Introduction
Compressor installation is an important part of many machinery and engineering systems. Installing a compressor correctly is not only important for it to function correctly and fulfill its purpose, but for safety reasons too. There are a few steps that need to be taken in proper compressor installation.
Application Requirements
The first step in a compressor installation is to determine what the application requires. From the application, the user needs to decide what type of compressor is needed, if an air dryer will be required, what materials the compressor will be in contact with, what type of motor will be used, and what type of controls may need to be included. A compressor that is too powerful or made out of the wrong material can create a hazardous situation, so it is important to make sure that the compressed application has the correct compressor.
Pipe Preparation
Before the compressor is installed, the pipes and tubes that the compressed air will travel through must be prepared. This might include sanding, sealing and painting the pipe, or cutting and flanging it depending on the application. The pipes should also be cleared of any debris or any foreign objects that can cause blockage in the pipes.
Cooling &Lubrication
The next step of compressor installation is to check for proper cooling and lubrication. The compressor should come with all the necessary coolers and lubricators, needed to keep it running properly. The coolers and lubricators should be installed in the proper locations, to make sure that the compressor receives the cooling and lubrication it needs.
Compressor Installation
Once the pipe and cooling and lubrication systems are ready to go, the compressor can be installed. Depending on the type of compressor, this can involve bolting it to walls or the ground, mounting it to a support structure or skid, or setting it in place on a flat surface. The compressor should have an installation guide included with it that details all the necessary installation steps, and should be followed closely.
Connection & Electrical Installation
Once the compressor is installed, all the electrical connections need to be made. Depending on the type of compressor, this might involve wiring the compressor to a power supply and using air pressure switches and/or solenoid valves to enable the proper operation of the machine. All wiring should be done by a certified electrician and should meet all relevant codes and regulations.
Testing
Once all the components are installed and wired correctly, the system should be tested to make sure it is operating the way that it should. This should include testing the compressor itself, as well as the cooling and lubrication systems, to make sure they are functioning correctly.
Conclusion
Compressor installation is an essential part of any machinery or engineering system involving compressed air. Making sure that the compressor is installed correctly, with all the necessary components, is necessary not only to ensure proper functioning of the system, but also for safety reasons. Following the steps outlined above should help ensure that your compressor installation goes off without a hitch.
