Professional 3/8" Air Compressor Dryer with Desiccant Filter - 22 CFM, 150 PSI - ZN312E-3

Regular price $18.29
🛡️ 12-month satisfaction guarantee 🚚 Free US shipping 📦 Arrives in 3–5 business days★ 4.17/5 (109 reviews)
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What buyers say
Verified by Judge.me
★★★★★
Adam JohnsonVerified
Works as it should
Works great! It turns blue to pink when it catches water. It works as it should.
★★★★★
DanVerified
Fits the bill perfectly
Completely dry air when spraying paint. Fits the bill perfectly.

3/8-inch desiccant air dryer for higher-flow lines — same color-change beads, bigger fitting.

28 g desiccant22 CFM flow150 PSI max3/8" inlet/outlet

✔ Pick this when your line runs 3/8" — for 1/4" hoses see the 1/4-inch version · 🛡️ 12-month guarantee

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12-Month Satisfaction Guarantee — replacement, exchange or refund.

Professional LE LEMATEC ZN312E-3 3/8"-Inch NPT Desiccant Air Filter - Advanced design that does not restrict air flow for high-demand pneumatic tools.
Professional 3/8" Air Compressor Dryer with Desiccant Filter - 22 CFM, 150 PSI - ZN312E-3
Regular price $18.29

Product Summary

The Le Lematec ZN312E-3 (3/8" version) is a high-flow desiccant air dryer rated at 150 PSI and 22 CFM. 3/8" NPT connections for larger air lines. Uses replaceable desiccant beads with visual color-change saturation indicator. Factory direct from Le Lematec.

Best for: Shops with 3/8" air lines needing high-flow moisture removal for spray painting and sandblasting.

Heavy-Duty Air Compressor Filter — Industrial Moisture Separator

Transform your air tool performance with the Professional ZN312E-3 Air Compressor Dryer. This industrial-grade 3/8" desiccant filter delivers exceptionally clean, dry air at 22 CFM capacity, making it perfect for automotive painting, pneumatic tools, and professional applications.

Designed for reliability and efficiency, this air dryer features a high-performance filtration system that effectively removes moisture, oil, and contaminants without restricting airflow. The robust metal housing and precision-engineered connections ensure leak-free operation at pressures up to 150 PSI, while the smart color-changing indicator helps you monitor filter condition at a glance.

Whether you're a professional automotive technician, industrial user, or serious DIY enthusiast, this air dryer provides the clean, dry air essential for achieving professional-quality results and protecting your valuable tools from moisture damage.

Key Features and Benefits 

  1. Superior Performance
  • Maximum flow rate of 22 CFM with minimal restriction
  • Operating pressure range: 1-150 PSI
  • Effective moisture, oil, and particle removal
  1. Professional-Grade Construction
  • Durable zinc metal housing
  • Premium polycarbonate desiccant bowl
  • Reliable 3/8" male and female connections
  1. Smart Maintenance Design
  • Visual color-change indicator for filter status
  • Easy desiccant replacement system
  • No tools required for maintenance
  1. Versatile Applications
  • Ideal for automotive painting
  • Perfect for pneumatic tools
  • Suitable for industrial use
  • Essential for precision applications
  1. Tool Protection
  • Prevents moisture-related damage
  • Extends tool lifespan
  • Ensures consistent performance
  • Eliminates contamination risks

Technical Specifications:

  • Capacity: 28g desiccant
  • Connection Size: 3/8" inlet/outlet
  • Maximum Pressure: 150 PSI
  • Flow Rate: 22 CFM
  • Housing Material: Zinc metal
  • Bowl Material: Polycarbonate (PC)

Package Includes:

  • Air compressor dryer unit
  • Premium desiccant beads
  • Installation instructions
  • Manufacturer warranty

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why choose the 3/8-inch version over the 1/4-inch model?

A: The 3/8-inch ZN312E-3 handles higher airflow with less pressure drop, making it ideal for tools requiring 8+ CFM like impact wrenches and large spray guns. The larger port size reduces restriction — critical for maintaining tool performance on high-demand equipment.

Q: Can I regenerate the desiccant beads?

A: Many desiccant types can be regenerated by spreading the beads on a baking sheet and heating at 250°F (120°C) for 2-3 hours until they return to their original color. Silica gel and indicating desiccant typically support 5-10 regeneration cycles before replacement.

Q: How do I know when the desiccant needs replacing?

A: The color-indicating desiccant beads change color as they absorb moisture — typically from blue/orange to pink/clear. Check the transparent viewing window regularly. When more than 50% of the beads have changed color, it is time to regenerate or replace them.

