Atlas Copco Unveils New Range of Rugged Portable Air Dryers
In a bold move that reinforces its standing as a global leader in portable air solutions, Atlas Copco has rolled out a brand-new line-up of portable desiccant air dryers designed to tackle the grittiest of job sites. Aptly named the CDR and CDR+ series, this fresh fleet of six models delivers reliable, clean, and dry compressed air no matter how harsh the environment. From offshore drilling rigs to pipeline purging operations, these machines are built to perform when and where it matters most.
Atlas Copco’s latest release is no piecemeal update. It’s a strategic extension to the company’s all-in-one mobile air portfolio. The new dryers seamlessly pair with Atlas Copco’s portable compressors, nitrogen generators, and high-pressure boosters, giving customers a single, integrated source for all their compressed air needs.
Jan Nijs, Product Marketing Manager for the Portable Air Division, sums it up: “Customers working in harsh, outdoor environments need solutions that are reliable, robust, and easy to use. With the new CDR and CDR+ dryers, we’ve delivered exactly that – a purpose-built air treatment range that completes the mobile air chain, offering clean and dry air on the go.”
Two Technologies, One Common Mission
Let’s break down the line-up. Atlas Copco has launched three CDR models (CDR 850, CDR 1200, CDR 1700) and three CDR+ models (CDR+ 980, CDR+ 1350, CDR+ 1700). They all deliver a dew point of -40°C/-40°F, which is vital for preventing corrosion, freezing, and contamination in downstream systems.
- CDR Series: These utilise traditional activated alumina desiccant. What makes them ideal for remote or rental applications is their fully pneumatic control system – no electricity needed. That’s a game-changer for isolated job sites.
- CDR+ Series: These premium models feature Atlas Copco’s own Cerades™ technology. Cerades™ is a solid ceramic desiccant that significantly cuts pressure drop, improves energy efficiency, and reduces maintenance needs. They also include the WSD water separator, UD+ inlet pressure filter, purge flow control, and the intelligent Xc2004 controller for simplified monitoring.
Nijs continues: “Whether our customers are renting equipment for a short-term project or managing a long-term operation in a remote region, they need equipment that performs day after day. This range is engineered for exactly that.”
Built for the Brutal
What truly sets the CDR and CDR+ dryers apart is their design resilience. Each unit is enclosed in a robust, corrosion-resistant frame capable of withstanding temperatures from -25°C to 50°C. Dust, moisture, mechanical shock – these dryers shrug it all off with ease.
Compact and mobile, the dryers are built with logistics in mind. They’re easy to move, quick to install, and require no advanced setup. It’s plug-and-play compressed air treatment for crews on the move.
In terms of technical performance:
- Operating pressure range: 7 to 16 bar (100 to 232 psi)
- Free air delivery: 24–48 m³/min (850–1700 cfm)
Practical Applications Across Industries
These new models are not confined to one or two sectors. Their rugged reliability and high-quality air output make them suitable for a wide range of use cases:
- Pipeline drying and purging
- Offshore oil and gas operations
- Exploration drilling
- Shipyard sandblasting
- Heavy construction projects
- Remote industrial installations
In these challenging settings, protecting expensive downstream equipment and maintaining consistent operational efficiency relies heavily on air quality. The CDR and CDR+ dryers deliver on both counts.
A Solid Leap in Desiccant Technology
The inclusion of Cerades™ technology in the CDR+ range deserves a closer look. Unlike conventional loose desiccant beads, Cerades™ is a rigid, solid structure. This design eliminates issues like desiccant degradation and dust contamination, which can lead to costly downtime.
Notably, Cerades™ also enables a more compact unit design. That means less space required on a trailer or in a tight job site setup, without compromising performance.
According to third-party assessments, solid desiccant structures like Cerades™ can cut pressure drop by up to 70% and extend service intervals by over 30% compared to traditional systems.
Monitoring Made Easy
The CDR+ series comes equipped with the Xc2004 controller – a smart interface that brings real-time performance data to the operator’s fingertips.
It features:
- Touchscreen navigation
- Alerts and maintenance indicators
- Dew point monitoring
- Performance logging
In practical terms, this means operators can quickly identify when a unit needs attention, and managers can plan maintenance proactively, reducing unexpected downtime.
The One-Stop Mobile Air Partner
The introduction of these dryers is part of a larger vision. Atlas Copco aims to provide complete, modular mobile air solutions that simplify procurement, reduce risk, and improve productivity. By having everything – from compressors to dryers to nitrogen generators – designed to work together, customers get a unified system rather than a patchwork of third-party components.
That integrated approach means fewer compatibility issues, easier servicing, and stronger overall system reliability.
Ready to Roll
The new CDR and CDR+ portable dryers are available now through Atlas Copco’s extensive global sales and service network. Whether it’s for a temporary rental or a permanent installation, these dryers are set to make a significant impact across the industrial landscape.
Given their reliability, energy efficiency, and versatility, they’re likely to become a go-to choice for engineers and project managers seeking dependable compressed air treatment on the move.
Driving Confidence in Demanding Conditions
Atlas Copco has thrown down the gauntlet with its CDR and CDR+ dryers. By blending tried-and-tested technology with cutting-edge innovations like Cerades™ and the Xc2004 controller, the company isn’t just keeping pace with industry demands – it’s shaping the future of portable air treatment.
From shipyards in Singapore to drill sites in the Canadian tundra, these dryers are built to deliver. And for customers who can’t afford equipment failure or air quality issues, that peace of mind is priceless.
