User Guide For Ce & MC "Export": Nota 208 A
User Guide For Ce & MC "Export": Nota 208 A
The instructions for installation, operation, periodic inspection and maintenance instructions for your
compressor are described below.
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1. INTRODUCTION
FRANCOIS high-pressure, oil-free air piston compressors are designed for PET blow moulding.
This specific type of compressor requires more careful maintenance than that of a conventional
compressor.
The aim of this guide is to explain the best operating conditions for your machine so that you can
obtain the best results.
Please specify the compressor model and serial number whenever you contact us.
Operating principle
The oil-free multi-stage compression system means that high pressures can be achieved and the air
kept at a reasonable temperature. After each stage the air is cooled to a temperature of approx.
60 EC.
Each cylinder has an equal number of suction valves and discharge valves.
When the final service pressure has been reached an electropneumatic device keeps the suction
valves open. The machine stops compressing and the air in the intermediate coolers is discharged
to the outside by means of solenoid bleed valves.
When the pressure drops in the system the pressure controller starts the suction valves up again
and the machine starts compressing again.
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1. CRANKCASE
3. CRANKSHAFT
4. CONNECTING ROD
6. CROSSHEAD
7. CROSSHEAD GUIDE
8. SCRAPER BOX
9. PACKING
21. FLYWHEEL
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1. CRANKCASE
2. CRANKCASE INSPECTION DOOR
3. CROSSHEAD INSPECTION DOORS
4. CROSSEHEAD GUIDE
5. OIL TEMPERATURE
6. OIL FILTER
7. OIL GEAR PUMP
8. LUBE OIL FILLING BOX WITH LEVEL SIGHTGLASS
9. BREATHER
10. FLYWHEEL
11. CROSSHEAD TEMPERATURE SENSOR
12. DISTANCE PIECE
13. PISTON ROD 1st STAGE
14. OIL DEFLECTOR
15. WATER INLET TEMPERATURE
16. CYLINDER 1st STAGE
17. 1st STAGE CYLINDER HEAD
18. SUCTION VALVE WITH RELEASER 1st STAGE
19. DISCHARGE VALVE 1st STAGE
20. DISCHARGE TEMPERATURE 1st STAGE
21. INTERCOOLER 1st STAGE
22. SEPARATOR 1st STAGE
23. SAFETY VALVE 1st STAGE
24. SUCTION TEMPERATURE 2nd STAGE
25. CYLINDER 2nd STAGE
26. SUCTION VALVE WITH RELEASER 2nd STAGE
27. PISTON ROD 2nd & 3th STAGE
28. DISCHARGE TEMPERATURE 2nd STAGE
29. SEPARATOR 2nd STAGE
30. SUCTION TEMPERATURE 3th STAGE
31. CYLINDER 3th STAGE
32. SUCTION VALVE WITH RELEASER 3th STAGE
33. DISCHARGE VALVE 3th STAGE
34. PULSATION DAMPENER
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1. CRANKCASE
2. CRANKACASE INSPECTION DOOR
3. CROSSEHEAD INSPECTION DOOR
4. OIL TEMPERATURE
5. OIL FILTER
6. OIL GEAR PUMP
7. LUBE OIL FILLING BOX WITH LEVEL SIGHTGLASS
8. BREATHER
9. FLYWHEEL
10. CROSSEHEAD TEMPERATURE SENSOR
11. DISTANCE PIECE
12. PISTON ROD 1st STAGE
13. OIL DEFLECTOR
14. 1st STAGE CYLINDER BOTTOM
15. CYLINDER 1st STAGE
16. 1st STAGE CYLINDER HEAD
17. SUCTION VALVE WITH RELEASER 1st STAGE
18. DISCHARGE VALVE 1st STAGE
19. DISCHARGE TEMPERATURE 1st STAGE
20. INTERCOOLER 1st STAGE
21. SEPARATOR 1st STAGE
22. SAFETY VALVE 1st STAGE
23. SUCTION TEMPERATURE 2nd STAGE
24. 2nd STAGE CYLINDER BOTTOM
25. CYLINDER 2nd STAGE
26. SUCTION VALVE WITH RELEASER 2nd STAGE
27. DISCHARGE VALVE 2nd STAGE
28. PISTON ROD 2nd AND 3th STAGE
29. INTERCOOLER 2nd STAGE
30. SEPARATOR 2nd STAGE
31. SAFETY VALVE 2nd STAGE
32. DISCHARGE TEMPERATURE 3th STAGE
33. CYLINNDER 3th STAGE
34. DISCHARGE VALVE WITH RELEASER 3th STAGE
35. DISCHARGE VALVE 3th STAGE
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Safety precautions
- Follow the instructions on the labels posted on the machine's components. We provide a list and
an explanation of what they mean (see page 10).
