Merlin 58180 - User Manual

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For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 58180 22h

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

3/8″ NPT (F) DESICCANT DRYER + FILTER

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

1. Do not exceed maximum pressure.

2. If a problem occurs, have the problem

corrected before further use.

Do not use damaged equipment.

3. RISK OF BURSTING! Never

connect to an air source

that is capable of

exceeding 250 psi.

Over pressurizing the tool

may cause bursting, abnormal operation,

breakage of the tool or serious injury to

persons. Use only clean, dry, regulated

compressed air at the rated pressure

or within the rated pressure range as

marked on the tool. Always verify prior

to using the tool that the air source has

been adjusted to the rated air pressure

or within the rated air‑pressure range.

4. Do not operate the Compressor in

explosive atmospheres, such as in the

presence of flammable liquids, gases or

dust. Compressor motors produce sparks

which may ignite the dust or fumes.

5. Assemble only according to these instructions.

Improper assembly can create hazards.

6. Wear ANSI‑approved safety goggles,

ANSI‑approved ear protection, and heavy‑

duty work gloves during assembly.

7. Turn off and unplug compressor

before installing any accessory.

8. Keep assembly area clean and well lit.

9. Keep bystanders out of the

area during assembly.

10. Do not assemble when tired or when under

the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.

11. Only use included adapter. Designed

for compressed air use only.

12. Refer to compressor’s instruction manual

before installing any accessory.

13. This product is not a toy. Do not allow

children to play with or near this item.

14. Always dress appropriately for the task at

hand noting loose articles of clothing, jewelry,

or hair can become entangled in moving parts.

15. Do not leave tools connected to the

air supply when not in use.

16. Do not leave the system pressurized or

connected to the air supply when not in use.

17. Use as intended only.

18. Inspect before every use; do not use

if parts are loose or damaged.

19. The warnings, precautions, and instructions

discussed in this manual cannot cover all

possible conditions and situations that may

occur with the given accessory and system the

operator attached it to. It must be understood

by the operator that common sense and caution

are factors which cannot be built into this

product, but must be supplied by the operator.

20. Maintain product labels and nameplates

on the tool. These carry important safety

information. If unreadable or missing, contact

Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Merlin 58180 and is the answer not in the manual?

This document describes the Merlin Desiccant Dryer + Filter, a device designed to provide clean, dry air for various applications.

Function Description

The Merlin Desiccant Dryer + Filter system is designed to remove moisture and particulate matter from compressed air. It operates by passing compressed air through a desiccant material that absorbs water vapor, and then through a filter to remove solid particles. The system aims to deliver air that is free from moisture and contaminants, which is crucial for the longevity and performance of pneumatic tools and other air-driven equipment.

The core function involves a two-stage process: filtration and desiccation. The filter removes solid particles down to 5 microns, ensuring that the air entering the desiccant dryer is clean. Following filtration, the air passes through a desiccant material, which has a high affinity for water molecules. As the air flows through the desiccant, moisture is absorbed, resulting in dry air exiting the system.

The desiccant dryer component typically operates on a regenerative cycle, meaning the desiccant material can be dried out and reused. This is often achieved by diverting a small portion of the dry air to purge the saturated desiccant bed, releasing the absorbed moisture to the atmosphere. This continuous regeneration ensures a consistent supply of dry air without the need for frequent desiccant replacement.

The system is designed to be installed in a vertical position, with the air flow direction from top to bottom, which is crucial for proper operation and efficient moisture removal. The 3/8" NPT inlet and outlet sizes indicate its compatibility with standard plumbing fittings.

Important Technical Specifications

The Merlin Desiccant Dryer + Filter boasts several key technical specifications that define its performance and compatibility:

Flow Rate: The device can handle a maximum flow rate of 65 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) at 100 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) for the filter, and 20 CFM at 100 PSI for the dryer. This indicates that while the filter can accommodate higher flow, the dryer is the limiting factor for the overall system's capacity.
Max. Pressure: The maximum operating pressure for the system is 250 PSI. This high-pressure rating ensures compatibility with a wide range of compressed air systems.
Filtration: The filter component is capable of filtering particles down to 5 microns. This level of filtration is effective for removing most common contaminants found in compressed air, such as dust, rust, and oil aerosols.
Inlet and Outlet Size: The device features 3/8" NPT (National Pipe Taper) inlet and outlet connections. This standard threading allows for easy integration into existing compressed air lines.
Desiccant Dryer Type: While not explicitly stated, the mention of "desiccant" implies a material like silica gel or activated alumina, which are commonly used for air drying applications. The regenerative nature of such dryers is a key feature.

