All air from the bleed air ports is processed through which component?

The correct answer is the heat exchanger because it is the component specifically designed to manage the temperature of bleed air extracted from the engine. When air is bled from the engine, it can be extremely hot, and the heat exchanger plays a crucial role in cooling this air before it is used for various purposes, such as cabin pressurization or environmental control.

The heat exchanger allows for the efficient transfer of heat away from the bleed air, ensuring that the air entering the cabin or other systems does not exceed safe or comfortable temperature levels. This is essential for both safety and comfort in the operation of the aircraft.

The other components mentioned do serve important functions within the system but do not process bleed air in the same way. The compressor, for example, is responsible for compressing air to generate thrust and is not specifically used for bleed air cooling. The fuel pump's role is to supply fuel to the engine, and while filters are important for maintaining cleanliness within various systems, they do not have a direct processing role for bleed air.