Air compressor switching time
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In our production line, air compressors are used to supply air to the pneumatic valves; there is one compressor in use and one as a backup. How often should they be switched so that the backup unit takes over while the active unit is taken offline? We initially set it to switch every month, but the maintenance staff said that this isn’t ideal as it has an adverse effect on the oil, suggesting that the switching should take place every week or so. Is that statement correct?
I advocate switching once a month. However, different compressors have distinct characteristics. Since the maintenance staff recommend switching them every week, there must be a reason for that – safety comes first. Consider this advice before making a decision.
Check the manufacturer’s optional operation manual for the air compressor you are using, and then make the changes as specified by the manufacturer.
OP, what brand of air compressor are you using, screw-type? Piston? Centrifuge? What are the volume and pressure? Personally, I believe there is no need to switch as long as the maintenance status is normal. In typical applications, the backup air compressor starts automatically only when the pressure drops.
We are using a 5.5-kilowatt screw compressor from Shanghai Dongfang Wil. It is the model with the lowest gas supply capacity from their factory. Does what was said upstairs refer to me turning on both of mine? Will those two devices load in turn, or will only one of them load while the other loads only when the first one fails? If it’s the latter, then how do I first determine which one is the backup?
These days, manufacturers, in an effort to save trouble, use the same manual for all models, from the smallest to the largest. Some components are not even available in the actual devices, and many critical maintenance schedules are unclear or not mentioned at all, which causes a lot of difficulties in our operation and maintenance tasks. This post was last edited by zhuimengren on 2009-3-27 11:11.]
In refineries, the switch is made once every quarter; running the backup equipment for a few hours is sufficient to prove that it works properly. It can be switched back or not, depending on production needs.
We usually switch every quarter!
I think changing it every half month is more suitable for your operating conditions.