- Most of the physical injuries which occur during operation or maintenance are caused by failure
to follow basic safety regulations.
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2. LOCATION OF COMPRESSOR
The area in which the compressor is installed must satisfy the following requirements:
2.2. Lifting facilities such as travelling gantry or a rail with pulley block to disassemble heavy
components (cylinders, pistons, electric motors).
2.3. Adequate ventilation provided naturally through louvred windows or by means of a hot air
extractor (see para. 3.1).
2.4. The air drawn into the machine must be as fresh as possible. However if the
temperature of these premises is likely to lower than 5° C/ 41° F, the crankcase must be
heated.
2.5. The ground must be even and horizontal and sufficiently strong to support the weight of the
compressor mounted on its spring suspension (machine rests on anti-vibration blocks), or
capable of anchoring the machine (check the size of the slab).
2.6. Do not stock dangerous or volatile substances in the machine room which are likely to
explode.
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3. INSTALLATION
ATTENTION: Lift the unit only by the anchoring points provided. The handling of
motor-compressor sets must be carried out by skilled staff.
General:
3.1. (2.3. contd). An ambient temperature higher than 35 - 40EC will cause the compressor to
overheat which is detrimental to the service life of the piston rings.
3.2. The compressor must be easily accessible to facilitate proper and convenient maintenance. It
is essential to provide sufficient surrounding space as well as space above the machine
(see plan 71/.... in appendix) so that large components such as the piston rod and cylinder
assemblies can be dismantled.
3.3. The compressor and its fittings are mounted on a frame supported by springs.
The compressor is positioned directly on to an even, horizontal floor capable of supporting
the weight of the equipment. A flexible tube at the assembly discharge (final coolant or
reservoir according to model type) provides the link to the compressed air system. The
springs are to be fixed to the floor by anchor bolts (one bolt per spring).
3.4. The compressor and its fittings are assembled on a fixed frame (to be mounted on a
concrete foundation).
3.4.1. Compliance with civil engineering plans is obligatory. The depth dimensions
should be checked according to the characteristics of the floor and the reaction
of the compressor.
3.4.2. During assembly, first of all insert the anchor bolts in the holes provided in the
frame. Position the unit on the base and make it level with the aid of metal
blocks.
3.4.3. Fill the empty space between the frame and the slab floor with sealing concrete
and leave to dry for the required time. The anchor bolts should be permanently
sealed after the drying process is complete (8 days for normal sealing concrete
and a few hours for synthetic resin).
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4. ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
4.1. The wiring section should be adapted according to the output of the motor, the mains
voltage, the method of installation and the regulations of the country concerned.
4.2. When carrying out electrical connections, follow the circuit diagram on the control panel.
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5. PNEUMATIC CONNECTIONS
5.1. The pipework section for the distribution of compressed air must be adapted to the
output of the compressor(s). Its diameter should be at least equal to that of the discharge
tube. Please contact us to discuss details of your system.
The pipework must be protected against internal and external corrosion.
5.2. If several compressors supply the same installation, it is advisable to install a nonreturn
valve between the compressor and the system, together with an isolation valve.
5.3. It is essential to provide a sufficient number of anchoring points for the compressed air
pipe system to avoid any vibration in the direction of other equipment and users. The first
anchoring support directly after the discharge tube should have a highly rigid structure
and be fixed very solidly to the floor.
5.4. The metal discharge pipe is fitted in perfect alignment with the fixed pipework. It may
not be subjected to tensile stress or compression, nor may it be bent.
5.5 The pipework connecting the compressor and the blow moulder must be fitted by
approved personnel. A test at 1.5 times the service pressure must be carried out prior to
commissioning.
