GAS COMPRESSORS / BOOSTERS
GAS & AIR MIXING SYSTEMS
AIR BLOWERS & VACUUM PUMPS
The Utile Engineering Co. Ltd.
Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, NN9 5UG, ENGLAND
Telephone: + 44 (0) 1933 650216 Facsimile: + 44 (0) 1933 652738 Email: [email protected]
www.utileengineering.com
4
IC182
Read the installation and operating instructions carefully.
Rotating machinery and pressurised components, which may contain toxic, flammable or otherwise hazardous media are
potentially dangerous equipment if not operated and maintained correctly. It is imperative that all users of such equipment
fully educate themselves to the potential dangers and satisfy themselves that the personnel responsible for installing,
testing, commissioning, operating and maintaining the plant are competent to do so. Instruction manuals are provided for
guidance but must assume some basic level of competence by users. If there are any doubts or ambiguities concerning
correct procedures, ask Utile Engineering. DO NOT TAKE RISKS.
Certain machinery can generate high levels of noise which can be harmful if exposed to it for lengthy periods of time.
Various codes of practice are in existence and users must ensure that adequate precautions are taken to prevent a health
hazard to employees or third party.
Equipment with internal pressures above or below ambient pressures can create a hazard. Before attempting to investigate
problems, service or maintain equipment, it must be safely depressurised or pressurised to ambient conditions. Also since
the gaseous medium may be flammable, toxic, corrosive or otherwise hazardous it may be necessary to purge the
installation with an inert gas, such as nitrogen. Special precautions are necessary for certain gases and the user must
ensure that adequate procedures are implemented.
Moving parts of machinery must not be touched and all such parts must be adequately guarded. Suitable guards are
provided and must be securely retained in position at all times.
Before commencing maintenance, servicing or making other adjustments, the prime mover and other equipment must be
isolated electrically or otherwise immobilised to prevent accidental start-up. In this vein, a fully qualified electrician should
carry out all electrical work and all electrical equipment should be isolated before it is touched and pneumatic or hydraulic
controls depressurised and made safe. Procedures must also exist to ensure that electrical or other inputs cannot be
restored accidentally during the maintenance or service period.
Safety trips, emergency stop-buttons and other such devices (if fitted) are to be checked regularly to ensure that they
continue to function correctly and will protect the installation and personnel in the event of an emergency.
NO attempt should be made to touch the machine whilst it is rotating. Particular care is needed when checking rotor
clearances. Any movement of rotors may trap fingers.
Most machines, certain pipes and ancillaries become hot during operation whilst certain machines with sub-zero inlet
temperatures may result in very cold surfaces. If it is possible for personnel to come into contact with such surfaces
unknowingly or accidentally they should be guarded.
If severe vibration is observed, the cause of this should be immediately investigated and the situation rectified. Excessive
vibration can lead to fatigue and other failures. Similarly, if during operation a significant change is noticed in the level of
vibration, noise, temperature or any other parameter, the cause of such changes must be determined, and the cause
rectified. Inlet filters must be inspected regularly so that liquid or debris is not allowed to enter the machine, which could
cause damage and consequently injury to personnel.
During routine maintenance, coupling alignment should be checked for misalignment.
Only approved lubricants must be used and quantities, etc must be checked regularly.
Before restarting after servicing, all nuts, set screws, etc must be checked for tightness, check all joints, for leaks and carry
out purging as necessary before introducing the process gas. Also, before start-up, check the machine inlet and outlet
isolating valves are open both non-return valves (if fitted) are the correct orientation.
Adjacent pipework and equipment must not impose undue forces and moments on the machinery flanges.
All welding work must be carried out be an approved gas coded welder.
In order to prevent reverse rotation of machines, it is ESSENTIAL that a non-return valve be installed in the inlet pipework.
Otherwise a hazardous situation can arise during a normal shutdown or if the prime mover power supply is interrupted for a
period of time.
The environment around the installation may need to be monitored in order to detect gas leaks etc., and consideration
must be given to the installation of gas detecting equipment, and the class of electric equipment.
All personnel working in or passing through the area should be adequately warned by signs and trained to exercise
appropriate safety precautions. Ensure the correct personal protective equipment is worn at all times.
Health and Safety
