Consequences of reversing a screw compressor
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This post was last edited by WQC on 2015-7-26 at 15:05. The power supply was connected by the electricity utility, and the phase of the transformer was connected incorrectly, causing the screw compressor in the unit to run in reverse for half an hour. I have a question regarding Atlas: what are the consequences of reversing a screw compressor? Will the male and female screws mesh with each other?
According to the operating requirements, screw compressors are not allowed to run in reverse. In inversion, the male and female rotors are meshed.
Congratulations, your screw gear is worn out; even if it can still be used, there will be significant vibration in the future
Don’t Atlas’ screw compressors have phase sequence protection?
The tooth surface is one aspect; another issue is the thrust bearings. It’s possible that appropriate thrust bearings were not designed to handle the axial forces resulting from reverse rotation, which may cause damage to those thrust bearings and increase play
Regarding the question of whether screw compressors can be run in reverse: 1. Firstly, once a screw compressor is operated in reverse, the forces acting on the screws change, which can easily lead to friction between the screws and the end caps, or even complete damage to them； 2. In most oil systems of conventional screw compressors, shaft-end pumps or oil-gas pressure difference types are used; when the compressor operates in reverse, insufficient oil supply can lead to severe friction between moving and stationary parts ； Points to note regarding the verification of the rotation direction of screw compressors: After performing maintenance on the drive unit or rewiring the power supply system, it is essential to check the rotation direction to ensure it is correct.
It cannot be reversed; phase sequence control protection can be installed.