The Turbo Air® 3000 Centrifugal Compressor Compressor Handbook

The Turbo Air 3000 Centrifugal Compressor Operator’s Manual
Piping Material
While corrosion on the discharge air side does not present the same problem as it does on the intake
air piping, it is still a concern. Rust can damage delicate instrumentation, pneumatic tools, or processes
that require non-contaminated air.
The principal consideration in the selection of piping materials should be safety. The United States,
Canada, and most other countries strictly prohibit the use of unprotected polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) piping to transport compressed air or other compressed gases. Cooper Turbocompressor also
advises against using soldered copper fittings and rubber hoses in discharge air piping. If fabricating
the air piping with flexible joints and flexlines, be sure that they meet the operating parameters of the
system.
Cooper Turbocompressor recommends that all pressure-holding pipe be in accordance with the standards
established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as well as the American Society
of Mechanical Engineers’ (ASME) Standard B31.8-1986.
A—14
WARNING:
Be certain to follow all specified requirements and guidelines. Failure to correctly follow
the above or other specified discharge air piping design guidelines will cause compressor
malfunction and/or damage.
Drains
The high pressure air leaving the compressor contains some moisture. Therefore, it is necessary to
provide drains at all low points to remove any condensate that may collect along the discharge system.
Fabrication
The high pressures, long piping runs, and heavy accessories in the discharge air line makes design
considerations necessarily more detailed than with the intake air lines. When fabricating the discharge
piping system, do not exceed specified pipe volumes (0.1% of design flow in cubic feet
per minute) between the compressor discharge flange, the blow-off valve, and the discharge
check valve. (Additional information about blow-off valve and check valve installation is included later
in this appendix.)
WARNING:
Do not exceed the 400 lb. (1700 Nm) Maximum Allowable Force or the Maximum Allowable
moment of 600 lbs. (800 Nm) on the compressor discharge connection. Excess weight
may cause pipe connection failure.
Depending on the control method utilized, the pressure-sensing lines should be located either before
and/or after the check valve. Refer to the Flow Schematic and Installation Arrangement drawings
supplied separately for specific placement.
With all control methods, it is necessary to keep the pipe volume between the compressor discharge
connection, the discharge check valve, and the blow-off or bypass valve minimal. For proper operation
of the discharge check valve, 18” (450mm) of straight piping should precede and follow the valve.