Air compressors are machines that take air at atmospheric pressure and compress it, elevating its pressure

up to the limits required for service on the ship on which it is to be used.

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Reciprocating air compressor

The most common type aboardship Composed of a reciprocating element (piston) which reciprocates inside the cylinder In this type, air is compressed in one or more cylinders The cycle includes two strokes of piston, the suction stroke and the compression stroke

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Reciprocating air compressor

As the piston moves down, it creates vacuum inside the cylinder causing the suction valve to open and admit air into the cylinder. During the return stroke, the suction valve closes and as the piston moves up, it generates pressure inside the cylinder causing the discharge valve to open allowing the air under pressure to pass to the discharge line leading to the air tank.

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Rotary air compressor

Has a rotary element of piston that rotates and compresses the air This rotary element will bow either be a lobe, a vane, or a screw Used where low pressure is required (such as a rotating element could build up a pressure as high as the pressure produced by reciprocating compressors)

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Centrifugal compressors

Has a rotary impeller that sucks in air at the center of the impeller and discharge it readily to the casting outlet.

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How to start air compressors

Inspect the compressor exterior and clean. Tighten any loose foundation bolts or nuts. Remove any loose gears that may be lying around. Check the oil reservoir and, if necessary, fill it to the proper level with the correct grade of oil. Set over speed tripping device if provided.

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How to start air compressors

Turn the compressor by hand to see if it turns freely. Turn the cooling water to the system and vent the system. Open all air system stop valves. Open all separator drains and drain all accumulation of water or oil from the separator. When the compressor is up to normal speed, gradually put load by gradually closing the separator drains.

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Operating the air compressor

After the air compressor has been in operation a few minutes, re-check the oil level in the crank case. Drain the receiver and accumulators at least once each watch. Adjust the flow of cooling water so as to cool the air properly between stages. For compressor using saltwater as coolant, the temperature of the outlet must not exceed 51 degrees centigrade or 125 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Operating the air compressor

Drain the intercooler and after cooler frequently and regularly. Check operation of all relief valves regularly. Use hand lifting lever if provided. Read pressure gauges and temperatures regularly while the air compressor is in operation.

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Securing the air compressor

Securing

and stopping air compressor is usually the reverse of the procedures. Generally air compressors are driven by electric motors, the main compressors being usually of the two stage type. Main starting compressors have a final discharge pressure of 30 kg/cm2.
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Securing the air compressor

Air compressors are fitted with a relief valve in the second stage and an unloader which is held open by the suction valve during starting so the machine does not offer any resistance to starting. The crankcase has an oil level that must be watched and topped-up because some part of this oil accompanies the starting air. A lubrication pump is installed in the crankcase.

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Securing the air compressor

Air compressors are also fitted with drainage valves to eliminate condensation that tends to accumulate especially in the cooler.

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Securing the air compressor

In air compressors, the greatest maintenance problem are often related to the valves (especially those of the high pressure or second stage) when they lose their air tightness or are blocked by runt lubricating oil residues or valve spring which lose their tension. Therefore, the valves should be disassembled regularly for maintenance which should include repairs to the valves and/or seats and renewal of valve springs. It is very important that all gaskets and neoprene rings remain in perfect condition.
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Securing the air compressor

Air compressors used in auxiliary services are quite similar to those used for air starting. However, their working conditions are not as severe due to the fact that the final air pressure is normally around 7 kg/cm2.

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