After Coolers

Air-Cooled Aftercoolers

In Van Air AC series air-cooled after-coolers, hot compressed air is introduced to the core as ambient air is drawn across it, leaving the exiting air cooler. AC series after-coolers are normally sized for a 15°F (or less) approach to ambient air. For example, a compressor discharges 250°F air and the after-cooler is located in 80°F ambient conditions. With a 15°F approach, the air exiting the after-cooler will be 95°F and saturated, and the moisture created by cooling from 250°F to 95°F will condense.

Features and Benefits

• Horizontal or vertical flow directions
• Galvanized steel cabinet
• Open vented motor
• Pressure drop less than 3 psi at 80-125 psig

Air-Cooled Aftercoolers

Water-cooled Aftercoolers

Van Air WC series water-cooled after-coolers use water as a cooling medium. The cooling medium flows counter-currently through a shell and tube liquid-to-air heat exchanger. Countercurrent flow provides the most effective method of bringing the final compressed air temperature close to the cooling medium temperature. The air to be cooled is directed through multiple tubes. Each tube is helically enhanced to substantially increase the heat transfer capability over a plain tube. For example, compressed air is discharged from a compressor at 250°F and enters a Van Air WC series after-cooler sized for a 15°F approach to 75°F cooling. Air will leave the after-cooler at 85°F, and water condensed by cooling from 250°F to 85°F is separated out.

The WC series after-coolers are compact. Standard models are 51" long, and 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 after-cooler. Standard materials of construction are copper tubes with carbon steel shells.

Features and Benefits

• Flows up to 11,970 scfm
• High efficiency, shorter length
• Fixed or removable tube bundles
• Easy installation
• ASME Coded
• High pressure design available
• Stainless steel construction optional

Water Cooled Aftercoolers

Climate-Cooled Aftercoolers

Van Air Climate-Cooled after-coolers reduce high compressed air temperatures to safe operating levels without using water or electricity. Hot air from the compressor enters the separator/ manifold and is divided into smaller streams as it flows through A-shaped cooling arms. Heat is dissipated in these finned-tube cooling arms and carried away by atmospheric air flowing over the fins. Water condensed in the cooling-arms falls to the bottom of the separator/manifold on each side of the unit. These large volume chambers provide an ample claim area and result in minimal pressure drop. The water can be drained manually or with an automatic drain valve.

The Climate Cooled series is an economical and “green” solution for cooling large volumes of compressed air. These coolers can be used in summer and winter. Operation of the cooler costs nothing, as atmospheric air is used as the cooling medium, and a low pressure drop saves compressor energy.

The Climate-Cooled series is ideal for dusty and dirty environments where polluted ambient conditions may foul forced-air coolers. Construction is all steel for superior performance in corrosive environments.

Features and Benefits

• Fabricated in accordance with ASME, Section VIII
• Heavy duty legs for mounting
• Ideal for outdoor installations with limited power and/or electrical restrictions
• Maximum working pressure 150 psig
• Pressure drop less than .5% of operating pressure
• Six standard models with capacities to 6450 scfm

Climate Cooled Aftercoolers