General Description

Air Compressor Cooler

The compression process in an air compressor generates heat as a byproduct. To help ensure optimal operational performance and prevent damage, it is essential to remove this heat before further compression or use. This requires the inclusion of a pre-cooler, intercooler, and aftercooler in the air compressor system setup.

Intercooler:

Most air compressors in industrial settings operate using a multi-stage design. This maximizes cost overall efficiency in compressed gas production. During the air compression process, heat is generated, leading to air expansion. This necessitates additional horsepower for subsequent compression stages. The intercooler plays a crucial role in multi-stage air compressors, specifically in the first and second stages. Its primary function is to provide cooler, drier, and denser air for the next stage of compression.

Aftercooler:

Following the intercooler, a thermal exchanger known as the aftercooler removes heat from the compressed air. The most commonly used type of aftercooler employs either cold surrounding air or cold water as a cooling medium. This cooling process minimizes the air temperature and effectively removes condensate from the compressed air, enhancing its quality.

Oil Cooler:

The engine oil cooler functions to enable the engine's cooling system setup to dissipate excess heat from the oil. Typically, this type of cooler uses a water-to-oil thermal exchanger. The engine coolant flows around the tubes of the cooler while the oil passes through the tubes, facilitating efficient heat transfer and keep optimal oil temperature.