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Frequently Asked Questions (Faq); Troubleshooting Chart - Pentair Aquatic Eco-Systems Sweetwater AQ3 Operating And Maintenance Instructions

Oilless rotary vane compressor

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7. Check the body, rotor and end plate for scoring. If each part is clean
and shows no signs of scoring, reinstall parts. If scoring is present,
replace with new part(s) or contact Pentair Aquatic Eco-Systems
for service.
8. Insert new vanes as shown below.
Top clearance (between rotor and body) may be adjusted by
loosening body bolts and lightly tapping on the compressor body
while turning the rotor. About .004 inch—this paper's thickness—
works well.
Reassemble by reversing the previous directions. Pentair AES
always recommends using an antiseize lubricant on each bolt to
ensure its easy removal for the next vane replacement. Bolts should be
reinstalled and tightened in a similar manner to replacing the lug nuts
on a vehicle wheel. Start with one bolt and move to the right, skipping
one and tightening the next.
When reinstalling the muffler box (if applicable), be certain to install the
center bolt first to ensure proper gasket alignment. Before replacing the
muffler box, plug your compressor in for a quick sound check of the
valve rotation. If an unusual sound or stopping of the rotor takes place,
disconnect and recheck the vane replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is my compressor running too hot?
It is normal for a motor to run hot to the touch because the shell
transfers heat away from the motor windings.
However, improved materials used in motor manufacturing make
the "too-hot-to-touch" test obsolete. The best way to determine if
a motor is operating properly is to check the ampere (amp) draw.
Each motor has a nameplate listing full-load amps (FLA). If the tested
amp draw does not exceed the nameplate rating, its internal or
external cooling fan is working (if so equipped), and the ambient air
temperature around the motor is below 104°F (40°C). The motor is
probably not running hot, even though it is too hot to touch.
Even so, make sure that there is plenty of air flow around the motor,
and keep the area around the motor clear so that there is no blockage
of air flow to the motor. Also keep paint and other flammable materials
away from the motor.
How much will it cost to operate my compressor?
The cost of operation will depend on the length of time the compressor
is run each day. The following example is for a typical 1-hp, single-phase
compressor operated 24 hours a day at $.08 per kWh. The cost per
kWh will vary from location to location. Check your electric bill for the
cost per kWh.
9.7 amps x 115 volts = 1,115.5 watts (amps & volts are on motor nameplate)
1,115.5 watts x 1,000 = 1.116 kW
1.116 kW x 24 hrs = 26.77 kWh
26.77 kWh x $.08 per kWh = $2.14 per day
Why is my compressor so noisy?
Compressor noise can be the result of vibration or mechanical noise.
1. Vibration is the intensification of normal compressor noise.
The noise should decrease if the compressor is firmly attached
to the foundation or if the compressor is completely isolated by
using a rubberized or cushioned base.
2395 Apopka Blvd.
Apopka, FL 32703
Phone: 877-347-4788
2. Mechanical noise is typically a high-pitched squealing sound.
The most common causes include worn motor bearings and
rubbing of the impeller against the compressor housing.
What causes my compressor to turn off by itself?
Check to make sure the proper voltage is supplied to the compressor.
Most compressors are dual voltage, meaning that they are capable of
using either 115V or 230V. The motor may have been wired for 230V.
If you are using 115V, you will need to change the wiring (see wire
diagram on the motor nameplate). Contact a licensed electrician if
you need help with wiring modifications.
A high-temperature switch will turn the motor off if it overheats.
The switch will automatically reset itself and turn on after the motor
cools. If this overheating and restarting cycle continues for a period
of time, the temperature switch will ultimately fail. This cycle will also
shorten the life of the motor.
High amp draw results in overheating. High amperage is caused by
the following:
1. Low voltage. Usually caused by power supply wire being undersized
and/or wire being too long. Extension cords are not recommended
to power larger compressors. If you believe that this may be the
problem, contact a licensed electrician to check your installation.
2. Motor is locked up. Something may be lodged in the impeller,
causing parts to bind.
3. Worn motor bearings.
The compressor may be set up with an automatic timer that will control
the run time so that you don't have to manually turn the compressor
on and off.

Troubleshooting Chart

Low
High
Pressure
Pressure
X
At
X
Compressor
X
X
X
X
X
Should you require service or repair parts, contact Pentair Aquatic
Eco-Systems at 877-347-4788 from 8 AM to 7 PM Monday to
Thursday and 8 AM to 5 PM Friday. Have your part and serial
numbers handy, and our technical staff will gladly help you resolve
any problems.
Fax: 407-886-6787
PAES.General
Compressor
Motor
Problem Cause
Overheat
Overload
and Solution
Filter dirty. Clean or
X
X
replace.
Plugged or collapsed
X
X
pressure line. Inspect
and repair.
Vanes sticking. Clean
or replace.
Vanes worn. Replace.
Shaft seal worn.
Replace.
Debris in compressor.
X
X
Inspect and clean.
Motor not wired
correctly. Check
X
X
wiring diagram
and line voltage.
Pentair.com
PentairAES.com
@
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Aquatic eco-systems sweetwater aq93