Air Cooler

Air Cooler is a compressed-air cooling accessory installed between the compressor and the cable blowing machine to lower air temperature, reduce moisture carryover, and support more stable cable installation performance. It is especially useful in long-distance blowing work and in field conditions where ambient temperature rises above 20°C.

In cable blowing operations, hot compressed air is not a minor detail. It can increase friction inside the duct, soften the cable jacket surface, and make blowing performance less predictable. This unit helps condition the airflow before it reaches the machine, so the installation process stays cleaner, safer, and more consistent.

  • Between compressor and machine
  • Max operating pressure: 12 bar
  • Max air flow: 12 m³/min
  • Net weight: 40 kg
  • No electrical power required
UPCOM Air Cooler for cable blowing machine

Air Cooler for cable blowing performance

The purpose of this Air Cooler is simple: cool the compressed air before it reaches the blowing machine. When compressor discharge air stays too hot, the installation line becomes harder to control. Cable sheath temperature rises, the duct wall sees more thermal load, and friction can increase at exactly the moment you want smooth and repeatable blowing performance.

According to the UPCOM datasheet, compressed air leaving the compressor can run roughly 30 to 35°C above ambient temperature if no cooling stage is used. The same document states that the Air Cooler is designed to bring that level down to around 10°C above ambient, which is a meaningful reduction for real field work.

This makes the unit particularly relevant for long-distance installations, warm climates, high compressor duty, and jobs where cable protection matters just as much as speed. It is not a decorative box with a fan. It is a practical compressed air cooler that helps the machine work in more controlled conditions.

Why this matters in the field
Lower air temperature helps reduce friction, limits heat stress on the cable jacket, and improves moisture handling before the air enters the blowing machine. For difficult routes, this can make the difference between a smooth run and an irritatingly expensive stop-start day.

For general compressed-air treatment fundamentals, you can also see Atlas Copco’s aftercooler overview and Kaeser’s compressed-air aftercooler guide.

How the Air Cooler works

Air Cooler airflow path

The unit is placed directly between the compressor and the cable blowing machine. Hot compressed air enters the cooler, passes through the filter and radiator section, and exits at a lower temperature before moving to the blowing machine.

The cooling fan is driven by an air motor, so the system does not depend on an external electrical supply. A regulator line manages the air sent to the motor, allowing the fan to operate using compressed air from the installation setup itself.

The result is a compact first-stage cooling and moisture-management step before the airflow reaches the machine. That means more usable air quality for blowing, with less heat and less condensate-related trouble moving downstream.

Air Cooler main components

  • Radiator with air inlet and air outlet
  • Propeller and propeller body for airflow across the radiator
  • Air motor to drive the fan without electricity
  • Filter for upstream air conditioning
  • Air regulator for the motor supply line
  • Rigid protective frame for transport and on-site handling

Why lower air temperature matters

Protects cable jacket surface

Lower discharge temperature reduces heat load on the cable outer sheath. That helps limit softening risk when the line is already under blowing pressure and friction.

Supports longer, smoother blowing runs

A more stable air stream can improve the overall behaviour of the cable in the duct, especially in demanding routes where every bit of friction control matters.

Reduces moisture carryover

Cooling the compressed air encourages condensation management before the air reaches the machine, which helps protect downstream components and installation quality.

No external power dependency

The fan is driven by compressed air through an air motor, so the unit remains practical for outdoor field work where electrical supply is not convenient.

Fast site setup

The structure is compact, transportable, and designed for quick placement in the blowing line without adding unnecessary complexity to the job site.

Better line discipline

Cleaner, cooler air helps the blowing machine operate in more predictable conditions. That matters when schedule pressure is real and field improvisation starts getting expensive.

Practical pairing tip: On difficult routes, the Air Cooler works well alongside Universal Cable Blowing Lubricant to reduce friction, and with the Y Connector or Cable Fleeting Trailer when the installation setup becomes more complex.

Air Cooler technical specifications

Standard versionAir Cooler
Max. air requirement of engine0.85 m³/min at 7 bar
Max. operating pressure12 bar
Max. air flow12 m³/min
Max. air inlet temperature100°C
Max. air pressure at the motor7 bar
Max. pressure drop0.2 bar
Package dimensions820 × 540 × 600 mm
Total net weight40 kg
Total gross weight56 kg

Air Cooler installation position

The Air Cooler should be installed between the air compressor and the cable blowing machine. That placement allows the unit to cool the discharge air before it reaches the machine and duct system.

What the numbers mean in practice

The high allowable inlet temperature and 12 m³/min flow capacity make the unit suitable for serious compressor-fed blowing operations. The low pressure drop is equally important, because cooling the air should not come at the cost of choking the installation line.

For the full machine range, visit the Cable Blowing Machines page. If your application is focused on smaller cable diameters and electric drive, you can also review ElektroFOK.

Air Cooler installation and use

  1. Place the Air Cooler on a stable surface between the compressor and the cable blowing machine.
  2. Connect the compressor discharge line to the air inlet side of the unit.
  3. Route the cooled outlet air from the unit to the blowing machine.
  4. Use the regulator line to supply the air motor that drives the cooling fan.
  5. Check that airflow direction, pressure, and hose connections are correct before starting the installation.
  6. Run the blowing setup only after confirming stable air delivery and secure fittings.

When to use this accessory

Air Cooler is recommended for long-distance cable blowing, warm weather work, heavy compressor use, and jobs where you want tighter control over cable jacket temperature and condensate behaviour.

It is a strong companion product for pneumatic machines such as FOK, HidroFOK, MiniFOK, and MikroFOK.

Air Cooler product video

This video shows the Air Cooler as a field-ready cable blowing accessory. The construction is straightforward: rigid frame, radiator core, air-driven fan system, filter/regulator assembly, and connection points for line integration.

For many contractors, that is exactly the point. The unit is meant to solve a specific problem in a direct way, without adding unnecessary electrical equipment or extra setup drama to the site.

FAQ about Air Cooler

What does the Air Cooler do in cable blowing?

It cools the compressed air coming from the compressor before that air reaches the cable blowing machine. This helps reduce heat load, manage moisture more effectively, and support more stable blowing performance.

Where should the Air Cooler be installed?

The correct position is between the compressor and the cable blowing machine. That is where it can cool the discharge air before the airflow enters the installation machine and duct line.

Does the Air Cooler need electrical power?

No. The cooling fan is driven by an air motor, so the system operates from compressed air and does not require an external electrical supply.

Does the Air Cooler replace a full compressed-air dryer?

No. It is a first-stage cooling and moisture-management accessory. It helps reduce temperature and condense part of the moisture load, but it is not the same thing as a dedicated downstream drying system.

Which other products are commonly used with the Air Cooler?

Common companion products include Universal Cable Blowing Lubricant, Y Connector, Cable Fleeting Trailer, and the broader Cable Blowing Machine range.