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6.1. General
The purity, and the temperature level of the cooling water are essential to ensure the
reliable operation of the compressor.
6.2. The water quality shall comply with the following requirements:
- pH 7 to 9
- hardness in CaCO3 30 to 500 ppm
- alkaline standard in CaCO3 500 ppm max.
- dissolved solids 1000 mg/l max.
- chlorides 125 ppm max.
- sulphates 125 ppm max.
6.3. The internal circuit of the compressor (in green) is manufactured by us in the factory. It is
connected by means of the flexible tubes supplied with the compressor in accordance with
the inlet and outlet instructions. Any change to the internal circuit of the compressor unit
(cooling of cylinders, inter- and after-coolers) requires the approval of ATELIERS
FRANCOIS.
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7. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The thermostats and pressure switches installed in the compressor unit are set to our test
bench. The values are quoted on the test sheet.
In the absence of our written approval, ATELIERS FRANCOIS accepts no responsibility for any
modification made to safety recommendations.
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8.1 .1. Check the quality and the circulation of the cooling water in the entire unit. If
the compressor is fitted with a thermostatic or electromagnetic valve, the air
output level will be established automatically on starting. The pressure of the
water circuit should be 3 bar eff. (4.5 bars max.)
ATTENTION: If, by accident, the compressor is turned on before the water
circulation is established, switch off the machine immediately and leave to cool
down before letting in the cooling water as this might otherwise lead to serious
damage (thermal shock in the cast iron of the cylinders).
8.1.2. Pour clean oil into the crankcase (see table of recommended oils )
until it reaches the upper blade in the filler casing.
BRAND CE - MC
BP RC 150
Q8 Q8 SCHUBERT 150
8.1.3. Before starting the compressor make a full revolution of the compressor
flywheel by moving the belts manually. The machine should rotate freely.
In addition, check the surface condition of the cylinder bores by lifting the
discharge valve on each cylinder. Humidity during transport and/or prolonged
storage may lead to corrosion. If evidence of corrosion is discovered, contact
ATELIERS FRANCOIS for advice.
For belt tension please see 9.1.4.6.
8.1.4. Set the switch on the switch cabinet to the "NO-LOAD@ position.
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8.2. Starting.
8.2.1. When starting the machine for the first time check that the compressor is
running in an anti-clockwise direction when facing the flywheel. If the
direction of rotation is incorrect, reverse the electrical connection of the
motor.
8.2.2. When starting for the first time, set the change-over switch (BS) located on
the switch cabinet door to the "no-load" position and let the compressor
operate at zero pressure for about two hours. Check the oil pressure during
this time to ensure that it does not fall below 2 bars eff. (See the test sheet-
IT102).
8.2.3. If operation is normal (no abnormal noise, no fall in oil pressure or water
leaks), set the change-over switch to the AON-LOAD@ position.
The compressor will then be able to start the compression process.
- Working at its maximum pressure, the pressure switch must disengage and
engage (no load/on load) at pre-set pressure levels.
8.2.5. Check pressure and temperature levels (see IT 102: test sheet for the machine).
Check the timing of the opening of the solenoid bleed valves (see values
shown on enclosed wiring diagram SE....)
If any of the recorded values deviates from the values in the test sheet by more
than 10%, and the parameters are identical, stop the machine and contact
ATELIERS FRANCOIS.
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Place a sign stating "Out of service - do not switch on" on the switch cabinet when
carrying out any work on the compressor.
9.1.1.1. Inspect and note the oil level and all the pressure and temperature
levels (fill in the daily check list), very important for preventive
maintenance.
9.1.1.2. Clean the oil filter in the crankcase by fully rotating the operating
lever of the brush-type filter.
9.1.2.1 Drain and clean the crankcase and the oil filter. Use clean,
non-fibrous, lint-free cloths to clean the crankcase. To clean the oil
filter, unscrew the magnetised cap located on the lower part of the
filter. Drain off all the oil into a container and replace it.
Replace the magnetised cap after cleaning, together with a new
gasket.
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9.1.2.2. Check and, if necessary, re-tighten the locking screws securing the
valves as well as the fastening screws for the valve covers (see table of
tightening torques ) .
