Compressor Cooling

Water Cooled Shell and Tube Aftercoolers

Water-cooled aftercoolers play a critical role in compressor cooling systems. These devices are designed to reduce the temperature and remove water from compressed air, which is essential for maintaining the efficiency of the compressor. They are typically sized based on the air flow rate and the inlet temperature being discharged from the compressor. Aftercoolers allow for the efficient purification of compressed air by cooling the air at the outlet of the compressor. This process turns up to 70% of the humidity into water, which is then immediately drained. The superior design of these aftercoolers ensures that the compressed air will be cooled to the closest approach temperature above the cooling media temperature. Some models, like Pneumatech's Water-cooled Aftercoolers CW 1-17, are robust shell-and-tube heat exchangers with excellent efficiency, while others, like the IPAC Inc. Water Cooled Aftercooler, offer compact solutions suitable for packaged compressors or sites where space is limited.