The safety risks and measures of air compressors involve many aspects. The following is a detailed analysis of these risks and corresponding measures:
1. air compressor safety risk
- explosion risk
- lube oil related explosion: Atomized lubricating oil or its decomposition products may cause explosion when mixed with compressed air. In addition, the compressor oil seal and lubrication system failure or air inlet gas does not meet the requirements, may cause a large amount of oil, hydrocarbons, etc. into the system, deposited in the low-lying areas, become a potential condition for explosion.
- Equipment overtemperature and overpressure: The cylinder, air receiver and air delivery (exhaust) pipeline of the compressor can explode due to overtemperature and overpressure. Failure of the cooling water system or insufficient oil supply may also cause similar problems.
- Improper maintenance during the repair and installation process, flammable liquids such as wipes, kerosene, gasoline, etc. fall into the cylinder, air reservoir and air duct, which may cause explosion when the air compressor starts.
- Risk of mechanical injury
- when the air compressor is running, the exposed coupling, belt rotation and other rotating parts may cause harm to people.
- The high-pressure gas in the gas tank may cause injury to personnel, especially when the air compressor is suddenly started during maintenance.
- Other risks
- compressed air itself has oxidizing and high-speed flow characteristics, which may cause rust, impurities and other peeling to become the ignition source.
- Improper use of compressed air (such as cleaning clothes and body) may cause personal injury. Strong airflow or fine particles in compressed air may cause damage to eyes and skin.
2. safety measures
- equipment design and maintenance
- specification design the air compressor and its supporting storage tanks and piping systems shall be designed in accordance with the relevant national design specifications to ensure that the mechanical strength meets the standards.
- Regular maintenance regularly clean the air compressor and post-treatment system to prevent lubricating oil and other organic matter from mixing into the compressed air. Check and replace the filter, oil seal and other wearing parts to ensure the normal operation of the lubrication system.
- Cooling system: Configure an effective cooling system to prevent equipment from overtemperature. The cooling water system of large-scale air compressor shall be equipped with anti-water cut-off protection device to ensure that the water supply can be stopped in time during operation.
- Operation Specification
- professional training: Operators must receive special training on safe operation and obtain the qualification certificate for special operation before taking up their posts.
- Check before starting: Check, lubricate and maintain the equipment according to the equipment operation procedures before starting up to ensure that all parts are in good condition.
- Monitoring in operation: Closely monitor the parameters (such as pressure, temperature, current, etc.) during operation, and immediately stop the machine for inspection and treatment if any abnormality is found.
- Safety protection
- set protective devices: Set protective cover, guardrail and other devices for the exposed rotating parts of the air compressor to prevent injury caused by personnel contact.
- Emergency stop button: Ensure that the emergency stop button is intact and not blocked, so that it can be stopped quickly in an emergency.
- Wear protective equipment: Operators should wear appropriate protective equipment (such as goggles, protective clothing, etc.) when using compressed air for operation.
- management system
- establish safety management system: Formulate the safety management system and operating procedures of the air compressor room, and clarify the safety requirements and division of responsibilities.
- Periodic inspection and records regularly inspect and record the safety of the equipment, including the inspection and calibration of pressure gauge, gas tank and pipe joint.
- Emergency treatment to formulate the on-site disposal plan of air compressor accident to ensure that emergency self-rescue measures can be taken quickly in case of accident and the accident situation can be reported.
In summary, the safety risks and measures of air compressors involve many aspects, and it is necessary to start from the perspectives of equipment design, maintenance, operation specifications, safety protection and management systems to ensure the safe operation of air compressors.
