In a two-stage air compressor, the intercooler's primary function is to cool the air between the compression stages. When air is compressed, its temperature rises significantly due to the increase in pressure, which can affect efficiency and lead to potential damage from overheating. By incorporating an intercooler, the air is passed through this cooling unit after the first stage of compression, allowing it to cool before entering the second stage.
This cooling process has several benefits: it reduces the temperature of the air, which lowers its volume, making it easier to compress further in the next stage. Additionally, it enhances the overall efficiency of the compressor, as denser (cooler) air requires less energy to compress than hotter air, leading to improved performance and reduced energy consumption.
The other options, although related to air compression, do not accurately describe the role of the intercooler. Increasing the pressure of the air is primarily the function of the compressor's stages, filtering and moisture expulsion are typically handled by other components in the pneumatic system, such as air filters and dryers. Thus, the correct answer is that the intercooler cools the air between compression stages, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the two-stage compression process.