Filter-driers play a pivotal role in the operation of air conditioning and refrigeration systems. At the heart of the unit is the desiccant held in its cylindrical metal container. As important as the filter-drier is, many actually do not understand how it works. Here are some details.
The word desiccate means to dry out completely and a desiccant is a material or substance that accomplishes the moisture removal. Moisture in the mechanical refrigeration cycle is detrimental to the operation and life of the system. The filter-drier is an accessory that performs the functions of filtering out particles and removing and holding moisture to prevent it from circulating through the system.