Air compressor starting procedure manually.
- Change over the switch to manual position on the switch board.
- Check the L.O sump level and condition.
- Open the moisture drain valve.
- Open the compressor discharge valve and charging valve of air bottle.
- Open cooling water system valves.
- Turn compressor flywheel by hand (one turn)
- Now Start the motor, after that draining the moisture and shut the drain valve.
- Check the motor ampere consumed.
- Check the pressure gauge readings.
- Frequently drain the moistures.
- Once the charging full, open drain valve and stop the compressor.
Uses of Compressed air onboard ships
- For automation and control of main and auxiliary machinery and equipment.
- For starting of Main engines, auxiliary engines, emergency generator engine etc.,
- For pressurizing the hydrophores for domestic fresh water and sanitary water used in accommodation.
- For use in sewage plant for conducting aerobic sewage breakdowns.
- For soot blowing of the boilers.
- For use in fog horns and ships whistles.
- For heaving the life boat up by the use of an air motor.
- Used in pneumatic pumps for oil transfer and pneumatically driven hand tools such as grinder/ chisels/ drills/ spanners/ jacks/ etc.,
- For use as general service air for use in general cleaning & painting operations.
Generally two pressures of air are used:
- High pressure air - 30 bar (Used for starting the main/auxiliary engines)
- Low pressure air - 7 bar (Used for control and service air)
