Champion CRH Series High Inlet Temperature Refrigerated Air Dryer – 15 SCFM

The Champion CRHA15A1 is a high inlet temperature refrigerated compressed air dryer rated at 15 SCFM, purpose-engineered for reciprocating air compressors in the 3 to 5 horsepower range. Built to accept inlet temperatures as high as 200°F (93°C) directly off a piston compressor discharge, the CRHA15A1 eliminates the need for a separate aftercooler—reducing footprint, installation time, and total installed cost while delivering reliably dry air to your pneumatic tools, paint guns, plasma cutters, and instrument lines.

Engineered for Hot, Humid Compressor Discharge

Reciprocating compressors discharge air at temperatures significantly higher than rotary screw machines—often 160°F to 200°F under load. Standard refrigerated dryers stall, freeze the evaporator, or run out of capacity when fed air this hot, forcing shops to install a pre-cooler, double up dryer capacity, or accept wet air downstream. The Champion CRH Series solves the problem with a heat exchanger and refrigerant circuit deliberately sized for hot, humid inlet conditions. The CRHA15A1 maintains a stable +50°F pressure dew point at full rated load—even when the ambient room is warm and the compressor has been running hard for hours.

R513A Refrigerant — A Lower-GWP, Future-Proof Design

The CRHA15A1 ships factory-charged with R513A, an HFO-blend refrigerant with a global warming potential roughly half that of legacy R134a. As the U.S. EPA, the AIM Act, and provincial regulators across Canada continue phasing down high-GWP refrigerants, equipment built around R513A is positioned to comply with current and upcoming F-Gas and SNAP requirements without service interruption. For facilities tracking sustainability targets, this is a meaningful environmental and procurement credit.

Key Features at a Glance

• 200°F Maximum Inlet Temperature — Connects directly to a reciprocating compressor discharge with no aftercooler required.
• 15 SCFM Rated Flow @ 100 PSIG / 100°F Inlet — Sized for compressors in the 3–5 HP class.
• R513A Refrigerant — Low-GWP, future-proof against tightening refrigerant regulation.
• Integrated Moisture Separator and Zero-Loss Drain — Discharges condensate without wasting compressed air.
• Plug-and-Play 115V / 60Hz Operation — Standard 15A outlet; no electrician required for hookup.
• Top-Mounted Fan — Cool air pulled from above lets the dryer sit flush against a wall, ideal for crowded shops.
• Microprocessor Controller with Dew Point Indicator — At-a-glance monitoring of dryer performance.
• UL and CSA Certified — Meets North American electrical safety standards.
• 2-Year Limited Factory Warranty — Backed by Champion Pneumatic.
• Manufactured in the United States — Domestic build with US-based service and parts support.

Technical Specifications

Ideal Applications for the CRHA15A1

The 15 SCFM rating matches steady-state demand for compressors in the 3 to 5 horsepower range—common sizes for auto body shops, automotive service bays, dental offices, woodworking shops, light fabrication, sandblasting cabinets, and small CNC operations. If you run pneumatic sanders, plasma cutters, HVLP paint guns, or air-actuated valves, removing moisture upstream prevents fisheye in paint finishes, rust on tools, ice in winter air lines, and erratic behavior in pneumatic logic.

Installation and Setup

The CRHA15A1 ships fully charged, factory-tested, and pre-wired for a standard 115V outlet. Mount the dryer downstream of your air receiver and ahead of your filtration train, allowing 12 inches of clearance above the unit for the top-mounted fan. Plumb the inlet and outlet to the 3/4" MNPT ports, route the drain to a sump or oil/water separator, and plug it in. Most installations are completed in under an hour.

Pair With Champion CFL Series Filters

For best dryer performance and longest service life, install a Champion CFL Grade C particulate filter immediately before the dryer to protect the heat exchanger from oil and debris, and a CFL Grade E coalescing filter immediately downstream to deliver ISO 8573-1 quality air to your point of use.

Why Buy from Air Compressor Store

Air Compressor Store is an authorized Champion Pneumatic distributor with decades of compressed-air expertise. Every CRH dryer we ship includes the full factory warranty, lifetime application support from our certified specialists, and fast freight from regional warehouses. If you're not sure the CRHA15A1 is sized right for your shop, call us first—we'll review your compressor horsepower, duty cycle, ambient conditions, and air demand before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the CRHA15A1 handle my reciprocating compressor's hot discharge?

Yes. The CRH Series is engineered for inlet temperatures up to 200°F—well above the 160–180°F typical of a hard-working reciprocating compressor. A standard refrigerated dryer would require an aftercooler ahead of it; the CRHA15A1 does not.

What dew point does this dryer achieve?

Approximately +50°F pressure dew point at full rated load. That's sufficient for general industrial applications and indoor air lines. If you need below-freezing dew points (e.g. instrument air or outdoor service), a desiccant dryer is the correct choice.

Do I need a separate filter?

Yes. Pair the CRHA15A1 with a Champion CFL Series particulate filter upstream and a coalescing filter downstream for best performance and longest dryer life.