Typically, the air-cooled, emergency air compressor starts and stops from a local control panel that has local and automatic functions similar to the main air compressor. An auxiliary compressed air receiver can be fitted with a compressor stop pressure switch that will stop the compressor when the maximum operating pressure is reached.
The compressor compressed air outlet line has a liquid separator that traps oil and water condensate in the exhausted compressed air. An outlet valve is fitted to the auxiliary air intake below this separator. Before starting the emergency compressed air compressor, the starting air system valves must be switched as shown in figure below.
Normally, the auxiliary compressed air receiver maintains maximum operating pressure when its body valves are closed. This allows the auxiliary diesel generator engine to start, even if the main starting air receivers are empty.
In the case of the start of the first auxiliary generator when the ship receives electricity only from the emergency generator. The emergency air compressor will receive electricity from the emergency switchboard. This will allow an empty auxiliary starter receiver to be filled before starting the auxiliary diesel generator.

Example of an operating procedure for an emergency start air compressor

 

Last modified: Thursday, 26 January 2023, 8:09 PM