What device is used to cool compressed air between different stages?

The device used to cool compressed air between different stages is an intercooler. An intercooler operates by reducing the temperature of compressed air before it enters the next compression stage. This cooling process is crucial because when air is compressed, its temperature increases, which can lead to inefficiencies and further expenses due to higher temperatures affecting compressor performance and output quality.

By cooling the air between stages, the intercooler allows for more efficient compression, as denser, cooler air will require less energy to compress and will reduce the risk of overheating the system. This ultimately improves the overall efficiency of the compressor system and the quality of the compressed air.

In contrast, while compressors are used to increase the pressure of air, heat exchangers have a broader application for transferring heat between fluids and are not specific to air compression systems. Evaporators typically relate to refrigeration cycles and are not used in this specific context of cooling compressed air between stages.