Rotary Screw Compressor Aftercoolers

Aftercoolers are crucial for rotary screw compressors, cooling compressed air to remove heat and moisture. This ensures reliable operation, prevents corrosion, and delivers high-quality air for industries such as manufacturing, food processing, and automotive.

  • Air-Cooled Aftercoolers: Air-cooled aftercoolers use ambient air to cool rotary screw compressor air, ideal for portable or water-scarce environments.
  • Water-Cooled Aftercoolers: Water-cooled aftercoolers provide high-efficiency cooling, achieving approach temperatures of 10-15°F for stationary systems.
  • Moisture Separators: Moisture separators remove condensed water post-cooling, ensuring dry air for rotary screw compressor applications.
  • Materials: Built with copper tubes, steel shells, and optional CuNi for corrosive environments, ensuring durability and performance.
  • Continuous Duty: Aftercoolers support the high CFM and continuous operation of rotary screw compressors.
  • Custom Solutions: Tailored custom aftercoolers for specific rotary screw compressor models and high-output needs.
Water Cooled Aftercoolers
Compressor Cooling
  • Fixed or Removable Tube Bundles
  • Material Options Available
  • Standard and Custom Options
Shell Tube Aftercooler
Air Cooled Aftercoolers
Compressor Cooling
  • Use Ambient Air to Cool
  • Variety of Motor Options
  • Standard Pressures of Up To 250 psi
Air Cooled Aftercooler

Aftercoolers for Rotary Screw Compressors

Aftercoolers are essential for rotary screw compressors, cooling compressed air from temperatures up to 300°F and removing up to 75% of moisture content. They ensure system reliability and deliver dry, high-quality air for applications in manufacturing, food processing, and automotive industries.

Constructed with durable materials like copper tubes and steel shells, these aftercoolers minimize pressure drops and support continuous-duty operations. Available in air-cooled and water-cooled configurations, they cater to a wide range of rotary screw compressor needs.

Understanding the Need for Aftercoolers in Rotary Screw Compressors

Rotary screw compressors use rotating screws to compress air, producing heat (200-300°F) and moisture. Without aftercoolers, this hot, moist air can corrode systems, damage tools, and reduce efficiency. Aftercoolers cool the air to 80-100°F, condensing moisture for removal, ensuring clean air for downstream processes.

Effects of High-Temperature Compressed Air

High-temperature air from rotary screw compressors can lead to equipment wear, increased maintenance costs, and compromised air quality. For example, a 200 CFM compressor at 100 PSIG can introduce 45 gallons of water daily without cooling, affecting processes. Aftercoolers mitigate these risks by cooling air and removing moisture.

Controlling Temperature in Rotary Screw Compressor Systems

Temperature control is vital for rotary screw compressor performance. Aftercoolers use ambient air or cooling water to transfer heat from compressed air. A significant temperature difference between the air and cooling medium ensures efficient heat transfer, with water-cooled aftercoolers achieving approach temperatures of 10-15°F for high-output systems.

Regulative Cooling Processes

Regulative cooling for rotary screw compressors involves cooling compressed air to safe temperatures and removing moisture. Air is cooled from 300°F to 80°F, then passed through a moisture separator. This process reduces dryer loads and can recover heat for other uses, improving energy efficiency.

Types of Aftercoolers for Rotary Screw Compressors

Aftercoolers for rotary screw compressors are designed to handle high CFM and continuous operation. The key types include:

Air-Cooled Aftercoolers

Water-Cooled Aftercoolers

Integrated Aftercoolers

Custom Aftercoolers

These aftercoolers ensure efficient cooling, moisture removal, and system reliability for rotary screw compressors in various industrial settings.

Common FAQs

Air-cooled aftercoolers are most common for rotary screw compressors due to their versatility, while water-cooled aftercoolers are used for stationary, high-CFM systems. Both ensure effective cooling and moisture removal for optimal performance.

Aftercoolers cool compressed air from 200-300°F and remove moisture, preventing corrosion, equipment damage, and reduced efficiency in applications like manufacturing and food processing.

Heat transfer in rotary screw compressor aftercoolers involves moving heat from hot compressed air to a cooling medium (air or water). Conduction occurs at the aftercooler’s surface, and convection ensures uniform cooling, achieving temperatures of 80-100°F.

Water-cooled aftercoolers are preferred for high-CFM rotary screw compressors, offering efficient cooling with approach temperatures of 10-15°F. Air-cooled aftercoolers are used for lower-CFM or portable systems, providing flexibility.

Thermal management in rotary screw compressors involves using aftercoolers to cool compressed air to 80-100°F and remove moisture, ensuring system reliability, preventing corrosion, and maintaining air quality for industrial applications.

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