Drytech offers a full range of waveguide pressurization components and systems, ranging from the desiccant dehydrator cartridge to a fully integrated waveguide pressurization/purging system.  Drytech exceeds the rigorous challenges of moisture management for mechanical airborne and ground based radars.

The Drytech, Inc. Airborne Waveguide Pressurization System (AWPS) is designed to utilize ambient air in order to provide the radar waveguide with a pressurized, dry, contaminant free and deionized air source to eliminate the possibility of arcing and corrosion within the waveguide. The AWPS can also be utilized to provide an electronics enclosure or sensor pod with the same high quality air source to keep the enclosure free of contaminants and moisture frequently found in desolate operating environments as well as on various flight lines. These systems have been developed to create an initial purge of air at -60°C or better Dew Point, while also supplying a continuous flow of equal quality air in order to compensate for any inevitable system leaks.

The Drytech, Inc. AWPS has a maintainer-friendly replaceable dehydrator cartridge specifically designed to ensure fault-free indication and ease of replacement. Each Series are available with an optional Built-in-Test (BIT) as well as RS422, ARINC-429 and Ethernet connections.

Common Waveguide Problems

1. Balanced Antenna Pressurization (flow vs pressure)
2. Differential pressure control vs. altitude
3. Internal waveguide corrosion
4. Waveguide arcing
5. Breakdown voltage (dielectric strength) of air due to reduced ambient pressure

Challenges

1. Inadequte flow/dead heading
2. Diurnal breathing efficiency
3. Performance balance between pressurized and non pressurized zones (maintaining adequate delta P)
4. Maintaining adequate pressure and flow during mission flight profile
5. Decreased radar performance due to condensed water in waveguide cavities
6. Achieving better than -55°C dew point
7. Providing safety relief to prevent over pressure at antenna array
8. Maintain positive pressure throughout waveguide/antenna system during non-operational/storage scenarios

Solutions

1. Airborne Waveguide Pressurization System (AWPS) - depict image of AWPS
2. Bottled Waveguide Pressurization System (BWPS) - depict image of BWPS