Ballast Tank And Ballast Bleed System - AADCO 737 Series Operating Instructions Manual

6.0

BALLAST TANK AND BALLAST BLEED SYSTEM

6.1 The ballast tank, Figures 1, 2 and 9 (16), is placed in the system after the
compressor, prior to and in close proximity to the purification reactor, to serve
as a reservoir for the pressurized input air. Each tank has been carefully sized
for the rated capacity of its pure air generator.
6.2 When the solenoid valve at the inlet to the column opens, a requirement for a
rapid supply of pressurized air develops. The compressor alone would be
unable to satisfy this requirement within a reasonable amount of time and
would cause great variations in the input pressure and improper separations
within the purification reactor, resulting in variations in output pressure and flow
as well as a deterioration in purity. The pressurized volume within the ballast
tank, located immediately adjacent to the columns, provides an instant
response to this need.
6.3 Because the ballast tank is so critical to the operation of the system, care must
be taken to ensure there will be no decrease in its volume. Volume loss occurs
only when water from the input compressed air is permitted to collect in the
tank.
6.4 AADCO Instruments, Inc. supplies an internally-coated, rust-proof ballast tank
with each system which is equipped with a manual toggle valve, Figures 1, 2
and 9 (12), for bleeding the coalesced water from the tank.
6.5 The manual toggle valve system is a simple toggle valve located on the ballast
tank. This valve should be opened at least once every three days while the
system is operating and the ballast tank is pressurized. The air pressure within
the tank forces the accumulated water to the toggle BALLAST BLEED valve.
During periods of high humidity, a once per day bleed would be required.
6.6 The operator is manually able to determine the condition of the ballast tank by
opening the toggle valve at any time.
pressurized air with water from the tubing. If not, there is blockage which
should be cleared.
There should be a sharp flow of
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