Section 2
DESCRIPTION
10
sures from 85 to 125 psig (5.9 to 8.6 bar) for stan-
dard machines, and from 85 to 150 psig (5.9 to 10.3
bar) for “H” machines. The compressor unit is driv-
en by an industrial diesel engine designed to pro-
vide enough horsepower for more than adequate
reserve at rated conditions. Refer to the Engine
Operator’s Manual for a more detailed description
of the engine.
The engine cooling system is comprised of a
radiator, high capacity fan and thermostat. The
high capacity fan pushes air through the radiator,
keeping the engine at the proper operating temper-
ature.
The same fan also cools the fluid in the compressor
cooling and lubrication system. The engine radiator
and the compressor fluid cooler sit side by side
which allows the fan air to push through both simul-
taneously. As air passes through the fluid cooler,
the heat of compression is removed from the fluid.
The compressor is supplied with a large capacity
fuel tank which will keep the compressor running
through one (1) eight hour shift under normal oper-
ating conditions.
2.3 SULLAIR COMPRESSOR UNIT, FUNCTIONAL
DESCRIPTION
Sullair compressors feature the Sullair compres-
sor unit, a single-stage, positive displacement,
flood lubricated-type compressor. This unit pro-
vides continuous (pulse-free) compression to meet
your needs. With a Sullair compressor, no mainte-
nance or inspection of the internal parts of the com-
pressor unit is required.
Fluid is injected into the compressor unit where it
mixes directly with the air as the rotors turn, com-
pressing the air. The fluid flow has three main func-
tions:
1. As coolant, it controls the rise of air tem-
perature normally associated with the heat
of compression.
2. Seals the leakage paths between the rotors
and the stator and also between the rotors
themselves.
3. Acts as a lubricating film between the rotors
allowing one rotor to directly drive the other.
After the air/fluid mixture is discharged from the
compressor unit, the fluid is separated from the air.
At this time, the air flows to your service line and the
fluid is cooled in preparation for reinjection.
2.4 COMPRESSOR COOLING AND LUBRICATION
SYSTEM, FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
Refer to Figure 2-2. The compressor cooling and
lubrication system is designed to provide ade-
quate lubrication as well as maintain the proper
operating temperature of the compressor. In addi-
tion to the fluid cooler and interconnecting pip-
ing, the system consists also of three other compo-
nents: a fluid filter, thermal valve, and a fan
which perform the following functions:
• The fluid filter filters the fluid.
• The thermal valve functions as a tempera-
ture regulator directing fluid either to the
cooler or to the compressor unit, bypassing
the cooler as will be explained later.
• The fan pushes air through the cooler
removing the heat of compression from the
fluid.
The functions of the lubrication system are
explained in more detail below. Fluid is used in the
system as a coolant and as a lubricant. It is housed
in the receiver/sump which, will from this time for-
ward, be referred to as the SUMP.
Upon start-up, fluid flows from the sump to the fluid
thermal valve. Fluid circulation is achieved by forc-
ing the fluid from the high pressure region of the
sump to a lower pressure area in the compressor
unit. A minimum pressure device (see Section 2.5
Compressor Discharge System) is provided to
assure adequate fluid flow under all conditions.
When entering the thermal valve upon start-up, the
fluid temperature is cool and thus it is not necessary
to route it through the cooler. Hence the fluid flows
through the fluid filter and on to the compressor unit
bypassing the cooler. As the compressor continues
to operate, the temperature of the fluid rises and the
thermostatic control opens, allowing a portion of
the fluid to the cooler. When the temperature reach-
es 160°F (71°C), the thermostat is fully open allow-
ing all fluid entering the thermal valve to be direct-
ed to the cooler.
The cooler is a radiator-type that works in conjunc-
tion with the engine fan. The fan pushes air through
the cooler removing the heat of compression from
the fluid. From the cooler, the fluid is then routed
back through the fluid filter. All fluid flowing to the
compressor unit passes through this filter. The fluid
leaving the filter flows to the compressor unit where
it lubricates, seals and cools the compression
chamber as well as lubricates the bearings and
gears.
2.5 COMPRESSOR DISCHARGE SYSTEM, FUNC-
TIONAL DESCRIPTION
Refer to Figures 2-3, 2-4A, 2-4B or 2-4C. The
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