Seven Practical Tips for Using Screw Air Compressor Spare Parts
1. Adjustment of Air Compressor Pressure Regulator
The unloading pressure is adjusted by the upper adjusting bolt. Turn the bolt clockwise to increase unloading pressure; turn it counterclockwise to reduce unloading pressure.
The pressure differential is adjusted via the differential knob at the bottom. Rotate counterclockwise to decrease the pressure differential, and rotate clockwise to increase the pressure differential.
The minimum recommended pressure differential is 0.06 MPa, with an adjustment range of 0.06 ~ 0.25 MPa.
2. Air Filter
Dust in intake air is trapped by the filter to prevent premature wear of the screw air compressor and blockage of the oil separator. Normally, the filter element shall be replaced after 1,000 operating hours or one year. The replacement interval shall be shortened in heavily dusty areas.
The compressor must be shut down for filter maintenance. To minimize downtime, it is recommended to install a new or pre-cleaned spare filter element.
Procedures for Cleaning Filter Element
a. Lightly tap both end faces of the filter element alternately against a flat surface to remove most heavy and dry dust and sand.
b. Blow dry air below 0.28 MPa in the direction opposite to air intake. Keep the nozzle at least 25 mm away from the folded filter paper, and blow up and down along its length.
c. If grease is found on the filter element, clean it in warm water mixed with non-foaming detergent. Soak the filter element in warm water for at least 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water from a hose. Do not accelerate drying by heating. One filter element can be cleaned up to 5 times and shall be discarded afterwards.
d. Place a lamp inside the filter element for inspection. Discard the element if thinning, pinholes or damage are detected.
3. Cooler
The inner and outer surfaces of cooler tubes must be kept thoroughly clean; otherwise, the cooling effect will deteriorate. Regular cleaning shall be carried out according to operating conditions.
4. Air Receiver / Oil & Gas Separator
Air receivers and oil & gas separators are manufactured and inspected in accordance with pressure vessel standards and shall not be modified arbitrarily.
5. Safety Valve
The safety valve mounted on the air receiver / oil & gas separator shall be inspected at least once a year. Adjustment work must be performed by designated personnel. The lever shall be manually lifted at least once every three months to open and close the valve, ensuring reliable operation of the safety valve.
Inspection Procedures
a. Close the air supply valve.
b. Turn on the water supply.
c. Start the unit.
d. While monitoring operating pressure, slowly turn the adjusting bolt of the pressure regulator clockwise. If the safety valve fails to open at the specified pressure or opens before reaching the set value, adjustment is required.
Adjustment Procedures
a. Remove the cap and lead seal.
b. If the valve opens prematurely, loosen the lock nut and tighten the positioning bolt by half a turn. If the valve opens too late, loosen the lock nut by approximately one full turn and loosen the positioning bolt by half a turn.
c. Repeat the inspection procedure. Readjust if the safety valve still cannot open at the specified pressure.
6. Test of Digital Thermometer
To test a digital thermometer, place its thermocouple together with a calibrated reference thermometer in an oil bath. Replace the thermometer if the temperature deviation is ±5% or greater.
7. Motor Overload Relay
Under normal conditions, the relay contacts remain closed. When the current exceeds the rated value, the contacts open to cut off power supply to the motor.
The above are practical operation tips for screw air compressors. Mechanical equipment may break down if improperly operated despite its robust appearance. Therefore, proper operation of mechanical equipment is extremely important.
The unloading pressure is adjusted by the upper adjusting bolt. Turn the bolt clockwise to increase unloading pressure; turn it counterclockwise to reduce unloading pressure.
The pressure differential is adjusted via the differential knob at the bottom. Rotate counterclockwise to decrease the pressure differential, and rotate clockwise to increase the pressure differential.
The minimum recommended pressure differential is 0.06 MPa, with an adjustment range of 0.06 ~ 0.25 MPa.
2. Air Filter
Dust in intake air is trapped by the filter to prevent premature wear of the screw air compressor and blockage of the oil separator. Normally, the filter element shall be replaced after 1,000 operating hours or one year. The replacement interval shall be shortened in heavily dusty areas.
The compressor must be shut down for filter maintenance. To minimize downtime, it is recommended to install a new or pre-cleaned spare filter element.
Procedures for Cleaning Filter Element
a. Lightly tap both end faces of the filter element alternately against a flat surface to remove most heavy and dry dust and sand.
b. Blow dry air below 0.28 MPa in the direction opposite to air intake. Keep the nozzle at least 25 mm away from the folded filter paper, and blow up and down along its length.
c. If grease is found on the filter element, clean it in warm water mixed with non-foaming detergent. Soak the filter element in warm water for at least 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water from a hose. Do not accelerate drying by heating. One filter element can be cleaned up to 5 times and shall be discarded afterwards.
d. Place a lamp inside the filter element for inspection. Discard the element if thinning, pinholes or damage are detected.
3. Cooler
The inner and outer surfaces of cooler tubes must be kept thoroughly clean; otherwise, the cooling effect will deteriorate. Regular cleaning shall be carried out according to operating conditions.
4. Air Receiver / Oil & Gas Separator
Air receivers and oil & gas separators are manufactured and inspected in accordance with pressure vessel standards and shall not be modified arbitrarily.
5. Safety Valve
The safety valve mounted on the air receiver / oil & gas separator shall be inspected at least once a year. Adjustment work must be performed by designated personnel. The lever shall be manually lifted at least once every three months to open and close the valve, ensuring reliable operation of the safety valve.
Inspection Procedures
a. Close the air supply valve.
b. Turn on the water supply.
c. Start the unit.
d. While monitoring operating pressure, slowly turn the adjusting bolt of the pressure regulator clockwise. If the safety valve fails to open at the specified pressure or opens before reaching the set value, adjustment is required.
Adjustment Procedures
a. Remove the cap and lead seal.
b. If the valve opens prematurely, loosen the lock nut and tighten the positioning bolt by half a turn. If the valve opens too late, loosen the lock nut by approximately one full turn and loosen the positioning bolt by half a turn.
c. Repeat the inspection procedure. Readjust if the safety valve still cannot open at the specified pressure.
6. Test of Digital Thermometer
To test a digital thermometer, place its thermocouple together with a calibrated reference thermometer in an oil bath. Replace the thermometer if the temperature deviation is ±5% or greater.
7. Motor Overload Relay
Under normal conditions, the relay contacts remain closed. When the current exceeds the rated value, the contacts open to cut off power supply to the motor.
The above are practical operation tips for screw air compressors. Mechanical equipment may break down if improperly operated despite its robust appearance. Therefore, proper operation of mechanical equipment is extremely important.
