Will a screw-type air compressor continue to run when the pressure is high?

The basic working principle of a screw-type air compressor

Screw-type air compressors primarily achieve gas compression by rotating a pair of intermeshing male and female rotors within the compressor housing, causing continuous changes in the volume between the rotor teeth. As the rotors turn, the suction-side volume expands, drawing in ambient air; as rotation continues, the tooth‑tooth volume decreases, compressing the air; finally, the compressed air is discharged at the discharge side. This process occurs continuously, providing a stable air supply for industrial applications.

Operating Conditions and Protection Mechanisms in Case of Excessive Exhaust Temperature

During the operation of a screw-type air compressor, the compressed air generates substantial heat. If the cooling system malfunctions or the ambient temperature is excessively high, it can lead to…Abnormally high exhaust temperature.

• High-Temperature Protection Shutdown:Modern screw-type air compressors are equipped with temperature sensors and control systems. When the discharge temperature reaches the preset safety threshold, the control system activates the high-temperature protection mechanism, forcing the unit to shut down to prevent rotor seizure, lubricant degradation, or motor burnout.
• High-Temperature Alarm Operation:When the temperature approaches the warning threshold but has not yet reached the shutdown limit, the equipment may trigger a high-temperature alarm. At this point, the equipment will continue to operate, but operators must immediately inspect the cooler, fans, or lubrication system.

Operating Conditions and Control Mechanism Under Excessive Discharge Pressure

When the downstream gas consumption decreases or the pipeline becomes blocked, the system within…The discharge pressure will increase accordingly.. Screw-type air compressors have a well-defined control and protection logic for this:

• Load/Unload Toggle:When the pressure reaches the set upper limit, the intake valve closes, and the equipment enters an unloaded state. At this point, the motor continues to run but no longer compresses or discharges gas, thereby preventing further pressure buildup.
• Overpressure shutdown protection:If the unloading status fails or the pressure sensor malfunctions, causing the pressure to continue rising and exceed the equipment’s maximum design working pressure, the safety valve will open to relieve pressure. At the same time, the control system will activate overpressure protection, immediately cutting off the power supply to shut down the equipment and ensure the safety of both the piping network and the host unit.

Recommendations for Routine Maintenance and Parameter Monitoring

To prevent screw-type air compressors from frequent shutdowns due to excessively high operating parameters, routine maintenance is essential:

• Regularly clean or replace the air filter, oil filter, and oil‑gas separator element to ensure unobstructed airflow and oil flow.
• Regularly inspect the cooling system, clean dust from the radiator surface, and ensure the cooling fan is operating properly.
• Replace the dedicated lubricant on schedule to prevent oil degradation, which can compromise its lubrication and cooling performance.
• Closely monitor the temperature and pressure readings on the control panel, and promptly investigate any abnormal fluctuations.