Eagle RECIPROCATING, Owner'S Manual

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13
Ready to Start
• If the above checklist has been completed and all of the conditions are satisfied, you can now open the manual vent
valve to atmosphere and start the compressor.
• Look/listen for unusual noise, failure to compress, vibration, belt slippage or overheating. If a problem is spotted stop
the compressor and correct the problem. (See trouble-shooting guide.)
• Close manual vent valve slowly and allow pressure to build. Do not let pressure exceed the unload point or stop point;
hold pressure at the point where the compressor should unload with the pilot valve, or should stop with the pressure
switch. Adjust pilot valve or pressure switch to achieve the maximum desired operating pressure. The maximum
desired operating pressure must never exceed the designed pressure for the system nor should it load the motor beyond
its service factor. When satisfactory results are obtained, close the manual vent valve completely and let the system
pressure develop to the set level, then manually operate the safety relief valves. The safety relief valves should be
manually operated once a week to be sure they are functioning.
• Observe temperature and pressure gauges, if supplied, closely for the first hour of operation and then frequently for the
next seven hours. After the first day, temperature, pressure, and general compressor operation should be monitored at
least once every eight hours. If any abnormal conditions are witnessed, stop the compressor and correct the problem.
Warning
Excessive speed of compressor or driver can be lethal. Never operate the compressor beyond Eagle’s recommendation.
Bursting of the flywheel may be the greatest threat. The normal guard may not contain all the pieces. Crankshaft and
connecting rod breakage is a possibility and compressor efficiency, valve life, bearing life and driver will be abnormally
reduced.
COMPRESSOR APPLICATION
All Eagle Reciprocating Compressors are High Quality industrial units. The crankcases, cylinders, and cylinder heads are
constructed of good quality cast iron. They are air-cooled, single or two stage in their design. Most single-stage compressors
are capable of delivering up to 150 PSIG, depending on speed and duty cycle; some units are built only for 120 PSIG.
Two-stage compressors can deliver up to 200 PSIG, again depending on the model, type of controls and configuration; some
two-stage units are rated for 175 PSIG operation. If you do not know the capabilities of your compressor, contact the Eagle
distributor nearest you for assistance.
The above mentioned delivery pressures are the maximum pressures at which a compressor can safely be operated in under
light duty conditions. Long or
continuous running cycles at maximum pressures will result in overheating and premature failure of your compressor.
THE WAY IT WORKS
Single-Stage Compressors
During the downstroke of the piston, air is forced into the cylinder by atmospheric pressure through an inlet filter and an
intake valve located in the head of the compressor. When the piston reaches the bottom of the stroke, the intake valve
closes; the air is now trapped in the cylinder. During the upstroke of the piston, the air is compressed in the cylinder,
the discharge valve opens and the compressed air is delivered into the air receiver tank. The total compression, from
atmospheric to the final discharge pressure, is accomplished in one stroke of the piston.