Emergency Air Compressor- Starting, stopping

Emergency air compressor is used for starting auxiliary engines at the time of an emergency or when the main air compressor has failed to fill up the main air receiver. This type of compressor can be motor driven or engine driven. If motor driven, it should be supplied from an emergency source of power.

STARTING

Motor Driven Emergency Air Compressor:

Check oil level in the crankcase Check water level in the tank or radiator Check if discharge valve to emergency air bottle is open Check unloaderis in open position during starting Power the breaker for air compressor motor Switch ON the motor for air compressor and check all the parameters (pressure and temperature)

STOPPING

Before stopping the compressor, open the unloader Run compressor with unloader in open condition for some time Switch OFF the motor and the compressor will stop Trip the breaker for air comp motor

STARTING

Engine Driven Emergency Air Compressor:

Check oil level in the crankcase Check water level in the tank or radiator Check if the discharge valve to emergency air bottle is open Check unloader is in open position during starting Check the fuel level in the fuel tank Check if the fuel valve to the engine is open Check exhaust side valve, if provided, for engine is open Close the drain in the exhaust pipe or trunk Put the fuel lever in the START position Insert crank or tommy bar in to the engine flywheel for starting the engine Put the clutch in “De-clutch” position and start cranking the engine When sufficient RPM is achieved, “clutch in” the engine As soon as engine is started, put the fuel lever in run position Run the compressor with unloaderopen for few seconds Shut the unloaderand check all parameters for both the engine and the compressor.

STOPPING

Before stopping the compressor, open the unloader Run compressor with unloader open for some time Put the fuel lever to stop position Shut the fuel valve from the tank to the compressor Open the exhaust trunk drain Shut the exhaust valve if provided

“Always maintain correct diesel oil level in the fuel tank to avoid starting trouble during emergency situations.”

References

The Ultimate Guide to Operating Procedures of Engine Room Machinery. Anish Wankhede [2014]