Why Professionals Choose This Tool

  • Desiccant Drying Technology: Chemical media absorbs water vapor that mechanical separators miss — delivers near-dry air for moisture-sensitive applications
  • Color-Change Indicator: Desiccant changes color when saturated — tells you exactly when to replace the cartridge, no guesswork
  • 22 CFM Capacity: High-flow 3/8" NPT model handles multiple tools or high-demand equipment simultaneously
  • 150 PSI Rating: Industrial-grade pressure handling for professional shop and factory air systems

What's in the Box

  • ZN312E-3 desiccant air dryer (3/8" NPT)
  • Replaceable desiccant cartridge
  • Color-change moisture indicator
  • 3/8" NPT fittings
  • User manual

Compatible With

Air Compressors Any compressor up to 150 PSI, 22 CFM max flow rate
Air Lines 3/8" NPT air piping — larger than standard 1/4" for higher flow
Applications Spray painting, powder coating, plasma cutting, CNC machines, dental/medical air

Ideal Applications: spray painting air prep, powder coating, plasma cutting, CNC air supply, dental air, moisture-critical applications

How often do I need to replace the desiccant cartridge?

Cartridge life depends on humidity, air usage, and whether you have an upstream water separator. In moderate humidity with a water separator installed upstream, expect 3-6 months. In high humidity without a pre-filter, replacement may be needed monthly. The color indicator makes monitoring easy.

What is the difference between the 1/4" and 3/8" models?

The 3/8" model (ZN312E-3) handles 22 CFM — enough for multiple tools or high-demand equipment. The 1/4" model is suited for single-tool or light-duty use. Choose based on your air line size and total CFM demand.

Related Guides & Resources

Customers said this desiccant dryer effectively removes moisture for painting, plasma cutting, and sandblasting. Many praised its refillable design and clear view window. However, some reported the plastic housing cracking easily and desiccant depleting quickly in humid conditions. "Works perfectly. Air is completely dry" noted one shopper.

  • Works perfectly. Air is completely dry.
  • Essential for professional paint work. Keeps air bone dry.
  • Really well built, works great and affordable.
Moisture (positive)Tools (positive)Desiccant (positive)Paint (positive)Quality (positive)
  • 5 stars: 76 (70%)
  • 4 stars: 9 (8%)
  • 3 stars: 6 (6%)
  • 2 stars: 3 (3%)
  • 1 star: 15 (14%)
T
Tom R
Works perfectly

Works perfectly. Air is completely dry.

M
Mike K
Excellent air dryer

Excellent air dryer for the shop.

L
Larry P
Good quality

Good quality dryer. Refillable desiccant is a plus.

B
Bob S
No more moisture issues

No more moisture issues since adding this to my line.

J
Jeff W
Great desiccant dryer

Great desiccant dryer. Easy to see when beads need changing.

P
Paint Pro
Essential for painting

Essential for professional paint work. Keeps air bone dry.

M
Mark at Ed's Garage
Good dryer

Good dryer for the price. Desiccant is refillable.

D
Dan
Fits the bill perfectly

Completely dry air when spraying paint. Fits the bill perfectly.

A
Adam Johnson
Works as it should

Works great! It turns blue to pink when it catches water. It works as it should.

M
Mark at Ed’s Garage
Does its job.

Well made, looks to be well machined with appropriate materials. Fits right into my compressor lines. No problems with moisture in paint since I started using it. Beats the heck out of other such products I have bought.

D
Dan
Installed after a ¼ inch regulator/3 stage filter/dryer

Using it on a 145 PSI 20 gallon compressor. Regulator set to 90PSI. Even on a humid day (80% we're talking) there's no moisture in the air coming out of the outlet of my air hose or tools if attached. If you have trouble with moisture in your line don't buy this as the first step in moisture reduction. You'll burn through the dessicant beads quick. This needs to be the last line of defense in an at minimum 1 stage filte/dryer, preferably 3 stage. It doesn't leak and I feel it was a good price for what I received, quality is good enough and if you know what your doing installation is a breeze.

D
Daniel h
Cheap made

Bought this dryer pack for my air compressor and it busted the bottom out when I put it together. Wasn't cross threaded or over tightened.

K
Kieren
Exactly what I needed

Used for sandblasting cabinet air inlet. Works perfect. Simple and great product.

R
Robert A.
To small

To small,I will return both of them

M
Mark Simcoe
Really well built, works great and affordable. Would buy again and I did!

