Is a screw compressor considered special equipment?

Definition of Equipment Attributes for the Screw Compressor Host Unit

Screw machines—such as screw-type air compressors and screw-type refrigeration compressors—serve as general-purpose power machinery or refrigeration equipment, and their main units are not directly subject to the jurisdiction of the State’s “Catalogue of Special Equipment.” Accordingly, with respect to the screw machine’s main unit alone, it does not qualify as a special device.

Determination of Special Equipment for Ancillary Facilities

Although the host unit is not classified as special equipment, screw compressor systems must rely on associated auxiliary equipment during actual operation. When these auxiliary devices reach specific pressure and volume parameters, they are brought under the stringent safety regulatory framework for special equipment.

• Gas storage tank (pressure vessel): When the maximum working pressure of the associated gas storage tank is greater than or equal to 0. 1MPa Furthermore, when the volume is greater than or equal to 30 L, it is classified as a stationary pressure vessel and must be managed in accordance with regulations for special equipment.
• Pressure pipelinePiping connecting screw compressors to gas storage tanks and gas‑using terminals, when conveying gases or liquefied gases and meeting the statutory requirements for nominal diameter and working pressure, is likewise classified as a special‑purpose pressure pipeline.
• Safety accessoriesThe safety valves, pressure gauges, and other safety accessories equipped on the system fall under the regulatory scope of special‑equipment safety accessories and must undergo periodic verification in accordance with the law.

Recommendations for Enterprise Equipment Compliance Management

In light of the equipment configuration characteristics of screw compressor systems, operating entities should maintain a clear equipment ledger and ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements in their day-to-day safety management.

• Clearly define the scope.Accurately distinguish between general-purpose machinery and special‑purpose equipment, establish categorized management records, and prevent oversight or misallocation of management resources.
• Implement statutory inspection.For gas storage tanks and pressure pipelines that fall under the category of special equipment, it is mandatory to complete the statutory registration for the use of such equipment and to undergo legally mandated inspections in strict accordance with the prescribed inspection intervals.
• Personnel Qualification ManagementPersonnel responsible for the operation, routine inspections, and safety management of special equipment must obtain the relevant special equipment operator certificates in accordance with the law and ensure that they are certified before taking up their duties.