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9.1.2.3. Check and, if necessary, re-tighten the fastening screws securing the
cylinder heads to the cylinders themselves, together with those on
the cylinder assembly in the 2nd and 3rd stages respectively.
9.1.2.4. Remove the inspection doors from the crosshead guide. Ensure that
the fastening screws are properly secured to the piston rods on the
crossheads.
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9.1.2.5. Check the surface condition of the piston rods. It should not be
scratched.
9.1.2.6. Look through the Plexiglass inspection doors to check that the oil-
scraper rings are operating normally.
9.1.2.7. Fill the crankcase with fresh oil until it reaches the upper blade in the
filler casing.
Note: Never let the oil level in the crankcase fall below the lower blade
in the feed box.
9.1.3.1. Check the cleanliness of the air-suction filter when inspecting the
low-pressure gauge located between the filter and the low-pressure
cylinder. Clean if necessary (see IT 148).
9.1.3.4. Check that the electrovalves are operating normally by ensuring that
condensation is completely drained off at regular intervals.
9.1.3.5. Check that the covers and valves are secured, together with the
fastening screws on the cylinder heads and the cylinders themselves
(see 9.1.2.2),by checking the value of the tightening torques.
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9.1.4.2. Remove the inspection doors from the crosshead guides. Check that
the friction surfaces of the guides are in good condition.
9.1.4.3. Check the wear and tear of the piston ring and the cylinders as follows :
After removing the valves, carry out a visual check of the surface
condition of the internal diameter of the cylinder with the aid of a
flashlight.
The surface should be perfectly smooth and show no signs of seizing.
9.1.4.3.1.2 - Check the play between the cylinder and the piston as follows:
- Move the piston to the upper position (by moving the belts).
- Check the play between the cylinder and the piston with
thickness gauges, (see IT 93).
- Repeat procedures a and b with the piston in the lower position.
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To separate the water in liquid phase from the compressed air, each separator
has a demister made of stainless steel wire mesh.
These should be inspected every 2000 hours. To do this, remove the bolted
covers which close the separators. Inspect the density and cleanliness of the
meshes. They should be firmly seated between the central tube and the inside
of the separators' bush. It should not be possible to move them with ease and
they should not be torn or frayed. If either of these applies, they must be
replaced. If they are still firmly seated but are dirty they should be cleaned.
Remove them from the separator body by inserting two steel pins with hooked
ends through the pad (150 mm thick) and withdraw them by pulling on the pins.
Once removed the pads may be cleaned with a spray lance. Clean the body of
the separators which has been exposed in this way. When the pads are dry,
replace them and check their fit in their housing.
10.2 Checking for wear and tear on the piston rings in stages 2 and 3.
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- These rings are in two parts. Maintain these as a pair and position in the groove
during the re-assembly of stage 3 cylinder.
- CAUTlON: When re-assembling piston rings in stages 2 and 3, ensure that
consecutive rings are opened opposite one another to avoid any internal leakages.
- Replace both parts of the piston manually in stage 3 and attach to the rod (which
should be clamped in a vice between stages 2 and 3).
- Screw a new rod/piston locknut up at a torque of xx kgm after first coating them
with LOCTITE No.
- If a superbolt is involved, please refer IT199.
- Remove all sealing rings from their seating (see figure 1 - page 33) and clean with a
clean cloth.
- Check for any signs of seizing and/or wear and tear.
- Replace all the sealing rings in their seating, ensuring that they do not bind (see
IT 83 and IT 83CAS).
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Figure 1.
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10.3.5.5. Reassembling second and third stage suction and discharge valves (see
description maintenance after 1000 hours 9.1.4.4.).
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11.1. Separators placed at suction of 2nd and 3rd stages cylinders (see 10.1.).
11.2. Make sure that valves are clean by taking them out of the cylinders. After they have
been reassembled, check tightness of all valves (see 9.1.4.4.).
11.3. Check wear on 2nd and 3rd stage piston rings. Replace if necessary (see minimum
clearances on sheet IT93).
11.5. Before starting up again after maintenance work, check that the compressor rotates
freely by turning it through one revolution by hand.
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12.1. Separators placed at suction of 2nd and 3rd stage cylinders (see 10.1.).
