Can the pressure of a screw air compressor be adjusted from 8 kg to 8.6 kg?

Basic Principles of Pressure Regulation

The discharge pressure of a screw air compressor can typically be set via the control panel or a pressure sensor. Setting the pressure to 8 kg (approximately 0. 8MPa) Adjusted to 8.6 kilograms (approximately 0. 86MPa), which essentially increases the system’s target operating pressure. However, this adjustment is not merely a simple parameter change; it entails a modification of the equipment’s overall operating conditions.

Assess the design limits of the equipment.

Before attempting to increase the pressure, the first priority is to verify the air compressor’s design‑rated maximum. Each unit comes with clearly marked nameplate specifications that indicate its maximum allowable discharge pressure.

• Nose design marginIf the nameplate specifies a rated pressure of 8 kg, forcibly adjusting it to 8.6 kg could exceed the mechanical load limit of the main unit (head), leading to accelerated wear of the internal rotor or damage to the bearings.
• Safety Valve Setting: The safety valves equipped on the device are typically set at a pressure slightly above the rated pressure. If the adjusted pressure approaches or exceeds the valve’s set‑off pressure, the safety valve may trip excessively, thereby compromising the equipment’s normal operation.

Motor Power and Load Matching

The discharge pressure of an air compressor is closely related to the motor power. The higher the pressure, the greater the shaft power required to compress the gas.

• Motor Overload RiskIf the original motor has limited power margin, increasing the pressure by 0.6 kg will lead to a higher motor load. Operating continuously under overload conditions can easily cause overheating, insulation degradation, and even motor burnout.
• Differences between Variable Frequency and Power FrequencyFor variable-frequency air compressors, the system may automatically limit the maximum pressure to protect the motor; in contrast, line-frequency air compressors rely more on the inherent power matching of the hardware, requiring greater caution during adjustments.

System Safety and Pressure Rating of Auxiliary Equipment

An air compression station is a systems‑level engineering project; in addition to the compressor unit itself, the downstream treatment and storage equipment must also meet the new pressure requirements.

• Gas storage tank and piping: It is essential to verify that the rated working pressure of the gas storage tank, dryer, filters, and delivery piping is equal to or greater than 8.6 kg/cm². If the pressure‑bearing capacity of the auxiliary equipment is insufficient, increasing the pressure could pose a serious safety hazard.
• Seal aging: Increasing system pressure raises the risk of leaks at pipe joints and valves, particularly in aging equipment that has been in service for many years, where seals may no longer be able to withstand higher pressures.

Recommended Steps for Safety Adjustments

If, upon evaluation, the equipment is confirmed to be eligible for adjustment, it is recommended to proceed as follows:

• Consult the manual: Carefully read the equipment’s user manual to confirm the manufacturer‑approved pressure adjustment range.
• Gradual fine-tuningDo not set the pressure to 8.6 kg all at once; instead, start by adjusting it to 8.2 kg or 8.4 kg, and observe whether the motor current, exhaust temperature, and equipment operating sounds are normal.
• Monitor operational dataDuring the initial phase of the adjusted operation, increase the frequency of inspections, with particular attention to motor temperature, oil temperature, and whether the system exhibits any abnormal vibrations.
• Contact a professionalIf you are uncertain about the equipment’s actual operating conditions and load‑bearing capacity, you should contact the manufacturer’s technical personnel or qualified maintenance professionals for on‑site assessment and guidance.