Component
Heat exchangers that remove compression heat — intercoolers between stages, aftercoolers after discharge — to cut power, condense moisture, and protect downstream equipment.
Operating principle
Intercoolers cool air between compression stages (improving efficiency and lowering discharge temp); aftercoolers cool the final discharge to condense moisture (removed by drains/dryers) and protect piping and downstream equipment.
Components
- Air-cooled fin/tube bundle or water-cooled shell/tube
- Fan (air-cooled)
- Cooling-water circuit (water-cooled)
- Thermostatic valve (oil temp)
- Condensate drain
Common issues
- Fouled fins/tubes → high discharge temp, reduced capacity
- Fan/motor failure → overheat trip
- Cooling-water scaling/fouling → lost heat transfer
- Thermostatic valve stuck → oil too hot or too cold
Maintenance
- Clean fin/tube bundles on a schedule and on temp rise
- Inspect fans, motors, belts
- Water side: treat and descale per water quality
- Drain condensate traps
Field tips
- Each 10°F cooler discharge ≈ 1% energy saving (air-cooled)
- An aftercooler removes ~70% of moisture mechanically — drains are mandatory
- Water-cooled: monitor approach temperature to catch scaling early