Section 2
3000PB, 3700B, 4500B, 3000PVB, 3700VB, 4500VB User Manual 2: Description
02250216-786 R01
Subject to EAR, ECCN EAR99 and related export control restrictions. 9
Description
2.1 Introduction
Your new Sullair flood-lubricated rotary screw air com-
pressor will provide you with a unique experience 
in 
improved reliability and simplified maintenance. Com-
pared to other types of compressors, the Sullair rotary 
screw
 is unique in mechanical reliability, with “No Wear” 
and “No Inspection” required of the working parts within 
the compressor unit. Read Section 6: Maintenance on
 
page 55 to see how surprisingly easy i
t is to keep your air 
compressor in top operating condition.
2.2 Description of components
Refer to Figure 2-1 and Figure 2-2. The components and 
assemblies of the air compressor are clearly shown. The 
com
plete package includes compressor, electric motor, 
starter, compressor inlet system, compressor discharge 
system, compressor lubrication and cooling system, 
capacity control system, controller, aftercooler, a combi-
nation separator and trap, all mounted on a heavy gauge 
steel fra
me.
On air-cooled models, a fan draws air into the enclosure 
o
ver the fan and main motors through the combined 
aftercooler and fluid cooler thereby removing the com-
pression heat from the compressed air and the cooling 
fluid
, and forces it out the top of the machine.
On water-cooled models, a shell and tube heat 
ex
changer is mounted on the compressor frame. Fluid is 
piped into the heat exchanger where compression heat is 
removed from the fluid. Another similar heat exchanger 
cools the compressed air.
Both air-cooled and water-cooled versions have easily 
a
ccessible items such as the fluid filter air/oil separator 
and control valves. The inlet air filter is also easily acces-
sible for servicing.
2.3 Sullair compressor unit, 
functional description 
Sullair air compressors feature the Sullair compressor 
unit, a single-stage, positive displacement, flood lubri-
cated- type compressor. This unit provides continuous 
co
mpression to meet your needs.
Sullair compressors are fac
tory-filled with Sullube
®
 lubri-
cant. For more information on fluid fill, cons
ult Section 
3.7: Lubrication change recommendations and mainte-
nance, fluid on
 page 25.
Sullair 24KT
®
 compressors are filled with a fluid that 
rarely needs to be changed. Use only Sullair 24KT fluid in 
the event that a fluid change is required.
Sullair recommends that a 24KT sample be taken at the 
first filter
 change and sent to the factory for analysis. This 
is a free service. The sample kit with instructions and 
self- addressed container is to be supplied by your Sullair 
dealer at start-up. The user will receive an analysis report 
with recommendations.
Fluid is injected into the compressor unit hoses and 
mixes directly w
ith the air as the rotors turn, compressing 
the air. The fluid flow has three basic functions:
• As coolant, it controls the rise of air temperature 
n
ormally associated with the heat of compression.
• Seals the clearance paths between the rotors 
and the stator and also between the rotors 
themselves.
• Acts as a lubricating film between the rotors 
allowing one rotor to directly drive the other, 
which is an idler. 
 NOTE
With a Sullair compressor, there is no mainte-
nance or inspection of the internal parts of the 
co
mpressor unit permitted in accordance with 
the terms of the warranty.
 WARRANTY NOTICE
Mixing of other lubricants within the compressor 
unit will void all warranties.