Laboratory air compressor use matters needing attention

When using air compressors in the laboratory, in order to ensure safe, efficient and stable operation, special attention should be paid to the following aspects:

1. safety placement and environmental requirements

1. location selection:
   • air compressor should be parked away from steam, gas and dust flying place, in order to reduce the damage to the internal parts of the air compressor.
   • Ensure that the air compressor is placed on a ventilated, stable and solid work surface and equipped with shock absorbers to reduce noise and vibration.
2. Intake pipe filter:
   • the air inlet pipe should be equipped with a filter device to prevent dust and other impurities from entering the air compressor and affecting its performance and service life.
3. Environmental cleaning:
   • always keep the outside of the storage tank clean, prohibit welding or thermal processing near the gas tank.
   • The laboratory should be kept clean and tidy, avoiding flammable and explosive materials stored in the machine room and near gas storage tanks.

2. operation specifications and personnel requirements

1. operation training:
   • operators should be specially trained to fully understand the structure, performance and function of the air compressor and ancillary equipment, and be familiar with the operation and maintenance procedures.
   • The operator shall hold the operation certificate of pressure vessel qualification to ensure safe operation.
2. Dress Code:
   • operators should wear work clothes, women should be braids into the work cap, it is strictly prohibited to wear slippers or drink operation.
3. Operational discipline:
   • the operator shall not engage in anything irrelevant to the operation, shall not leave the post without authorization, and shall not decide to replace the work by non-local operator without authorization.
   • During the operation of the air compressor, the operator should pay close attention to the operation of the air compressor and conduct regular inspections.

3. start-up and operation management

1. pre-startup inspection:
   • before starting the air compressor, check and prepare according to regulations, and pay attention to open all valves of the air storage tank.
   • Check whether all important components outside the compressor are fastened, and do not allow any connection to be loose.
   • Check whether the oil level height and color of the unit oil separator are normal, and whether the unit power supply is normal.
2. Start and load:
   • after the start of the diesel engine must be implemented low-speed, medium-speed rated speed heating operation, pay attention to the meter reading is normal, can be loaded operation.
   • Air compressor should gradually increase the load start, all parts of the normal before full load operation.
3. Operation monitoring:
   • during the operation of the air compressor, you should always pay attention to the meter readings (especially the readings of the barometer) and listen to the sound of each department.
   • In case of abnormal conditions (such as air leakage, abnormal noise, peculiar smell, final break of lubricating oil, final break of cooling water, sudden rise or fall of water temperature, sudden rise of exhaust pressure, failure of safety valve, sudden load exceeding normal value, etc.), stop the machine immediately for inspection.
   • The maximum air pressure in the air tank must not exceed the pressure specified on the nameplate.
   • Every work 2 _{4 hours, the condensate water discharge valve 1 of the intercooler and the air storage tank should be opened}2 times.

4. downtime and maintenance

1. shutdown operation:
   • when the air compressor is shut down, gradually open the exhaust valve of the air storage tank, slowly reduce the pressure, and reduce the speed of the diesel engine accordingly, so that the air compressor can be shut down after running at no load and low speed for 5 to 10 seconds.
   • After the diesel engine stops, it should continue to run at low speed for 5 seconds before stopping.
   • When the temperature is lower than 5 degrees in winter, the cooling water without antifreeze should be discharged after shutdown.
2. Maintenance:
   • regularly carry out manual exhaust test on the safety valve of the gas tank to ensure that the safety valve is normal and effective.
   • Regularly check the oil level of the lubricating oil to ensure that the oil level is within the normal range. If the oil is found to be insufficient, it should be replenished in time.
   • The filter elements of air filter, oil filter and oil-gas separator shall be replaced at intervals recommended by the manufacturer.
   • Check whether the cooling fan and radiator are clean and ensure that the cooling system is working properly.
   • Clean the air compressor and its auxiliary equipment regularly, but it is forbidden to rinse with cold water after long-term operation.
   • Regularly check whether the fasteners of each part of the compressor are loose, and tighten them if necessary.
   • When the air compressor is operated and stopped for more than 10 days, sufficient lubricating oil shall be injected into each friction surface. When parking for long-term storage for more than one month, in addition to discharging oil and water everywhere, removing all intake and exhaust valves and blowing them clean, the cylinder mirror, piston top surface, crankshaft surface and all non-matching surfaces should also be wiped clean, and oil sealed. Cover with a cover to prevent moisture and dust from entering.
3. Records and Archives Management:
   • the inspection and maintenance of the equipment shall be recorded carefully. The outside of the pressure gauge, gas tank and pipe joint shall pass the annual review of relevant institutions before use.
   • The equipment shall be regularly maintained by the production enterprise according to the use time, and detailed records shall be made.

5. Other Considerations

1. electrical safety:
   • before working on the electrical system, ensure that the power to the system can be cut off using a manual disconnect switch.
   • Before servicing the machine, the power must be cut off, warning signs must be hung, and the pressure of the gas in the machine must be released.
   • After the maintenance of the machine is completed, the various covers and covers must be reinstalled.
2. Stress Management:
   • the compressor shall not be operated at a discharge pressure higher than that specified for the compressor.
   • Once the pressure is released through the safety valve, the cause must be identified and dealt with immediately.
3. Cleaning and Dust Prevention:
   • when cleaning the heat sink, the oil pollution of the pipeline shall not be cleaned by combustion method. Cleaning, fastening and other maintenance work must be carried out after shutdown.
   • When blowing parts with compressed air, it is strictly forbidden to aim the tuyere at the human body or other equipment.
   • When the air compressor operates dust-heavy work such as sandblasting and derusting, the machine should be kept at a certain distance from the sandblasting site, and corresponding dust-proof measures should be taken.

By following the above precautions, the safe, efficient and stable operation of the laboratory air compressor can be ensured, its service life can be extended, and the possibility of failure can be reduced.