aftercooler
Quick Summary
An aftercooler is a device used to cool a fluid after a heat-generating process. There are two primary types:
- Air Compressors: An aftercooler cools the discharge air from air compressors. This process removes condensed moisture, which can be beneficial for the system.1
- Superchargers: It can also cool the fuel mixture that has been heated by compression in a supercharger. Engines equipped with this type of aftercooler are described as "aftercooled."12
A related device is an intercooler, which cools a fluid between successive heat-generating processes. An afterburner, found in jet engines, is a separate combustion chamber that adds fuel to increase thrust, typically for takeoff or supersonic flight.34
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
diesel engineDiesel combustionAddition of a turbocharger and aftercooler can enhance the performance of a diesel engine in terms of both power and efficiency.
Read MoreAddition of a turbocharger and aftercooler can enhance the performance of a diesel engine in terms of both power and efficiency.
Read More
gasoline engineSupercharger…to as either intercoolers or aftercoolers, are used to reduce the temperature of the charge air. Both air-to-coolant and air-to-air type coolers are available.
Read More…to as either intercoolers or aftercoolers, are used to reduce the temperature of the charge air. Both air-to-coolant and air-to-air type coolers are available.
Read More