant. Maximum operating pressure is 150 PSI.
Desiccant tower dryers use silica gel to adsorb moisture from compressed air, producing dew points significantly lower than refrigerated dryers can achieve. The C-DF12 is the smaller of the two Castair desiccant tower models, suited for low-volume instrument air drops, laboratory air supplies, or applications where moisture removal is needed at a specific point of use. A particulate prefilter and coalescing filter must be installed upstream -- oil contamination deactivates silica gel.
Key Features
- Port Size: 1/2-inch NPT
- Desiccant Type: Silica gel -- replaceable when exhausted
- Maximum Flow: 2500 SCFM
- Effective Drying Capacity: 15 SCFM at 70 degrees F inlet, 100 PSI
- Desiccant Capacity: 3/4 lb silica gel
- Vessel Dimensions: 3 x 3.5 x 6 inches (L x W x H)
- Maximum Pressure: 150 PSI
- Desiccant Refill: Castair DSGB02 Silica Gel 1-Qt (2 lbs)
When to Use a Desiccant Tower Dryer
Refrigerated dryers typically achieve dew points around 35-40 degrees F. Desiccant dryers can reach -40 degrees F or lower. Use the C-DF12 for instrument air on sensitive pneumatic controls, air supply in cold outdoor conditions where in-line condensation would freeze, or process air where moisture causes product or equipment problems.
Required Upstream Filtration
A 5-micron particulate filter and a coalescing filter must be installed upstream of the C-DF12. Oil contamination permanently deactivates silica gel -- the coalescing filter upstream is not optional.
Comparing the Castair Desiccant Tower Models
- C-DF12: 1/2-inch NPT, 15 SCFM, 3/4 lb desiccant, 3 x 3.5 x 6 inches (this unit)
- C-DF34: 3/4-inch NPT, 25 SCFM, 2 lbs desiccant, 4 x 4 x 10 inches
Technical Specifications
- Part Number: C-DF12
- Port Size: 1/2-inch NPT
- Maximum Pressure: 150 PSI
- Maximum Flow: 2500 SCFM
- Effective Drying Capacity: 15 SCFM (70 degrees F inlet, 100 PSI)
- Desiccant Type: Silica gel
- Desiccant Capacity: 3/4 lb
- Dimensions: 3 x 3.5 x 6 inches (L x W x H)
- Desiccant Refill Part: DSGB02 (2 lbs silica gel)
- Upstream Filtration Required: Particulate filter plus coalescing filter
- Manufacturer: Castair Inc., Spicer, Minnesota
Why Buy From OEM Diagnostic Tools?
We have supplied compressed air system components since 2016. The Castair C-DF12 ships free with full manufacturer warranty. If you are sizing a desiccant dryer for your application or need to confirm upstream filtration requirements, call 866-217-0063 before ordering.
Call 866-217-0063 for quick answers and help!