These specifications highlight the device's capability to deliver clean, dry air suitable for sensitive pneumatic equipment, painting applications, and other processes where moisture and particulate contamination are detrimental.

Usage Features

The Merlin Desiccant Dryer + Filter is designed for straightforward installation and operation, with several features contributing to its ease of use:

Installation:
- The device must be mounted securely in a vertical position.
- The air flow direction must follow the arrows on the body of the tool, typically from top to bottom.
- System piping should be 3/8" minimum.
- Avoid using unnecessary fittings and couplings that restrict the flow of air.
- Make sure the Connector is fitted correctly between the Dryer and Filter.
- The inlet is connected to the air supply, and the outlet to the air tool or application.
Operating Instructions:
- To fill Dryer with desiccant: Twist and pull Bowl downwards to remove from unit. Fill Bowl with desiccant. Do not fill center tubing inside bowl with desiccant.
- Desiccant color change: Desiccant will be blue when dry and turn pink as it absorbs water, providing a visual indicator of its saturation level.
- Replace Bowl: Twist and pull downwards to remove. Remove filter and clean as necessary. Reinstall Bowl.
- Twist Bowl and pull downwards to remove: Remove pink desiccant. Dehydrate desiccant for reuse or replace with new desiccant. Reinstall Bowl.
Safety Precautions:
- WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY: Make sure air supply is off and release all residual air in system before installing.
- Do not exceed maximum pressure.
- If a problem occurs, have the problem corrected before further use. Do not use damaged equipment.
- RISK OF BURSTING! Never connect to an air source that is capable of exceeding 250 psi.
- Over pressurizing the tool may cause bursting, abnormal operation, breakage of the tool or serious injury to persons. Use only clean dry regulated compressed air at the rated pressure or within the rated pressure range as marked on the tool. Always verify prior to using the tool that the air source has been adjusted to the rated air pressure or within the rated air-pressure range.
- Do not operate the Compressor in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Compressors motors produce sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
- Assemble only according to these instructions. Improper assembly can create hazards.
- Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles, ANSI-approved ear protection, and heavy-duty work gloves during assembly.
- Turn off and unplug compressor before installing any accessory.
- Keep assembly area clean and well lit.
- Keep bystanders out of the area during assembly.
- Do not assemble when tired or when under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.
- Only use included adapter. Designed for compressed air use only.
- Refer to compressor's instruction manual before installing any accessory.
- This product is not a toy. Do not allow children to play with or near this item.
- Always dress appropriately for the task at hand, noting loose articles of clothing, jewelry, or hair can become entangled in moving parts.
- Do not leave tools connected to the air supply when not in use.
- Do not leave the system pressurized or connected to the air supply when not in use.
- Use as intended only.
- Inspect before every use; do not use if parts are loose or damaged.
- The warnings, precautions, and instructions discussed in this manual cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. It is the operator's responsibility to understand that common sense and caution are factors which cannot be built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator.
- Maintain product labels and nameplates on the tool. These carry important safety information. If unreadable or missing, contact Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.

Maintenance Features

Regular maintenance is crucial for the optimal performance and longevity of the Merlin Desiccant Dryer + Filter. The device incorporates features that facilitate easy maintenance:

BEFORE EACH USE: Inspect the general condition of the tool. Check for:
- loose fittings
- cracked or deformed o-rings
- damaged pressure gauge or hose
- any other condition that may affect its safe operation.
Filter Maintenance:
- The filter bowl can be easily twisted and pulled downwards to remove.
- The filter element inside can then be cleaned or replaced as needed.
- Regular inspection of the filter element is recommended to ensure efficient particulate removal.
Desiccant Maintenance:
- The desiccant bowl is also designed for easy removal by twisting and pulling downwards.
- The desiccant material itself changes color (from blue to pink) as it absorbs moisture, providing a clear visual indicator of when it needs to be regenerated or replaced.
- To regenerate the desiccant, it can be removed from the bowl and dehydrated. While the manual doesn't specify the method, common methods include baking in an oven at a low temperature.
- Alternatively, the saturated desiccant can be replaced with new desiccant.
Record Serial Number: It is recommended to record the product's serial number, record month and year of purchase instead. Note: Reference UPC 193175433909. This is important for warranty claims and identifying the specific unit for service or parts.

By following these maintenance guidelines, users can ensure the continuous supply of clean, dry air and extend the operational life of the Merlin Desiccant Dryer + Filter.

Merlin 58180 Specifications

General

Brand	Merlin
Model	58180
Category	Dryer
Language	English