Instruction Manual DS Series Senator Industrial Air Compressors
2024-10-11 © Glenco Air & Power Pty Ltd 4
2.2.1 Air System
Ambient air is drawn in via the air filter and flows through the inlet valve into the rotary screw
air end for compression. Oil is continuously injected into the air end to provide both lubrication
and cooling. The compressed air and oil mixture flows into the air-oil receiver for preliminary
separation and then into the air-oil separator. After the air and oil are separated, the compressed
air flows through the minimum pressure valve, then the after-cooler (if equipped) and is finally
discharged into the pipeline network of the user.
The function of the air filter is to remove any particulate matter such as dirt and dust to ensure
that only clean air enters the compressor’s screw air end. The inlet valve is kept fully open
whenever the compressor is in loading mode, whereby it is pumping compressed air into the air
receiver. If the discharge air pressure rises to a pre-programmed maximum, the compressor
enters unloading mode whereupon the inlet valve closes fully to stop any further air being
delivered into the user’s network.
The inlet valve is kept closed during compressor start-up to reduce load on the air end motor.
When the unit is shut down, the inlet valve is closed to prevent compressed air and oil flowing
backwards from the air-oil receiver and being ejected through the air inlet.
The minimum pressure valve ensures that the pressure in the air-oil receiver doesn’t fall below
≈ 4.5 bar when the compressor is running so that the lubricating oil can flow normally in the
system. When the compressor is running in unloading mode or shut down, the minimum
pressure valve prevents the compressed air in the pipeline network of the user from flowing
backwards into the unit.
An automatic vent valve is located beside the inlet valve. The vent valve automatically opens
to release air pressure from the air-oil receiver whenever the compressor is in unloading mode
or shut down.
2.2.2 Lubrication System
The compressed air and oil mixture is injected into the air-oil receiver and collides with its inner
wall. Most of the lubricating oil is separated from the air-oil mixture during this process and
accumulates in the lower part of the air-oil receiver. The remaining oil is captured by the air-oil
separator and transferred back to the screw air end via the oil return pipe.
During compressor operation, when the temperature of the lubricating oil is below the minimum
set value for the pressure configuration (refer to Specifications) the thermostatic valve
automatically opens the bypass circuit and the circulating oil from the air-oil receiver is directly
injected under air pressure into the screw air end and individual lubricating points via the oil
system piping and oil filter. As the oil temperature rises above the minimum set value, the
thermostatic valve gradually shuts off the bypass circuit and simultaneously opens the circuit
going to the oil cooler. If the oil temperature reaches the maximum set value, the bypass circuit
is completely shut off and the entire lubricating oil flow from the air-oil receiver is passed
through the oil cooler circuit on its way back to the air end.
The functions of the thermostatic valve are to (a) maintain constant temperature and viscosity
of lubricating oil, (b) enable the system to reach the optimal operating temperature as soon as
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