Surge in small air compressors
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Our company installed a smaller air compressor with a capacity of 2000 cubic feet per minute to compensate for the insufficient airflow provided by the large air compressor. Recently, the motor of the smaller compressor burned out; after it was repaired, surging occurred whenever it was turned on. What are the possible reasons for this surging? The small air compressor started showing surge symptoms only after several days of operation.
http://bbs.hcbbs.com/thread-704981-1-1.html Regarding surge, the post above covers it in great detail; you might want to take a look to see if it’s helpful. Generally speaking, surge occurs when, for some reason, the air output of the air compressor decreases or even the airflow reverses, causing the pressure to rise and reaching the surge point. Two air compressors, of different sizes, supply air to the same system. If the air demand in the system decreases temporarily during the supply process (such as during the pressure equalization process in a purifier), the smaller air compressor is the one that faces greater risks first. A anti-surge system should be installed, allowing compressed air to be quickly released or returned to the inlet of the air compressor when demand decreases.
This post was last edited by xhkf on 2011-5-26 at 10:46. When two compressors operate in parallel, the smaller compressor may experience surge; check whether the outlet pressure and flow rate of this compressor fall within the surge range, and also examine the opening degree of the outlet valve and bypass valve, the cooling conditions at each stage, the opening degree of the inlet vanes, and whether the inlet resistance is normal.
Well, thank you both for your answers. After checking, it was found that the inlet valve of the small air compressor is faulty; it’s already being repaired, and it should be working properly in a few days.