Why is it Important to Dry Compressed Air?
13 novembra, 2022
Drying the output air is very important if you want to avoid problems in the compressed air system. Learn more about why drying is needed and how it is done.
What is air compressor aftercooler
Atmospheric air contains water vapor, and high humidity can affect compressed air equipment. To ensure efficient operation, it's crucial to maintain a dry environment. Compressing air concentrates moisture, so using an air compressor aftercooler is an effective solution.
In this article, we'll explain how this equipment works and its benefits.
What is an air compressor aftercooler?
An aftercooler cools hot compressed air while removing condensation. This prevents moisture from building up in the compressor's pipe system. An air compressor aftercooler is either water or air-cooled, and generally comes with a water separator and automatic drainage. To work effectively, it's important to hook up an aftercooler close to the air compressor.
When installed properly, an aftercooler collects most condensation generated from an air compressor. Usually, the temperature of compressed air after passing through an aftercooler is approximately 10°C (50°F) above the coolant temperature. Many compressors come with a built-in aftercooler.
Aftercoolers are generally efficient, and ensure no loss of air pressure when connected to your compressor. In addition, they usually don't add demand or extra energy costs.
Aftercooler function
Many air compressors come with an integrated aftercooler. With this built in equipment, up to 70% of humidity is converted into water before it's drained. Depending on your application, you may need to add additional aftercoolers.
If you're working in a high heat environment, you'll likely need extra cooling. In situations such as this, it's recommended to add dryers to your downstream setup. However, with an aftercooler, you can get a smaller-sized dryer.
How to measure the moisture level in the compressed air
Use our water in air calculator to measure the moisture level in your air compressor. This information is crucial for maintaining system efficiency and preventing issues caused by excess water.
Water-cooled vs air-cooled
When aftercoolers are water-cooled, cooling water and air flow are pumped in opposite directions to maintain a dry environment.
With air-cooled aftercoolers, an electric fan pushes cool air between fins to push out the water vapor. This process uses low energy.
Both these types come with a drain to ensure moisture gets properly removed. Newer models built with the latest efficiency standards in mind aim to keep your operational costs low.
Also, most manufacturers build aftercoolers with durable materials like stainless steel. These elements ensure a long lifetime of use, and make for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Deciding which model is right for you
Like with any air compressor equipment, the aftercooler you need depends on how much air pressure is generated/needed. Generally:
- Air-cooled models are good for applications with low air flow,
- Water-cooled models support higher capacities.
If you're uncertain on what makes the most sense for your current installation, feel free to get in touch with our team. We're happy to help find the right solution for you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between intercooler and Aftercooler in air compressor?
An intercooler cools the air between compression stages, while an aftercooler cools the air after the final compression stage. Intercoolers are used in multi-stage compressors, whereas aftercoolers are used at the end of the compression process.
Why do compressors need coolers?
Compressors need coolers to reduce the temperature of the compressed air, which prevents damage to sensitive components and ensures efficient operation. Coolers also help remove moisture from the air, improving the overall performance of the system.
What is CTD in a compressor?
CTD, or Cold Temperature Difference, refers to the difference in temperature between the compressed air and the cooling medium in a compressor.
What are the effects of high temperatures in compressors?
- Increased energy consumption: High temperatures reduce the efficiency of the compressor, leading to higher energy usage and operational costs
- Accelerated wear and tear: Components of the compressor can wear out faster, resulting in more frequent repairs or replacements
- Irregular duty cycles: High temperatures can cause the compressor to start and stop more frequently, putting additional strain on the system
- Risk of overheating: In extreme cases, high temperatures can lead to overheating, which may cause fires or explosions
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