Sullair Compressor Unit, Functional Description - Sullair 1600H User Manual

SECTION 2
2.3 SULLAIR COMPRESSOR UNIT,
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
Sullair compressors feature the Sullair compressor
unit, a single-stage, positive displacement, flood
lubricated-type compressor. This unit provides
continuous compression to meet your needs.
NOTE
With a Sullair compressor, there is no
maintenance or inspection of the internal
parts of the compressor unit permitted in
accordance with the terms of the warranty
Sullair compressors are factory-filled with Sullair
AWF lubricant. For more information on fluid fill, refer
to APPLICATION GUIDE on page 45. Fluid is
injected into the compressor unit and mixes directly
with the air as the rotors turn, compressing the air.
The fluid flow has three basic functions:
1. As coolant, it controls the rise of air tempera-
ture normally associated with the heat of
compression.
2. Seals the clearance paths between the
rotors and the stator and also between the
rotors themselves.
3. Acts as a lubricating film between the rotors
allowing one rotor to directly drive the other,
which is an idler.
After the air/fluid mixture is discharged from the
compressor unit, the fluid is separated from the air. At
this time, the air flows through an aftercooler and
separator (if provided) then to your service line while
the fluid is being cooled in preparation for reinjection.
1600C LP USER MANUAL
2.4 COMPRESSOR COOLING AND
LUBRICATION SYSTEM,
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
Refer to Figure 2-2, Figure 2-3 and Figure 2-4. The
compressor cooling and lubrication system is
designed to provide adequate lubrication as well as
maintain the proper operating temperature of the
compressor. In addition to the cooler and fan, the
system consists of a main filter and thermal valve.
Fluid is used in the system as a coolant and a
lubricant. The fluid is housed in the receiver tank.
Upon start up, the fluid temperature is cool, and
routing to the cooler is not required. The fluid first
enters the thermal valve and then flows on to the
compressor unit, bypassing the cooler. As the
compressor continues to operate, the temperature of
the fluid rises and the thermal valve element begins
to shift. This forces a portion of the fluid to the fluid
cooler. The cooler is a radiator-type that works in
conjunction with the engine fan. The fan draws air
through the cooler removing the heat of compression
from the fluid. From the cooler, the fluid is routed
back to the thermal valve.
Before the temperature of the fluid reaches the valve
set point, cooled fluid is mixed with warmer fluid.
When the temperature of the fluid reaches 170°F
(77°C), the thermal element shifts completely
causing all fluid to flow to the cooler. The thermal
valve incorporates a pressure relief valve, which
allows fluid to bypass the cooler, if the cooler
becomes plugged or frozen. This helps assure that
fluid will continue to be provided to the compressor
for lubrication. After the fluid passes through the
thermal valve it is then directed through the main
fluid filter. There, the fluid is filtered in preparation for
injection into the compression chamber and bearings
of the compressor unit. The filter has a replaceable
element and a built-in bypass valve which allows the
fluid to flow even when the filter element becomes
plugged and requires changing or when the viscosity
of the fluid is too high for adequate flow. After the
fluid is properly filtered, it then flows on to the
compressor unit where it lubricates, seals and cools
the compression chamber as well as lubricates the
bearings and gears.
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