• Home
  • Download PDF
  • Order CD-ROM
  • Order in Print
Compressor Capacity
Pneumatic Tools

Equipment Operator Basic - Beginning construction equipment operators manual
Page Navigation
  366    367    368    369    370  371  372    373    374    375    376  
An  air  manifold  is  a  large-diameter  pipe  that transports   compressed   air   from   one   or   more compressors   over   considerable   distances   without friction line loss. In construction work, air manifolds are usually constructed of 6-inch-diameter pipe with check valves. A pipe of this size can carry 1,200 cfm of air (output from two 600-cfm air compressors) at 100 psi with less than 0.035-pound pressure loss per 100 linear feet. One or more compressors pump air into the manifold and then “pressurize” it at 100 psi. Air may then be used at any point along the manifold by installing outlet valves and connecting airlines to pneumatic tools. CAUTION Different  types  of  compressors  should  not be  used  on  the  same  manifold.  The  difference in  pressure  control  systems  of  a  rotary,  a reciprocating, and a screw compressor could cause  one  compressor  to  be  overloaded,  while the other is idled. Any drop in pressure between the compressor and the point of use is a permanent loss. Because of this, the air distribution system is an important element of the compressed air system. When planning the air system, you should observe the following steps: . Pipe size should be large enough to ensure the pressure drop between the compressor and the point of use does not exceed 10 percent. . Extremely long distribution lines should have air receivers near the far ends or at points of occasional heavy use. Many peak demands for compressed air are only for an instant, and storage capacity near such points prevents  an  excessive  drop  in  line  pressure. . Each header or main should be provided with outlets as close as possible to the point of use to permit shorter hose lengths and to avoid large pressure drops through  the  hose.  Outlets  should  always  be  located  at the   top   of   the   pipeline   to   prevent   carry-over   of condensed  moisture  to  the  tool.  Condensate  drains should be positioned correctly along the header or main line. SAFETY General safety precautions for air compressors are as  follows: .  Be  sure  the  intake  air  is  cool  and  free  from flammable gases or vapors. l Do NOT permit flammable materials to touch the air discharge pipe. l  Never  operate  a  compressor  that  has  faulty gauges. l Never kink a hose to stop the air flow, and keep the hose clamps on tight. .  Before  starting  an  air  compressor,  check  the safety valves, pressure valves, and regulators to see that they  are  working  properly. . Do NOT leave the compressor after starting it unless  you  are  sure  the  control,  unloading,  and governing devices are working properly. . Do NOT run an air compressor faster than the speed  recommended  by  the  manufacture. l Use only the grade and amount of oil recom- mended  by  the  manufacturer.  Use  only  high  flash  point oils to lubricate the air cylinders of air compressors. .  Keep  compressors,  tanks,  and  accompanying piping clean to guard against oil vapor explosion. Clean intake air filters regularly. l  Use  only  soapy  water  or  a  suitable  nontoxic, nonflammable solution for cleaning compressor intake filters,  cylinders,  or  air  passages.  Never  use  benzene, kerosene, or other light oils to clean these parts. These oils  vaporize  easily  and  form  a  mixture  that  is  highly explosive  under  compression. . Secure the engine before adjusting and repairing an air compressor. . Before working on or removing any part of a compressor, make certain that the compressor is secured and cannot be started automatically or accidentally and that  the  air  pressure  in  the  compressor  is  relieved completely. Also, ensure that all valves between the compressor and receivers are closed. l Be careful with compressed air. At close range, it can put out eyes, burst eardrums, and cause serious skin burns. Always  wear  impact  goggles  or  safety glasses   and   dual-hearing   protection   when   using compressed  air.   NEVER use compressed air to blow dust off clothing, skin, or hair. l When transporting a compressor or any other towed unit, ensure the pulling unit meets specifications. This includes drawbar horsepower and height of towing pintle (not too high or low because it can damage the 14-9







Western Governors University

Privacy Statement
Press Release
Contact

© Copyright Integrated Publishing, Inc.. All Rights Reserved. Design by Strategico.