Two-stage heat exchanger with interstage bypass

摘要

A fluid cooler comprises a first stage fluid cooler (24) and a downstream second stage fluid cooler (32). A flow line (30) connects the first and second stages. A valve (40) senses a condition of the fluid in the flow line, and bypasses the second stage fluid cooler if it is determined that additional cooling is not necessary. An air compressor incorporating the cooler is also disclosed.