Used Air-X-Changers Coolers: A Model Guide for Gas Compression Buyers

Many used Air-X-Changers coolers carry Harsco branding, because Harsco Corporation built and sold the line until Chart Industries bought the business in July 2019. The model families did not change with the owner, so a cooler marked Harsco Industrial Air-X-Changers belongs to the same family you will see in Chart literature today.

This guide is for buyers who need to work out exactly which Air-X-Changers cooler they have or want. It covers the six main models, how to read a model number, the drive and temperature control options, and what to confirm before you send a purchase request. For a general overview of the brand, see our Harsco Air-X-Changer page. If you are still deciding between cooler types, start with our air fin coolers page.

Why Gas Compression Coolers Need a Closer Look

Most Air-X-Changers models were built to cool the services on a compressor package. A single unit may handle engine jacket water, one or more stages of compressed gas and lube oil, each in its own section. That means a replacement has to match more than a fan size. It has to fit your compressor’s horsepower, your cooling services and the space on your skid or pad.

If you are sourcing a cooler for a specific package, it also helps to look at the other half of the system. Our used compressors page covers the machines these coolers are built to support.

Air-X-Changers Cooler Models You Will See Used

Air-X-Changers identifies its coolers with letters. The table below summarizes the six models from the manufacturer’s published brochure. Typical compression horsepower is a guide to the packages each model was designed around, and individual units vary.

• Model EH: a compact, unitized cooler that combines engine and compressor cooling in one footprint. Its sloped sections pack more cooling into a given plot area.
• Model F: the original horizontal-coil cooler with multiple vertical fans, each with its own plenum. It is built for high-horsepower, engine-driven packages and comes in two-fan (2F) and three-fan (3F) versions.
• Model H: a skid-mounted horizontal cooler used for gas compression, lube oil cooling and general process cooling. Drives can sit on the internal substructure for a lower profile.
• Model VI: a vertical-discharge, induced-draft cooler whose sections are easy to reach, which helps when sections need frequent change-out.
• Model VV: a small, portable cooler for low-horsepower gas, water and lube oil cooling.
• Model Z: a large bolt-together horizontal cooler for high-horsepower applications, designed to fit typical pipe-rack mounting and available with field assembly. Two-fan (2Z) and three-fan (3Z) versions exist.

How to Read an Air-X-Changers Model Number

The model number is usually on the cooler’s nameplate, and it tells you the fan size, fan count and model family at a glance. The manufacturer’s brochures show examples such as these:

• 144-EH: a Model EH with a 144-inch fan.
• 132-3F: a Model F with three 132-inch fans.
• 84-H: a Model H with an 84-inch fan.
• 54-VI: a Model VI with a 54-inch fan.

The pattern is the fan diameter in inches, then a hyphen, then the fan count when there is more than one, then the model letters. If you have a nameplate photo, send it to us. We can work out the layout and likely fan size from there, and we will tell you if something does not add up.

Drive and Temperature Control Options That Change the Fit

Two coolers of the same model can behave very differently depending on how they were equipped. These are the options worth asking about:

• Fan drive: engine, electric motor or hydraulic motor. The drive tells you what the cooler needs to run and where it was installed.
• Louvers: manual or automatic, placed upstream or downstream of the sections to control airflow and process outlet temperature.
• Warm air recirculation and heating coils: cold-weather features that keep fluids from running too cool in winter.
• Fan speed control: multi-speed drives, variable-speed fans or variable-pitch fans on some units.
• Screens and guards: removable bug or lint screens, hailguards and core guards that protect the sections.
• Surge tanks and walkways: extras that are easy to overlook until the unit is on site.

What to Confirm Before You Buy

We sell equipment as inspected and as-is, so the more you tell us about your application, the better we can match you. These are the points that most often decide whether a used Air-X-Changers cooler fits.

• Model and serial number: the nameplate is the fastest way to confirm what the unit is.
• Compressor and engine details: the horsepower and services the cooler must handle, such as jacket water, gas stages and lube oil.
• Section ratings: each section has its own design pressure and temperature. Check every one against your service, not just the main gas section.
• Tube, fin and header materials: carbon steel is common, and stainless steel, duplex and alloy construction exist. Match the metallurgy to your fluids, especially if they are corrosive.
• Footprint and connections: compare the length, width and height with your available space, and compare nozzle locations with your piping.
• Climate and controls: confirm the louvers, recirculation and speed control suit the lowest and highest ambient temperatures at your site.
• Condition: look for bent or corroded fins, plugged or leaking tubes, header leaks, and worn fan blades, hubs, bearings and belts.
• Paperwork: ask for any drawings, data sheets or inspection records on file for the unit.

Air-X-Changers Cooler FAQs

Is a Harsco Air-X-Changers cooler the same as an Air-X-Changers cooler from Chart?

They are the same product family. Harsco owned Air-X-Changers until Chart Industries acquired it in 2019, and Chart now owns the brand. Chart also owns the Cooler Service Company line, which we cover on our Chart Cooler Service page. For original manufacturer support questions, Chart is the place to ask.

Which Air-X-Changers models are made for engine-driven packages?

Models EH, F, VI and VV are offered with engine drive. The EH and F cover the larger horsepower ranges of that group, while the VI and VV suit smaller packages. Models H and Z use electric or hydraulic drives.

Can I swap one Air-X-Changers model for another?

Sometimes, but it is rarely a one-for-one change. Fan size, footprint, drive type, section ratings and nozzle positions can all differ between models. Have your engineer confirm the duty before you buy.

Does the fan diameter in the model number tell me the cooler’s capacity?

It tells you the size of the fan, not the full duty. Capacity depends on the tube sections, fins, airflow and operating conditions, so compare the unit’s data sheet or section ratings with your requirements.

What should I send to get a quote?

Send the model and serial number if you have them, along with your compressor horsepower, cooling services, design pressures and temperatures, site ambient range and quantity. A nameplate photo helps a lot.

Send Us Your Air-X-Changers Requirements

Our team can help you find a used Air-X-Changers cooler that fits your package, your site and your schedule. Browse the Harsco units currently listed, search our full air fin cooler inventory, or submit a purchase request with your model number or nameplate details. You can also use our contact form or call +1-866-289-5232.