I used this air compressor filter dryer before my spray paint gun and my sand blaster. I especially like that most of the filter is metal rather than plastic like some other like kind filters are. This filter will last a long long time as it is very well built.

S
Shaun D.
Just plastic beads

Just plastic beads with blue paint, when water hits them the paint comes off, total scam not a desiccant.

A
Amazon Customer
Necessary item for compressor

Depending on the moisture generated from your compressor, the desiccant won't last long. You'll need more

j
josh
Must have

I know have 3 of these. Have solved all of my moisture problems. Will not use my tools without.

J
John Velaer
Keep moisture out of your tools

Plasma cutter requires extremely dry, clean air, this also seems to keep the air quality to my pneumatic tools clean and dry

G
Good
Ok for a price

Ok for a price

S
Saxon Pila
Good quality/top shelf

Very nice and solid . Easy refills. Vision windows is clear and think. Do not have to worry about the view windows cracking or shattering

P
Phillip R
Works just fine, saves a ton of money if you regularly need one.

Anyone who uses a compressor for other than filling tires should use a dryer to protect their equipment. This one is priced @ 2 times the price of a disposable dryer, and will pay for itself quickly.

D
Dave P
Fit and function

Works as expected, recommend buying extra beads, you'll need them.

D
Don Kelley
Good quality

This filter worked perfectly. It kept all moisture and water drops out of my paint work.

R
Richard Hess
Too small

Too small. Desiccant shot after 35 cubic feet of air (5 minutes with small plasma cutter). Have water separator ahead if drier.

G
Gr8shopper
Great value

Good for clear coat

F
FIRE311
Keeps moisture out

Works well no moisture

S
SDC
Great

It is working flawless. More then expected an

A
Ana
Best for final moisture

It completely removes final moisture before reaching the air gun

D
Doc Hernandez
I love it, and so do my tools

I love the extra protection this offers

T
TAFidler
Not worth it

Product has a hole in case right out of the package. Junk products stay away!!

B
Barankin
It's more like a toy

Frankly, I'm not sure how people who gave 5 stars to this dryer use it. To me, it's more like a toy. These desiccant granules turned from blue to pink just after 10 minutes of work. You cannot change the dryer every 10 minutes; it clearly should last longer to be useful. To be more specific, I worked in Pennsylvania, so it's fairly humid but not a tropical climate.

Shipping Information

  • Free shipping on every US order, with no minimum.
  • Most orders arrive within 3–5 business days.
  • Items marked factory-direct ship from the Le Lematec factory and arrive in 10–15 business days; an express upgrade to 3–5 business days is available at checkout.

Product Return/Refund and Exchange Policies

At Pro Air Tools, we ensure that we are providing the best quality products from the most trusted hand tool brand. Thus, we stand behind all of our products and quality control 100%.

In the event that the products you ordered from us did not meet your expectations, we will gladly offer you our 12-Month Satisfaction Guarantee — replacement, exchange or refund, with no restocking fee. 

If within 12 months from your purchase, you are not fully satisfied with any of the products, you may request any of the following:

  1. Product Replacement
  2. Exchange the product with another product of the same value. 
  3. Refund the amount you paid.  

Proof of purchase from Pro Air Tools is required for all return, refund, and exchange requests. We also require anyone who wishes to return a product, or request a refund, to fill out our Return/Refund Form. We will notify you via email or phone once we process your return/refund request. Refunds will be credited to the original payment method.

With regards to product exchanges, please note that we only accept this type of request if the product delivered to you is defective or damaged. If a customer opts to request a product exchange with “change of mind” as the reason, the product must be returned in its original packaging. The product should not be used or installed in any manner. All return shipping costs will be shouldered by the customer. Return unused product to our office address at 103 Edwin Pl. Asheville, N.C. 28801.

If you have any question regarding our return/refund and exchange policy that was not answered here, feel free to reach out to us via: 

Email at sales@proairtools.com

A phone call at  +1 828 398 0334

PO Box 8367
725 MERRIMON AVE
ASHEVILLE, NC 28804-2447

Customers said this desiccant dryer effectively removes moisture for painting, plasma cutting, and sandblasting. Many praised its refillable design and clear view window. However, some reported the plastic housing cracking easily and desiccant depleting quickly in humid conditions. "Works perfectly. Air is completely dry" noted one shopper.

  • Works perfectly. Air is completely dry.
  • Essential for professional paint work. Keeps air bone dry.
  • Really well built, works great and affordable.
Moisture (positive)Tools (positive)Desiccant (positive)Paint (positive)Quality (positive)
  • 5 stars: 76 (70%)
  • 4 stars: 9 (8%)
  • 3 stars: 6 (6%)
  • 2 stars: 3 (3%)
  • 1 star: 15 (14%)
T
Tom R
Works perfectly

Works perfectly. Air is completely dry.