12.2. Check first, second and third stage piston rings (see 9.1.4.3.).
12.4. After valves have been removed, check cleanliness and sealing.
NOTE: the tightness of a discharge valve is examined by pouring water onto the part
facing the cylinder. The tightness of a suction valve is controlled by pouring water onto
opposite side of the cylinder. If thightness is poor, replace valves and follow procedure
for overhauling defective valves.
Check that the suction valves=opening fork is working properly: press on the fork=s cap
with your hand and ensure that the valve flap opens completely (approx. 2 mm of
travel).
12.5. Before starting up again after maintenance work, check that the compressor rotates
freely by turning it through one revolution by hand.
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13.1. Separators placed at suction end of second and third stage cylinders (see 10.1.).
13.2. Replacing valves, diaphragms, in first stage piston rings and cleaning water circuit.
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13.2.1. Cleaning the internal water cooling circuit of the compressor. When
temperature difference between inlet and outgoing air is higher than normal.
13.2.2. Re-assembly
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Figure 2.
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NOTES:
13.2.2.3.1. Thoroughly clean upper part of the cylinder and bottom of cylinder
head (remove all trace of old gaskets).
13.2.2.3.4. Before starting up again after maintenance work, check that the
compressor rotates freely by turning it through one revolution by
hand.
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14. AFTER 20000 HOURS (FOR WELL INFORMED AND EQUIPPED TECHNICIAN)
CHECKING MOTION
14.1. Disassembling
- Using a micrometer, check the diameter of the crosshead pins. The following
roundness or seizing is allowed:
- 0.10 mm for a diameter of 42 mm is allowed
- 0.10 mm for a diameter of 52 mm is allowed
- 0.15 mm for a diameter of 60 mm is allowed
- 0.15 mm for a diameter of 75 mm is allowed
- Check the clearance between crosshead pins and bushes of connecting rod
small ends, using thickness gauges.
- Check to see whether bushes of small ends of connecting rod sit well in their
bedding and that there is no seizing.
- Manually pivot the crosshead into their crosshead guides and check surface conditioner.
There should be no signs of seizing.
- Using a tickness gauge, check the clearance between roller bearings and the
bearings= external cage bore.
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14.3. Reassembling
MINIMUM MAXIMUM
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- Check surface condition of connecting rod big end bearings. There should be
no seizing.
- If the clearance between bearing and crank pin does not correspond to the
value indicated above, change regulating thickness (difficulty ***):
- follow the same procedure to reassemble the second connecting rod except
for measurement of the clearance between bearing and crank pin;
- measure clearance by placing a plumb wire between the connecting rod cover
and crank pin;
- tighten assembly with locking torque (Table IT 80);
- remove connecting rod cover;
- using a micrometer, measure the thickness of the flattened lead wire.
- If the clearance is incorrect, change regulating thickness (difficutlty ***):
- reinsert connecting rod cover and tighten with initial tightening torque;
- re-insert the locking devices of connecting rod big end bolts;
- insert the connecting rods back into the crosshead;
- re-install crosshead pins;
- re-install safety plates of crosshead pins;
ATTENTION: Observe the tightening torque for the fixing bolts for the safety plates.
- refit inspection doors of the crosshead guides and the frame with new gaskets.
- re-fill the housing with fresh oil.
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Check pressure, temperature and other parameters according to daily sheet to be filled in.
Same operations as for every 2000 hours and plus the following :
- Make sure that valves are clean.
- Check clearance between rider rings of first, second and third stage cylinders.
If there is pronounced wear, replace worn rings.
Same operation as for 2000 and 4000 hours and plus following :
- Disassemble and overhaul the valves (fit new gaskets) and replace them with
new or overhauled valves.
- Replace the off-load diaphragms.
- Make sure that safety valves function correctly.
- Completely clean water circuit (insert new gaskets).
- If necessary, replace first, second and third stage rings.
- Check oil scraper packings on the air aide. Replace them if necessary.
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In the event of temperature rise, abnormal noise vibration or deficient flow, stop the machine
and check the following.
16.2. Abnormal rise in temperature, air discharge, second and third stages
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16.7. Presence of considerable quantity of water in the air distribution circuit after the aftercooler
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