Aftercooler for Compressed Air Systems

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Aftercooler

Definition

An aftercooler is a critical component in compressed air systems that cools hot, compressed air immediately after it exits the air compressor. This cooling process causes moisture in the air to condense, which is then removed through a moisture separator, resulting in drier, cooler air that protects downstream equipment and improves system efficiency. Aftercoolers operate on the principle of heat exchange, typically using either air-cooling or water-cooling methods. Hot compressed air flows through tubes or channels while a cooling medium (ambient air or water) flows around them, transferring heat from the compressed air to the cooling medium. This temperature drop causes water vapor in the compressed air to condense into liquid water, which is then drained from the system. In industrial applications, aftercoolers are selected based on cooling capacity (10–500 kW), air flow rate (1–100 m³/min at ISO 1217 standard inlet conditions), inlet air temperature (80–150°C), and desired outlet air temperature (25–40°C, typically 10–15°C above cooling water temperature). Operating pressure ranges from 1.0 to 1.6 MPa, with cooling water flow rates of 0.5–5 m³/h and pressure drops of 0.02–0.1 MPa. Air pressure drop should be kept low (0.01–0.05 MPa) to minimize energy loss. Heat transfer coefficients typically range from 30–60 W/(m²·K), depending on fin design and flow rates. Materials commonly used include aluminum, copper, and stainless steel, with material grades such as carbon steel, stainless steel, or copper per ASTM A106/A312/B75. Weight ranges from 50–2000 kg, and dimensions vary from 500×300×400 mm to 3000×1500×2000 mm. Always verify model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier.

Working Principle

Aftercoolers operate on the principle of heat exchange, typically using either air-cooling or water-cooling methods. Hot compressed air flows through tubes or channels while a cooling medium (ambient air or water) flows around them, transferring heat from the compressed air to the cooling medium. This temperature drop causes water vapor in the compressed air to condense into liquid water, which is then drained from the system. The cooling capacity and outlet temperature are controlled by adjusting the cooling medium flow rate and inlet temperature. Proper selection requires matching the aftercooler to the compressor's flow rate and inlet temperature, and ensuring adequate cooling water supply and pressure. Regular maintenance includes checking for fouling, corrosion, and pressure drops, which can indicate reduced heat transfer efficiency.

Common Materials

Aluminum, Copper, Stainless Steel

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Cooling Capacity	10–500 kW	Match to compressor flow and inlet temperature
Air Flow Rate	1–100 m³/min	At standard inlet conditionsISO 1217
Inlet Air Temperature	80–150 °C	Higher temperatures may require derating
Outlet Air Temperature	25–40 °C	Typically 10–15°C above cooling water temperature
Cooling Water Flow Rate	0.5–5 m³/h	Adjust to achieve desired outlet temperature
Cooling Water Pressure Drop	0.02–0.1 MPa	Higher pressure drop may require booster pump
Air Pressure Drop	0.01–0.05 MPa	Keep low to minimize energy loss
Heat Transfer Coefficient	30–60 W/(m²·K)	Depends on fin design and flow rates
Material	Carbon steel/Stainless steel/Copper	Select for corrosion resistance and temperatureASTM A106/A312/B75
Weight	50–2000 kg	Affects installation and support requirements
Dimensions (L×W×H)	500×300×400 – 3000×1500×2000 mm	Check for space constraints

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

Heat Exchanger Core
Transfers heat from compressed air to cooling medium

Material: Aluminum or Copper
Cooling Fins Part
Increases surface area for better heat transfer in air-cooled models

Material: Aluminum
Moisture Separator
Removes condensed water from the cooled air stream

Material: Stainless Steel
Drain Valve
Automatically or manually removes collected condensate

Material: Brass or Stainless Steel
Housing/Casing Part
Protects internal components and directs airflow

Material: Galvanized Steel or Aluminum
Cooling Medium
The ambient air or water that carries the heat away from the compressed air.

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Aftercooler.

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Compressed Air System

View system integration details

Industrial Air Compressor

View system integration details

Manufacturers of Aftercooler

Manufacturer profiles associated with Aftercooler.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of an aftercooler?

An aftercooler cools hot compressed air immediately after compression, causing moisture to condense and be removed, resulting in drier, cooler air that protects downstream equipment and improves system efficiency.

What are the typical cooling capacity and air flow ranges?

Cooling capacity typically ranges from 10 to 500 kW, and air flow rate from 1 to 100 m³/min at standard inlet conditions per ISO 1217. These values must be matched to the compressor's requirements.

What materials are commonly used for aftercoolers?

Common materials include aluminum, copper, and stainless steel. Material grades may include carbon steel, stainless steel, or copper, per ASTM A106/A312/B75, selected for corrosion resistance and temperature suitability.

How do I verify if an aftercooler meets my system requirements?

Check the manufacturer's datasheet for cooling capacity, air flow rate, inlet/outlet temperatures, operating pressure, pressure drops, and dimensions. Ensure these match your compressor's output and system conditions. Always confirm with the legal manufacturer or supplier.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification

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pressure:	Operating: 1-20 bar, Max design: 25 bar
flow rate:	0.5-500 Nm³/min (standard air)
temperature:	Inlet: 40-200°C, Outlet: 5-15°C above coolant temperature
coolant temperature:	Coolant inlet: 5-35°C (water/glycol)

Aftercooler

Product Specifications

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Applied To / Applications

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards