SECTION 2 1800-3000 USER MANUAL
15
2.5 COMPRESSOR DISCHARGE
SYSTEM, FUNCTIONAL
DESCRIPTION
Refer to Figure 2-3. The compressor unit discharges
the compressed air/fluid mixture into the combination
separator/sump tank.
The separator/sump tank has three basic functions:
1. It acts as a primary fluid separator.
2. Serves as the compressor fluid sump.
3. Houses the final fluid separator.
The compressed air/fluid mixture enters the
separator/sump tank and flows through an internal
baffle system. The direction of movement is changed
and its velocity significantly reduced, thus causing
large droplets of fluid to form and fall to the bottom of
the separator/sump tank. The fractional percentage
of fluid remaining in the compressed air collects on
the surface of the separator element as the
compressed air flows through the separator. A return
line (or scavenge tube) leads from the dry side of the
separator/sump to a medium pressure region of the
compressor unit. Fluid collecting on the bottom of the
separator is returned to the compressor by a
pressure differential between the separator/sump
tank and the compressor. A visual sight glass is
located on the return line to observe this fluid flow.
There is also an orifice in this return line (protected
by a strainer) to assure proper flow. The separator
system reduces the fluid carry-over to less than 1
ppm (parts per million) for Sullube, or 2 ppm for 24KT
at nominal rated pressures. A message on the
controller indicates if abnormal pressure drop
through the separator develops. At this time,
separator element replacement is necessary.
A minimum pressure/check valve, located
downstream from the separator, assures a minimum
separator/sump tank pressure of 50 psig (3.4 bar)
during loaded conditions. This pressure is necessary
for proper air/fluid separation and proper fluid
circulation.
A terminal check valve is incorporated into the
minimum pressure/check valve to prevent
compressed air in the service line from bleeding back
into the separator/sump tank on shutdown and
during operation of the compressor in an unloaded
condition.
A pressure relief valve (located on the wet side of the
separator) is set to open if the separator/sump tank
pressure exceeds the separator/sump tank rating.
The WS Controller will shut down the compressor if
the discharge temperature reaches 235˚F (113˚C).
Fluid is added to the separator/sump tank via a
capped fluid filler opening, placed low on the tank to
prevent overfilling of the separator/sump tank. A
sight glass enables the operator to visually monitor
the separator/sump tank fluid level.
WARNING
DO NOT remove caps, plugs, and/or other
components when compressor is running
or pressurized.
Stop compressor and relieve all internal
pressure before doing so.
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