Screw air compressors are commonly used in food processing environments. These machines’ high quality and dependability provide the utmost performance for these areas. When operating a screw compressor, a few tips will come in handy when using them in the food production environment.
Screw Air Compressors – Why They’re Useful In A Food Processing Environment
A screw compressor, or rotary screw compressor, compresses air or gas by rotating movement and positive displacement. The industrial-grade equipment is well-suited for uses where more air has to be compressed than the standard piston compressor can provide.
The increased duty cycle of a screw compressor means it may operate nonstop, while the more fragile piston design of most compressors causes frequent shutdowns to prevent premature failure.
Pollutants like dust, water, oil, and other compounds float around in the air. If the air in the food production facility isn’t clean, the ingredients could be tainted because the food source was exposed to pollution.
When pollutants come into unrestricted contact with food, the latter absorbs the toxic components and sets off a cascade of physical and chemical processes. Ultimately, this domino effect of bad decisions will harm customers’ health and cost the business more money than necessary.
The cornerstone of food manufacturing safety is the quality of the products produced. The air compressor solution is an integral aspect of food items, from packing to transportation.
Proper Safety Precautions To Observe When Using A Screw Air Compressor
- Put your air compressor in a suitable location that provides fresh, dry air. Wet conditions could damage your machinery and lead to malfunctions.
- Indoor use of gas-powered air compressors is unsafe.
- A thorough security check should be performed before using the air compressor. Inspecting the wiring, power supply, and lubricant ensures everything works properly.
- Always use safety glasses and earplugs when working near an air compressor.
- Never refuel or add oil to the compressor while it is operating. Your engine may catch fire because of this.
- Verify that you’re using a grounded power outlet to charge your device. If you don’t plug it in, you could fry your compressor’s control board or start a fire.
- Please make sure you are using the correct power cord when one is required. Having a cable that is too long could cause the device not to be properly supported or even broken.
- Inspect all the connections and their tightness twice. Fittings that aren’t done properly can have disastrous effects on efficiency and safety.
Strategies for minimising energy consumption
It’s important to place the air inlet and filter correctly
A cooler air intake means less energy is needed to generate line pressure, reducing operating expenses. The placement of the air intake is crucial for optimal performance. You should choose a spot outside that is clean, dry, and shaded. Minimizing the pressure loss through intake ducts when running at full capacity will also help lower operational costs.
You can save money by extending the time between filter changes and decreasing load by using an air filter with the capacity for the intake and compressor.
Match lubricants to conditions
When compressors are lubricated with materials designed for their specific environments, they function more efficiently. They must be kept in the right conditions and administered in precise amounts.
It is crucial to keep the lubricant feed rate in reciprocating air compressors at the optimal level since a feed rate that is either too low or too high will lead to increased cylinder and ring wear, oil consumption, and even overheating.
Conclusion
It is important for anyone operating a screw air compressor in a food processing environment to follow all relevant safety guidelines and regulations to ensure the safety of the food being processed. Additionally, regular maintenance and proper handling of the equipment are essential to prevent contamination and ensure the efficient operation of the compressor.
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