Compact adsorption dryer

An adsorption dryer (20) for processing gases, in particular compressed air, having a control head (24) with valves (28), pipe connections (26) and means for receiving cartridges, and at least two cartridges (22) which can be connected to the control head (24) and are filled with adsorption means and to which a stream of fluid can be supplied, as required, via the control head (24). The cartridges (22) each have a cover (30), a cartridge casing (32), a base (34) and a central pipe (36) which extends through the cover (30) into an interior space (46) of the cartridge (22). The adsorption dryer (20) is characterized in that the cover (30), the cartridge casing (32) and the base (34) of the cartridges (22) can each be secured in place with respect to one another via the central pipe (36), the central pipe (36) in each case projects out of the cartridge (22) and serves as a connecting means for the control head (24), and the cartridge (22) itself is of compression-resistant design. The ends of the cartridges (22) are free from any connecting and valve technology.