I asked ChatGPT. 
does a piston type air compressor benifit from an aftercooler between tank and compressor?
Yes, an aftercooler can provide several benefits when installed between the tank and compressor in a piston-type air compressor system. Here are some of the main benefits:
- Reducing Heat: When compressed air is generated, it gets heated up due to the compression process. This can cause damage to the compressor and reduce the efficiency of the system. An aftercooler can cool down the compressed air, reducing the temperature and preventing damage to the compressor.
- Removing Moisture: Compressed air also contains moisture, which can cause corrosion and damage to downstream equipment. An aftercooler can help remove this moisture by cooling the compressed air, causing the water vapor to condense and separate from the air.
- Improving Air Quality: Cooler and drier air is cleaner air, and an aftercooler can help improve the overall air quality of the system by removing moisture and reducing the amount of contaminants present in the compressed air.
- Extending the Life of the System: By reducing the temperature and removing moisture, an aftercooler can help extend the life of the compressor, downstream equipment, and the overall system.
Overall, installing an aftercooler between the tank and compressor can provide several benefits to a piston-type air compressor system, improving its efficiency, reliability, and lifespan.
does a piston type air compressor benifit from an aftercooler after the tank
Installing an aftercooler after the tank in a piston-type air compressor system may not provide as many benefits as installing it between the tank and compressor. Here’s why:
- Heat: After the compressed air leaves the tank, it has already been cooled to some extent due to the expansion of the air as it leaves the compressor. Therefore, the compressed air temperature after the tank is relatively lower than before the tank. As a result, installing an aftercooler after the tank may not have as significant an impact on reducing the temperature of the compressed air as compared to installing it before the tank.
- Moisture: Since the air has already expanded and cooled to some extent after leaving the compressor, much of the moisture present in the compressed air would have already condensed and been separated from the air. Therefore, installing an aftercooler after the tank may not be as effective in removing moisture from the compressed air.
- Pressure Drop: Installing an aftercooler after the tank can cause a significant pressure drop in the compressed air system, which can reduce the overall efficiency of the system.
Overall, while installing an aftercooler after the tank may provide some benefits, such as removing remaining moisture and improving air quality, it may not be as effective in reducing the temperature of the compressed air and may cause pressure drops in the system. Therefore, installing an aftercooler between the tank and compressor in a piston-type air compressor system would likely provide more significant benefits.