Hydro-Cool
Aftercoolers perform two essential functions that provide
the necessary first step in conditioning pneumatic power.
They reduce the temperature of the discharge air from the
compressor to a safe operating range, and they remove substantial
amounts of the entrained moisture.
Operation:
Compressed air passes through the tubes and water flows
in the opposite direction through the shell. Countercurrent
flow provides the most effective method of bringing the
final air temperature close to the cooling water temperature.
Baffles create turbulent water flow across the tubes, reducing
the amount of cooling water used. The air to be cooled is
directed through multiple tubes fitted with brass inserts
which divide the flow into thinner streams, substantially
increasing the heat transfer. Plain tubes allow "coring"
where the inner portion of the air stream is not cooled.
Construction:
Hydro-Cool heat exchangers are compact. Standard models
are 51" long and new high efficiency models are 59"
long. In both fixed and removable tube bundles, the tubes
are welded to the tube sheet. This combined with the short
length results in a rugged unit that allows thermal expansion
to be absorbed within the aftercooler. Standard materials
of construction are copper tubes with carbon steel shells.
Separators for Water Removal:
As condensed water and other contaminants enter the separator
from the aftercooler, a fixed impeller creates a vortex,
whirling the air outward and downward against the vessel
wall. The centrifugal action spins out the water which falls
into the condensate claim area and can be drained automatically
with an SAC float trap or electric drain valve.
