Engine Dehydrators

[flyingcheesehead]

Hmmm. Maybe I should start a "makeshift engine dehydrator" thread.

And here we go:

Tanis dehydrator (closed loop, desiccant): $500. http://www.sportys.com/PilotShop/product/11987
The somewhat cheaper ($342) open-loop one mentioned earlier: http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/eppages/engsaver.php?clickkey=5573
A kit ($79 and up) from Laminar Flow Systems: http://www.laminarflowsystems.com/lfs_engine_dehydrator.htm
A DIY closed-loop kit (I might build this and just leave the loop open): http://www.barkeraircraft.com/Engine-dryer-kit.html
A thread on DIY dehydrators at VansAirForce.com: http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=26286

Actually, I'm thinking a combined open/closed loop system might work the best. When plugging in just after engine shutdown, open-loop is ideal - Circulating gases from the engine at this point keeps the corrosive gases in the system and saturates the desiccant quickly. Leaving the loop open early allows you to purge the corrosive gases and the majority of the moisture.

Once the worst is purged (I'm thinking a minimum time plus the interior humidity lower than ambient), switching to a closed-loop system will allow even dryer air as well as extending the life of the desiccant.

I think I'll probably start simple - A "stupid" open-loop desiccant system, and maybe fancy it up as I've described above - Sensors, heater to recharge the desiccant, etc.

 

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

I'm thinking an aquarium air pump shoved into the breather with the oil fill cracked open gets you 99.9% of the way there.

Auto engines have been using ambient air for PCV since the '60s and it has worked out quite well.

 

[Jim_R]

I'm thinking an aquarium air pump shoved into the breather with the oil fill cracked open gets you 99.9% of the way there.

Maybe in Las Vegas. Possibly less effective in Miami, Houston, or New Orleans?

 

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

Maybe in Las Vegas. Possibly less effective in Miami, Houston, or New Orleans?

No matter what, the air outside is going to be less humid than the air inside the engine.

But if the ambient hovers above 80% - 90% RH most the time then you should consider some kind of drier. On the other hand, for most of the country (like Wisconson)...

 

[flyingcheesehead]

No matter what, the air outside is going to be less humid than the air inside the engine.

But if the ambient hovers above 80% - 90% RH most the time then you should consider some kind of drier. On the other hand, for most of the country (like Wisconson)...

We're really dry here in the winter, and really humid in the summer. Of course, in the winter (and fall and spring) is when the engine gets cold enough to worry about condensation.

Just an air pump probably would work well in the dead of winter...