Essential Preparations Before Starting a Screw Air Compressor

Before starting a compressore d'aria a vite, several conditions need to be met to ensure safe and efficient operation. This article outlines the key requirements for starting a screw air compressor, including checks for water, air, oil, and electricity.

The following checks should be performed before starting the screw air compressor:

Water:

• Water Valve Check: Ensure that the inlet and return water valves are open.
• Water Pressure Check: Verify that the water pressure is within the required range (industrial water pressure of 3.0–6.0 kg/cm²).
• Water Flow: The screw air compressor requires a water flow of 60-80 tons per hour. If the water pressure and flow do not meet these requirements, FS-ELLIOTT centrifugal compressori a vite should not be started.

Air:

• Instrument Air Source: The sealing air must be clean, dry, and oil-free. Open the ball valve on the instrument air source pipeline and check the pressure, ensuring it is around 2.758 kg (40 psi). The pressure on the pressure relief valve mounted on the compressor should be around 0.031 kg (4.5 psi). If the instrument air pressure is below 0.031 kg (4.5 psi), the compressor should not be started.

Oil:

• Lubrication Oil Level: Before starting the compressor, ensure the oil level is within the acceptable range:
  • Before Auxiliary Oil Pump Activation: The oil level should be at 2/3 of the sight glass.
  • After Auxiliary Oil Pump Starts: The oil level should be at 1/2 of the sight glass.

Electricity:

• Power Supply: Ensure that both high-voltage (10kV) and low-voltage (380V) electrical supplies are connected and functioning.

Inspection After Long Shutdown:

If the compressor has been out of service for an extended period, additional checks are necessary:

• Intake Valve: Confirm that the intake valve is operating smoothly.
• Unload Valve: Check that the unload valve is functioning correctly.

Steps to Check the Intake and Unload Valves:

1. Navigate to the Main Menu on the control panel and select the Mode button.
2. In the control mode, choose Inlet Valve and select Manual. Input a set value for the valve opening and check if the actual opening matches the set value.
3. Similarly, check the Unload Valve by selecting it in manual mode and comparing the actual opening with the set value.

Once the preparations are complete, follow these steps for the startup procedure:

1. Startup Mode: In the dropdown menu, select Manual Start/Stop.
2. Control Mode: In the dropdown menu, select Base Mode.

Before starting the compressor, it’s essential to test the auxiliary oil pump, especially if the compressor has been idle for a long time:

1. Press the Main Menu button and select the Test option.
2. In the test screen, select Test Screen 3 to access the auxiliary oil pump test menu.
3. Scegliere Test to activate the auxiliary oil pump. Afterward, press Status to check the oil temperature and pressure.
4. To stop the auxiliary oil pump, select Normal in the dropdown menu under Aux Oil Pump Test.

Once the auxiliary oil pump test is complete, return to the startup screen:

1. Pull the emergency stop button to enable startup. The display will show STOPPED until the button is released.
2. Press the Start button. A confirmation dialog box will appear. Choose Confirm Start to initiate the compressor.
3. Once confirmed, the auxiliary oil pump will start. After 15 seconds, the low oil pressure alarm and automatic shutdown feature will activate. If the oil temperature exceeds 23°C, the motor will be allowed to start. If the oil temperature remains below 23°C for more than 15 minutes, the startup process will be canceled.

Warning: Do not start the FS-ELLIOTT compressore a vite directly with high pressure.

If the startup is successful, the following messages will appear in sequence on the screen:

• Startup logic begins.
• Motor starts.
• Motor accelerates.
• Compressor running.

To shut down the compressore d'aria a vite, follow these steps:

1. Close the outlet valve to isolate the compressor from the air system.
2. Press the Stop button on the screen, which will display a confirmation dialog box. Select Confirm Stop to initiate shutdown.
3. The auxiliary oil pump will continue to run for 15 minutes after shutdown to maintain oil pressure. During this time, do not close the instrument air source or water inlet valves.
4. After the auxiliary oil pump stops, press the emergency stop button to completely shut down the system.

Note importanti:

• No more than one restart per hour is allowed.
• Do not use the emergency stop button for regular shutdown, except in cases of immediate danger to personnel.

The following are critical parameters for the operation of the compressore d'aria a vite:

• Discharge Pressure Setting: 8.00 kg/cm²
• Motor Current Range: Minimum 60A, Maximum 75A
• Auxiliary Oil Pump Shutdown Pressure: 2.20 kg/cm²
• Allowable Startup Oil Temperature: 23.3°C
• Surge Alarm DP/DT: DP=0.35 kg/cm², DT=0.3 seconds (Alarm triggered if pressure fluctuation exceeds 0.35 kg/cm² within 0.3 seconds)
• Minimum Interval Between Motor Starts: 60 minutes
• Maximum Current Range: 400A

Proper preparation and adherence to startup procedures are essential for ensuring the smooth operation of compressori d'aria a vite. By following these guidelines, operators can prevent potential issues and optimize compressor performance. For more information on maintaining and troubleshooting your compressore d'aria, visitare Baldor Air.