Instrument air systems should maintain a dew point of which temperature or lower?

Maintaining a dew point of -22°F or lower in instrument air systems is crucial for preventing moisture-related issues in pneumatic systems. A lower dew point indicates that the air is dryer, which helps to avoid condensation and the potential for water to enter the pneumatic instruments or controls.

Moisture within instrumentation can lead to corrosion, malfunction, and reliability issues, making it essential to ensure that the air is thoroughly dried before use in these sensitive applications. The specified dew point ensures that any moisture present in the system will not condense under operational conditions, thereby maintaining the integrity and functionality of the instruments and preventing operational failures.

In contrast, a higher dew point would allow for more moisture presence, increasing the risk of condensation and subsequent problems in the pneumatic and control systems.