Chicago Pneumatic CPX 30 (A2) 30 SCFM Air Dryer - 4102005754

Manufacturer: Chicago Pneumatic
Model: CPX 30 (A2)
Manufacturer Part Number: 4102005754
Rated Capacity: 30 SCFM
Dryer Type: Non-Cycling Refrigerated Air Dryer
Connection: 1/2" NPT
Electrical: 115 Volt, Single Phase

Product Description

The Chicago Pneumatic CPX 30 (A2) refrigerated air dryer delivers reliable moisture removal for compressed air systems operating at up to 30 SCFM. By cooling compressed air and separating the condensed moisture, the CPX 30 helps protect pneumatic tools, air lines, production equipment, and finished products from water-related damage.

Its compact design makes it well suited for automotive repair facilities, woodworking shops, fabrication operations, maintenance departments, and other smaller industrial compressed air systems. A high-efficiency three-in-one heat exchanger helps minimize pressure drop, while the hot gas bypass valve maintains stable operation as compressed air demand changes.

The CPX 30 also includes an automatic condensate drain designed to discharge collected moisture without unnecessarily wasting valuable compressed air. Reliable components, easy service access, and low maintenance requirements make it a practical, economical addition to a properly sized compressed air system.

Key Features and Benefits

• 30 SCFM rated capacity for smaller industrial and commercial compressed air systems
• Non-cycling refrigerated design provides continuous, dependable moisture removal
• Approximately 39°F pressure dew point under rated operating conditions
• High-efficiency three-in-one heat exchanger minimizes pressure loss and overall footprint
• Hot gas bypass valve helps prevent freezing during changing load conditions
• Automatic condensate drain removes collected moisture without continuously wasting compressed air
• Low pressure drop of less than approximately 2.9 PSI under rated conditions
• Compact and lightweight enclosure simplifies installation
• Accessible internal components support easier maintenance
• R513A refrigerant has no ozone-depletion impact
• Helps protect downstream equipment from corrosion, rust, moisture, and premature wear
• Can provide compressed air moisture quality as low as ISO 8573-1 Class -:4:-, depending on operating conditions and system configuration

Technical Specifications

Capacity ratings are based on Chicago Pneumatic reference conditions of 95°F inlet air, 77°F ambient temperature, and 102 PSI operating pressure. Actual dryer capacity may decrease when the inlet or ambient temperature is higher than the rated conditions.

How the CPX 30 Works

Hot, moisture-laden compressed air enters the dryer and passes through the integrated heat exchanger. The air is cooled, causing water vapor to condense into liquid moisture.

The condensed water is separated from the compressed air and discharged through the automatic drain. The dried air is then reheated before leaving the dryer, helping reduce condensation on downstream piping.

The hot gas bypass valve regulates refrigerant capacity as air demand changes, helping maintain a stable pressure dew point and preventing ice formation inside the dryer.

Recommended Applications

The Chicago Pneumatic CPX 30 is suitable for compressed air systems serving:

• Automotive repair and service shops
• Tire and maintenance facilities
• Woodworking and cabinet shops
• Light manufacturing operations
• Small fabrication and welding shops
• Pneumatic tools and assembly equipment
• General plant maintenance departments
• Small CNC and machining applications
• Packaging and production equipment
• Shop air systems requiring dependable moisture control

Installation Considerations

Install the dryer in a clean, ventilated indoor area where the ambient temperature will remain between 41°F and 109°F.

The dryer should be installed downstream of the air compressor, aftercooler, and air receiver whenever possible. Properly sized particulate and coalescing filtration may be installed before or after the dryer based on the required compressed air quality.

Allow adequate clearance around the cabinet for cooling airflow and service access. The condensate drain must be routed to an approved drain or oil-water separation system.

The dryer should be sized using the compressor’s actual delivered airflow and the system’s maximum inlet temperature, ambient temperature, and operating pressure. Do not size the dryer solely by compressor horsepower.

Recommended Routine Maintenance

The following are general maintenance recommendations. Follow the Chicago Pneumatic operating manual for model-specific procedures and service intervals.

• Keep the refrigerant condenser clean and free of dust or debris.
• Check the automatic condensate drain regularly for proper operation.
• Maintain adequate ventilation around the dryer.
• Inspect compressed air connections for leaks.
• Replace upstream and downstream filter elements at their recommended intervals.
• Confirm that the dryer remains within its allowable temperature and pressure limits.
• Use authorized replacement parts when servicing the dryer.

Troubleshooting Guide

Water is appearing downstream of the dryer

Possible causes include:

• Airflow exceeding the dryer’s corrected capacity
• Excessively high inlet air temperature
• High ambient temperature
• Blocked or malfunctioning condensate drain
• Dirty condenser
• Insufficient ventilation
• Dryer bypass valve left open
• Moisture remaining in downstream piping from before the dryer was installed

Pressure drop is higher than expected

Check for:

• Undersized piping or fittings
• Restricted filters
• Excessive system airflow
• Internal contamination
• Partially closed isolation valves

Dryer runs but does not remove enough moisture

Verify that the dryer is operating within its rated airflow, temperature, and pressure conditions. A dryer rated for 30 SCFM at standard conditions may handle less airflow when exposed to hotter inlet air or warmer room temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size air compressor can the CPX 30 support?

The dryer should be matched to the compressor’s actual delivered SCFM rather than horsepower. The CPX 30 is rated for 30 SCFM under Chicago Pneumatic’s stated reference conditions.

What pressure dew point does this dryer provide?

The CPX 30 is rated for an approximately 39°F pressure dew point, plus or minus 2°F, under reference operating conditions.

Is the CPX 30 a cycling or non-cycling dryer?

This CPX 30 configuration is a non-cycling refrigerated air dryer. Its refrigeration system operates continuously while the dryer is running.

What is the maximum operating pressure?

The CPX 30 has a maximum working pressure of 232 PSI.

What is the maximum inlet air temperature?

The maximum allowable inlet air temperature is 131°F. Dryer capacity will begin decreasing before reaching that maximum temperature.

Does the automatic drain waste compressed air?

The CPX design uses a level-controlled, self-adjusting condensate drain intended to discharge collected moisture without continuously releasing compressed air.

Does this dryer remove oil and particles?

A refrigerated dryer primarily removes moisture. Proper particulate and coalescing filtration should be used when the application also requires removal of solid particles, liquid oil, or oil aerosols.

Can this dryer be installed outdoors?

The CPX 30 is intended for a protected, ventilated installation within its specified ambient temperature range. It should not be exposed directly to rain, freezing conditions, or extreme heat.

Will the dryer still handle 30 SCFM in a hot compressor room?

Not necessarily. The 30 SCFM rating is based on 95°F inlet air and 77°F ambient temperature. Higher temperatures reduce the dryer’s usable capacity, so correction factors must be applied.

Does a refrigerated dryer eliminate all moisture?

A refrigerated dryer removes most condensed moisture and typically provides a pressure dew point near 39°F. Applications requiring extremely dry air may require a desiccant air dryer instead.