Thread Content
Operating Procedures for Piston Air Compressors 1. Before starting up 1.1 Check the “Shift Handover Record”. 1.2 Check the tightness of the foundation nuts of the air compressor (except for mobile types), as well as the nuts on the valve covers of various intake and exhaust valves and other fasteners. 1.3 Check whether the power supply voltage is normal. 1.4 Check the tightness of the V-belt and whether the coupling is installed properly. 1.5 Check whether the safety protection devices of the air compressor are reliable, whether the instruments are functioning properly, and whether all the pipeline valves are in good condition. 1.6 Check whether the oil level in the aircraft’s oil tank and the filler is normal. 1.7 Open the inlet and outlet valves, start the circulation water pump (except for air-cooled types), to ensure smooth water flow, and check for any leaks at the various connections. 1.8 Close the unloading valve (or open the exhaust bypass vent valve) to reduce the starting load of the air compressor. 1.9 Check that the start buttons for the motors of each air compressor are in the start position. Power can be turned on and the vehicle started if there are no issues. 2. Operation by driving 2.1 First, operate the motor start switch in intermittent mode to listen for any abnormal noises from the various moving parts of the air compressor; only after confirming that everything is normal can the motor be started. 2.2 After the motor starts, the air compressor should run without a load for 5–6 minutes, after which the intake valve should be gradually opened to enable operation under load. 2.3 During the operation of the air compressor, it is necessary to regularly check whether the level of oil in the oil reservoir, as well as the oil level and the number of oil drops in the oil filler, are within normal ranges. 2.4 Continuously monitor and check the readings on all pressure gauges and thermometers to ensure they remain within the specified allowable ranges. 2.5 Always pay attention to the temperature rise of the motor, and ensure that the readings on the ammeter and voltmeter remain within the specified allowable ranges. 2.6 When the pressure in the gas storage tank reaches the specified value, it is necessary to check whether the safety valve and pressure regulator operate smoothly and reliably; manual or automatic venting tests of the safety valve should be conducted regularly. 2.7 When the air compressor is in operation, the oil and water in the oil-water separator must be drained every 2 hours of operation. The condensed oil and water in the air storage tank should also be drained once per shift; the frequency of drainage should be increased when the air temperature is high. 2.8 The air compressor should be shut down urgently under the following conditions; the cause should be identified, and it can only be restarted after the issue is resolved. 2.8.1 Sudden exceedance of the specified values for the primary and secondary exhaust pressure gauges ； 2.8.2 In the event of a sudden interruption in the supply of cooling water, if the machine has been running for a long time after the water supply is cut off, it is absolutely not advisable to inject new cooling water into the cylinder water jackets immediately; instead, wait until the cylinders have cooled down on their own before resuming operation by supplying water ； 2.8.3 The temperature of any part of the air compressor exceeds the allowable value ； 2.8.4 Abnormal noise from the air compressor ； 2.8.5 When the supply of lubricating oil is suddenly interrupted ； 2.8.6 When the air compressor experiences severe air or water leakage ； 2.8.7 When there is severe sparking between the slip rings and brushes of the motor, as well as at the wiring connections ； 2.8.8 In the event of other serious failures ； 2.8.9 When maintaining air compressor equipment, the power supply must be turned off first, and any remaining air in the equipment and pipelines must be removed before proceeding. Kerosene should be used for cleaning the cylinder valve components (gasoline is not allowed); after cleaning, it is necessary to wait until all the kerosene has evaporated before assembling the components again. During maintenance and disassembly, debris such as wood chips, pieces of leather, and cotton fibers must not fall into the cylinders, air storage tanks, or air pipelines, to prevent blockages, fires, and accidents. 2.8.10 When the air compressor is in operation, the operating conditions as well as the results of routine equipment inspections should be recorded in the operation and inspection logbook. 3. Shutdown 3.1 Gradually close the load-reduction valve (or open the exhaust bypass vent valve) to bring the air compressor into no-load operation. 3.2 Cut off the power supply. 3.3 The circulating water pump can be stopped and the cooling water inlet valve closed only after the air compressor has been shut down for 15 minutes. 3.4 Drain the oil and water condensed in the intercooler and air storage tank. In cold winter temperatures, all water remaining in the water jackets at various levels and in the intercooler should be drained completely to prevent the machine from cracking due to freezing. 3.5 Perform regular maintenance. 3.6 Fill in the “Shift Handover Record” to ensure proper shift handover.