Whether air compressor belongs to special equipment

Air compressor itself not special equipment however, its supporting gas storage tanks and pipelines may be classified as special equipment under certain conditions. The specific judgment basis is as follows:

definition and Scope of 1. Special Equipment

according to the the People's Republic of China Special Equipment Safety Law, special equipment refers to equipment that involves life safety and is more dangerous, mainly including:

• boiler, pressure vessel (including gas cylinder), pressure pipeline
• elevators, cranes, passenger ropeways, large amusement facilities, special motor vehicles in the field (factory), etc.

Classification of 2. air compressors

1. air compressor body:
   it is not usually considered special equipment because its working principle (by mechanically compressing gas) is relatively simple and does not directly involve high-risk media or complex chemical reactions.

2. Gas tank and pipeline:

   • if the gas tank maximum working pressure ≥ 0.1MPa and product of pressure and volume ≥ 2.5MPa · L it belongs to the special equipment of pressure vessel.
   • If connecting pipes nominal diameter ≥ 25mm and maximum working pressure ≥ 0.1MPa, it belongs to the pressure pipeline special equipment.

3. regulatory requirements

1. gas tank:
   • it is required to comply with the Regulations on Safety Supervision of Pressure Vessels and obtain the Registration Certificate for the Use of Special Equipment.
   • Operators shall be trained and hold the Special Equipment Operator Certificate.
2. Piping:
   • regular inspections are required to ensure compliance with pressure piping safety standards.

4. exceptions

• simple pressure vessel:
  for example, the air storage tank of small mobile air compressor (volume ≤ 1m & sup3;, pressure ≤ 1.6MPa), may be managed as "simple pressure vessel", no need to apply for a license but need to be regularly tested.

Summary

the air compressor itself is not a special equipment, but if its air storage tank and pipeline meet the conditions of high pressure and large capacity, it will be included in the supervision of special equipment. Enterprises should use:

1. check the specifications of the gas tank and pipeline.;
2. relevant registration and personnel qualification;
3. regular maintenance and inspection ensure compliance with safety regulations.