Looking at compressor aftercoolers

[FriendOfYours]

I understand it is to keep the moisture out of the tank, but why wouldn't it be more beneficial to put the cooler on the outlet from the tank?

The temperature drops quite a bit when entering the tank, which would make it easier for the cooler to drop the temps closer to ambient

Maybe it makes no difference before or after. Someone care to explain?

 

[mbatarga]

Having it before the tank prevents the moisture (water) from entering the tank to begin with. This would hopefully decrease likelihood of rust to the tank.

 

[FriendOfYours]

Yeah, I got that part. I'm talking about removing water from the lines most effectively

 

[stonesfan68]

Compressor manufacturers put the after-cooler prior to the tank for packaging reasons. You can certainly use the tank as a "knock out drum" prior to the after-cooler, just make sure that you have a high-quality drain valve installed in the tank.

You'll also want to install a moisture separator after the aftercooler so as to remove the bulk water out of the cooled air- which is one of the reasons for installing the cooler prior to the tank...

 

[strutaeng]

Having it before the tank prevents the moisture (water) from entering the tank to begin with. This would hopefully decrease likelihood of rust to the tank.

I think that having an aftercooler before the tank lowers the temperature of the compressed air before entering the tank. Ideally, having a refrigerated air drier is the best way to remove the moisture.

The refrigerated air drier can be overloaded if the air coming out of the air receiver is too hot. Hence that is why aftercoolers are mounted before the tank.

If you believe that they prevent moisture (water) from entering the tank, where does the moisture go?

 

[b-body-bob]

If you believe that they prevent moisture (water) from entering the tank, where does the moisture go?

Into the water trap/dryer you install between the aftercooler outlet and the tank inlet.

 

[AndyA]

Think of the tank as a really large water trap.
If the air coming into the tank is hot, the water will stay vapor and get carried out of the tank
If the air coming into the tank is cold, the water will drop out in the tank and get removed via the drain (automatic preferably).

Having the aftercooler before the tank means you get an extra water seperator for free.

 

[sberry]

Think of the tank as a really large water trap.
If the air coming into the tank is hot, the water will stay vapor and get carried out of the tank
If the air coming into the tank is cold, the water will drop out in the tank and get removed via the drain (automatic preferably).

Having the aftercooler before the tank means you get an extra water seperator for free.

This concept should be repeated.