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Air Compressor


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#1 sureshbabu_d

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Posted 30 September 2003 - 01:18 AM

1. What should be the loading / unloading percentage of a compressor say ( working at 100cfm, 6-7 kg/sq.cm, 30 hp motor) ?
is it healthy if it runs at 98% loading and 2% unloading?
Awaiting replies from all

#2 Art Montemayor

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Posted 30 September 2003 - 10:08 AM

sureshbabu_d:

Before responding, I must advise you that your request lacks certain essential facts:

1) What service is the compressor meeting? What criticality does it have? What % time does the service have - is it continuous, around-the-clock, for example? Is the service a utility or is for process application?

2) What type of compressor is it?

3) What is the type of driver used on this compressor?

4) Does the compressor have a ready, stand-by spare? Is it cycled alternatively with another similar unit?

5) Does the compressor have a surge, or capacity receiver, that serves as a temporary storage for peak or extraordinary demands of fluid?

6) Is the fluid demand steady and consistant? Or does the demand peak or vary?

7) What type of capacity unloading are you using? If a reciprocating compressor is used, a variety of different methods can be employed.


All the above points make a difference in advising you if you are operating OK or not. Normally, for a consistant and steady fluid demand I use approximately 5% as the operating duration at zero capacity. However, I rely on a spare unit and with storage capacity to enable the quick and successful startup of the spare in the event of on-line unit failure.

The answer is not as simple as your question. As you can see, it depends on all the above factors and also on company operating procedures and policy.

#3 Guest_N.Devendiran_*

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Posted 26 October 2003 - 12:48 AM

Generally the air compressors are recommended for 50-60% loading only. If it is 98% loading some thing is wrong in the compressor or there is some leaks or there is some additional load in the plant. You must augment for the additional loads if any.


N.Devendiran

#4 mbeychok

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Posted 26 October 2003 - 01:42 AM

You have not told us the type of compressor. Is it axial ... or centrifugal ... or rotary ... or reciprocating ... or screw type ... or what?

If it is an axial or centrifugal compressor, it will go into "surge" at anything below about 40 percent of of maximum capacity ... and that can seriously damage the compressor. If you want to operate an axial or centrifugal compressor below its surge point, you must have an anti-surge recycle line from the compressor discharge to the compressor suction.




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