In many industries, air compressors are essential for workshop or job site applications, making it crucial to have the right equipment to ensure your operations run smoothly and reliably. A frequent issue that necessitates redoing an application or replacing pipes is the presence of excess moisture and condensation in your compressed air lines. To address this, installing an aftercooler on the downstream side of your air compressor improves performance, making your applications highly effective. Aftercoolers are specifically designed to reduce compressed air temperature and condense excess water vapor into liquid before it reaches your application, as any water in compressed air lines can reduce equipment efficiency, damage tools, and degrade overall application quality. This is where an aftercooler becomes invaluable.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the aftercooler, how it works, and its key benefits.
An aftercooler is a device used to cool compressed air, typically after it exits the compressor. By reducing the temperature of the air, aftercoolers help to condense the water vapor present within the compressed air - this process is important!
The “Rule of 20” in compressed air states that for every 20°F drop in temperature, the air loses half of its ability to hold moisture. Effectively, aftercoolers minimize moisture content, which in turn prevents corrosion, freezing, and contamination in downstream equipment, ensuring efficient and reliable operation.
Atmospheric air often contains contaminants such as moisture and particulate matter, which can cause significant problems when compressed. When dirty air gets into the compressed air system, it can harm the equipment. This can lower efficiency, raise maintenance costs, and cause system failures.
Aftercoolers solve these problems by cooling the compressed air. This cooling makes the water vapor turn into liquid, which is easier to remove when used with a water separator. This not only protects the equipment but also enhances overall system performance and longevity.
Tsunami Aftercoolers are specifically designed to meet the demands of challenging construction environments. They are perfect for mobile application uses that need to avoid costly moisture contamination, including spray foam, paint tools, and mobile tire rigs.
By ensuring reliable and efficient compressed air supply, the Tsunami Aftercooler maximizes system uptime and productivity in these demanding fast-paced settings. Their wall-mount design also allows for versatile installation, saving valuable floor space and simplifying maintenance.
To achieve optimal air quality, it is recommended to pair aftercoolers with water separators. Aftercoolers cool the air and condense water vapor into liquid, so in environments with high humidity or during intensive operation of an air compressor, significant moisture accumulation can occur. This moisture can remain within the compressed air system, potentially leading to operational issues. To effectively remove this moisture, it is essential to utilize a water separator in conjunction with an aftercooler. The water separator efficiently extracts moisture, ensuring optimal system performance.
This combination removes all moisture and humidity from the compressed air system, prevents damage to equipment, and improves overall efficiency. Tsunami's Water Separator has a unique up-flow gravity separation process, designed to work seamlessly with our aftercoolers.
Investing in an aftercooler, especially when paired with a water separator, is a critical step in ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your compressed air system. By effectively removing excess moisture and contaminants, you'll safeguard your equipment, improve application quality, and minimize downtime. Don't let moisture compromise your operations. Explore Tsunami's wall-mounted aftercooler and water separators today to find the perfect solution for your specific needs and experience the difference in performance and reliability.
Contact us now for a consultation and take the first step towards a cleaner, more efficient compressed air system: