FAQ

Why is there water in my compressed air?

Water in your compressed air occurs because air contains moisture naturally. When air is compressed, its temperature rises, and the moisture it holds becomes concentrated. As the hot, compressed air exits the compressor, it enters the aftercooler, which cools it down. During this cooling process, the air’s capacity to hold water vapor decreases, causing the moisture to condense into liquid form. Without an effective aftercooler, this water remains in the air stream, potentially damaging equipment or affecting processes downstream. Proper aftercooling and moisture separation are essential to deliver dry, high-quality compressed air for your applications.

How do you remove water from compressed air?

To remove water from compressed air, an aftercooler plays a key role by cooling the hot, moist air exiting the compressor. As the air cools, water vapor condenses into liquid droplets. These droplets are then separated using a moisture separator or trap installed after the aftercooler. For even drier air, additional equipment like refrigerated dryers or desiccant dryers can be used downstream, lowering the dew point and removing residual moisture. Proper drainage systems, such as automatic drains, also help by expelling collected water. Combining aftercoolers with these tools ensures clean, dry compressed air for optimal performance.

Do I need an aftercooler?

Whether you need an aftercooler depends on your compressed air application. If you’re using air for tools, machinery, or processes sensitive to moisture and heat, an aftercooler is essential. It cools hot compressed air, causing water vapor to condense and separate, protecting downstream equipment from corrosion and damage. Without it, warm, moist air can degrade performance or product quality, especially in painting or food processing. However, for basic, non-critical uses where moisture isn’t an issue, you might skip it. Assess your air quality needs—temperature, dryness, and system longevity—to decide if an aftercooler is necessary.

What is the difference between water-cooled and air-cooled aftercoolers?

Water-cooled and air-cooled aftercoolers differ in how they remove heat from compressed air. Water-cooled aftercoolers use a flow of cold water through a heat exchanger to absorb and transfer heat away from the air, offering efficient cooling in high-heat or space-limited settings. They require a reliable water source and maintenance to prevent scaling. Air-cooled aftercoolers, conversely, use ambient air blown by fans across a heat exchanger to dissipate heat, making them simpler to install and maintain, though less effective in hot climates. The choice depends on environment, cost, and cooling needs.

I already have an aftercooler, how do I remove even more moisture from my compressed air?

If your aftercooler isn’t removing enough moisture, enhance drying with additional equipment. Install a refrigerated dryer after the aftercooler to lower the air’s dew point, condensing and removing more water vapor. For ultra-dry air, add a desiccant dryer, which uses absorbent materials to strip residual moisture, ideal for sensitive applications. Ensure your moisture separator post-aftercooler is working efficiently, and consider upgrading to an automatic drain to expel collected water consistently. Regular maintenance of these systems, like checking filters and desiccant condition, will maximize moisture removal, delivering drier compressed air tailored to your needs.

How to get water our of a paint sprayer?

To remove water from a paint sprayer, a compressed air aftercooler is essential. Aftercoolers cool hot compressed air from the compressor, causing moisture to condense into liquid form. Install an air-cooled or water-cooled aftercooler between the compressor and the paint sprayer. Once the air is cooled, the condensed water can be drained using an automatic or manual drain valve attached to the aftercooler or a downstream separator. Regularly check and empty the drain to prevent water from reaching the sprayer, ensuring a dry air supply for smooth, high-quality paint application without water-related defects.

Do I need an aftercooler for blasting?

For blasting applications, like sandblasting or abrasive blasting, an aftercooler is highly recommended. Hot, moist compressed air from the compressor can introduce water into the blasting media, causing clogs, uneven flow, or surface contamination, which compromises finish quality. An aftercooler cools the air, condensing moisture for removal, ensuring dry air reaches the blasting equipment. This prevents media caking and protects the blasted surface from rust or defects, especially on metal. While not mandatory, pairing an aftercooler with a dryer enhances performance and consistency, making it a smart investment for professional blasting results.