Aftercoolers are used to cool the air emerging from air compressors. The compression of air creates heat which, depending on the final air pressure, can be over 300 F. For many applications, this heat has to be removed before the air can be used. The aftercooler uses ambient air or water for the cooling and, with proper sizing, will cool the compressed air to within 20 F above the ambient air or water temperatures. The air capacity is rated at 250 F and 100 psig input.

The temperature of the compressed air exiting the unit can be adjusted by the amount of air flow. A slower flow gives a temperature closer to ambient. A higher air flow results in a higher output temperature.

The cooling process reduces the amount of water vapor in the compressed air and the aftercoolers are equipped with drain ports to remove the condensate.

For the cooling medium, air cooled models require free air space around the unit to dissipate the heat. Water cooled models require a water line and consume water while in operation.