M
Mike K
Excellent air dryer

Excellent air dryer for the shop.

L
Larry P
Good quality

Good quality dryer. Refillable desiccant is a plus.

B
Bob S
No more moisture issues

No more moisture issues since adding this to my line.

J
Jeff W
Great desiccant dryer

Great desiccant dryer. Easy to see when beads need changing.

P
Paint Pro
Essential for painting

Essential for professional paint work. Keeps air bone dry.

M
Mark at Ed's Garage
Good dryer

Good dryer for the price. Desiccant is refillable.

D
Dan
Fits the bill perfectly

Completely dry air when spraying paint. Fits the bill perfectly.

A
Adam Johnson
Works as it should

Works great! It turns blue to pink when it catches water. It works as it should.

M
Mark at Ed’s Garage
Does its job.

Well made, looks to be well machined with appropriate materials. Fits right into my compressor lines. No problems with moisture in paint since I started using it. Beats the heck out of other such products I have bought.

D
Dan
Installed after a ¼ inch regulator/3 stage filter/dryer

Using it on a 145 PSI 20 gallon compressor. Regulator set to 90PSI. Even on a humid day (80% we're talking) there's no moisture in the air coming out of the outlet of my air hose or tools if attached. If you have trouble with moisture in your line don't buy this as the first step in moisture reduction. You'll burn through the dessicant beads quick. This needs to be the last line of defense in an at minimum 1 stage filte/dryer, preferably 3 stage. It doesn't leak and I feel it was a good price for what I received, quality is good enough and if you know what your doing installation is a breeze.

D
Daniel h
Cheap made

Bought this dryer pack for my air compressor and it busted the bottom out when I put it together. Wasn't cross threaded or over tightened.

K
Kieren
Exactly what I needed

Used for sandblasting cabinet air inlet. Works perfect. Simple and great product.

R
Robert A.
To small

To small,I will return both of them

M
Mark Simcoe
Really well built, works great and affordable. Would buy again and I did!

I used this air compressor filter dryer before my spray paint gun and my sand blaster. I especially like that most of the filter is metal rather than plastic like some other like kind filters are. This filter will last a long long time as it is very well built.

S
Shaun D.
Just plastic beads

Just plastic beads with blue paint, when water hits them the paint comes off, total scam not a desiccant.

A
Amazon Customer
Necessary item for compressor

Depending on the moisture generated from your compressor, the desiccant won't last long. You'll need more

j
josh
Must have

I know have 3 of these. Have solved all of my moisture problems. Will not use my tools without.

J
John Velaer
Keep moisture out of your tools

Plasma cutter requires extremely dry, clean air, this also seems to keep the air quality to my pneumatic tools clean and dry

G
Good
Ok for a price

Ok for a price

S
Saxon Pila
Good quality/top shelf

Very nice and solid . Easy refills. Vision windows is clear and think. Do not have to worry about the view windows cracking or shattering

P
Phillip R
Works just fine, saves a ton of money if you regularly need one.

Anyone who uses a compressor for other than filling tires should use a dryer to protect their equipment. This one is priced @ 2 times the price of a disposable dryer, and will pay for itself quickly.

D
Dave P
Fit and function

Works as expected, recommend buying extra beads, you'll need them.

D
Don Kelley
Good quality

This filter worked perfectly. It kept all moisture and water drops out of my paint work.

R
Richard Hess
Too small

Too small. Desiccant shot after 35 cubic feet of air (5 minutes with small plasma cutter). Have water separator ahead if drier.

G
Gr8shopper
Great value

Good for clear coat

F
FIRE311
Keeps moisture out

Works well no moisture

S
SDC
Great

It is working flawless. More then expected an

A
Ana
Best for final moisture

It completely removes final moisture before reaching the air gun

D
Doc Hernandez
I love it, and so do my tools

I love the extra protection this offers

T
TAFidler
Not worth it

Product has a hole in case right out of the package. Junk products stay away!!

B
Barankin
It's more like a toy

Frankly, I'm not sure how people who gave 5 stars to this dryer use it. To me, it's more like a toy. These desiccant granules turned from blue to pink just after 10 minutes of work. You cannot change the dryer every 10 minutes; it clearly should last longer to be useful. To be more specific, I worked in Pennsylvania, so it's fairly humid but not a tropical climate.

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