Why does the air compressor start and stop operating frequently?
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As the title suggests, a compressor has recently been experiencing frequent loading and unloading cycles (between 0.6–0.8 MPa), which has caused abnormal noises from the compressor. What could be the cause and how should it be addressed? Thank you!
Instrument issues: Have the instrument check whether there are any problems with signal communication； Check for problems in the programming ； Check if there is a problem with the circuit board.
. Most likely, it’s caused by a change in gas consumption (including gas leakage)； A decrease in the gas capacity of the gas storage tank and the pipeline network can also lead to frequent start-ups and shutdowns ； Malfunctions or improper settings of control instruments can cause frequent start-ups and shutdowns; however, during such occurrences, the range of readings on the pressure gauge changes ； Changes in the resistance of the air compressor outlet piping network may lead to frequent start-ups and shutdowns; however, the pressure at the point of use often remains low in such cases.
There are basically just a few reasons for this: 1. The air generated by the compressor cannot be discharged. Check the outlet valve; I’ve encountered one case where the core of the manual outlet valve came loose. This issue is quite hidden, but professionals can figure it out by turning the handwheel. 2. The demand from external users is low; when multiple air compressors operate simultaneously, it’s necessary to check the pipelines – it’s possible that the outlet side is blocked by gas produced by other compressors, resulting in high pressure. Since the amount of gas required by the users can be met by those other machines, this compressor essentially does no work.
The heat sink issue causes excessive temperatures, preventing the desired pressure from being achieved. At the same time, excessively high temperatures also limit loading
In the case of a screw compressor, my personal opinion is that there’s a problem with the slide valve seal, which causes frequent load increases and decreases.
Centrifugal air compressor: 1. Instrument failure causing incorrect operation of the vanes； 2. Vent valve malfunction ； 3. Variation in gas consumption
There are several reasons. First: the range of the pressure difference controller is too small, resulting in a small difference between the loading pressure and the unloading pressure. Second: The pressure at the pressure measurement point changes too rapidly. If the pressure measurement point were located at the tank’s position, this phenomenon would definitely not occur; thus, there is a problem with the selection of the pressure measurement point location. Third: The storage tank is too small; in other words, the system’s storage capacity and flexibility are limited. A slight increase in gas volume causes the pressure to rise, while even mild use leads to a drop in pressure. Fourth: leakage, especially of the locations of monitoring points, as leakage causes rapid changes in local pressure.