Can the rated pressure of the air compressor, which is 0.8, be increased?

Can the rated pressure of the air compressor, which is 0.8 MPa, be increased?

Many users, when faced with insufficient air supply pressure during production, consider increasing the set pressure of a compressor rated at 0.8 MPa. From the perspectives of equipment safety and design principles,It is neither advisable nor permissible to arbitrarily increase the air compressor’s discharge pressure beyond its rated pressure..

Why can’t the rated pressure be increased at will?

The rated pressure of an air compressor is the safety upper limit set by the manufacturer, taking into account such comprehensive factors as the host’s performance, motor power, and the pressure‑resistance rating of the receiver tank.

• Safety valve limitation: The safety valves on gas storage tanks and the main unit are typically set to a specific safety factor of the rated pressure. If the pressure is forcibly increased, the safety valves will trip and relieve frequently, causing the equipment to malfunction.
• Motor overload riskAn increase in discharge pressure leads to a higher compression ratio, which in turn increases the motor load. The original‑equipped motor may be unable to handle the excess load, resulting in overheating and even burnout.
• Force on mechanical componentsThe host rotor, bearings, seals, and pipeline valves are all designed for a 0.8 MPa operating condition; overpressure operation will accelerate wear or lead to seal failure.

Potential Risks of Forced Overpressure Operation

Forcibly increasing operating parameters while disregarding the rated pressure not only fails to ensure stable gas supply but also can lead to serious consequences:

• Safety hazard: Overpressure can cause gas storage tanks or pipelines to rupture, posing a significant safety hazard.
• Reduced equipment lifespan: Prolonged operation under excessive load raises the lubricant temperature, accelerates oil degradation, and increases the likelihood of the main unit seizing or sustaining damage.
• Energy consumption has risen sharply.An increase in discharge pressure leads to a significant rise in compression power consumption, substantially driving up the equipment’s daily electricity operating costs.

The Correct Solution for Insufficient Actual Gas Supply Pressure

If the terminal equipment genuinely requires a pressure exceeding 0.8 MPa, a scientifically sound and reasonable retrofit plan should be implemented instead of illegally adjusting the air compressor.

• Installation of booster equipment: Install a gas booster pump or a pressure‑increasing valve on pipelines where localized high pressure is required to provide localized pressurization to specific equipment.
• Investigate pipeline pressure dropCheck whether the filter is clogged, the pipe diameter is too small, or there are leaks in the piping. Reducing pressure losses in the piping network often increases the actual available pressure at the terminal.
• Replace high-voltage equipmentIf the plant’s overall gas demand increases, it is recommended to re-evaluate the gas consumption and procure air compressors with a higher rated pressure.

The Appropriate Range for Daily Stress Management

The pressure of the air compressor must be adjusted withinWithin the rated pressure rangeThis should be done accordingly. For example, for equipment rated at 0.8 MPa, the loading and unloading pressures can typically be set within a reasonable lower range based on actual operational needs. When adjusting these parameters, refer to the equipment’s user manual and have the modifications performed by qualified personnel to ensure safe and efficient operation.