Operation

The main air compressors are controlled from the starter panels and have four operating modes:

• Automatic mode. The compressor is started and stopped by pressure switches.
• Manual control. The operator starts and stops the compressor manually. The compressors will run continuously regardless of the pressure switches. Alarms and shutdown are active.
• Emergency control. The operator starts and stops the compressor manually. Pressure switch, alarms and shutdown functions do not work. In this case, the compressor must not run unattended.
• Remote control. The compressor, from the maneuvering section of the engine control console, can be started manually or assigned to operation automatically.

The compressor start panel has a programmable logic controller (PLC) unit and many selector switches and indicator lights. The PLC modules control the operation and monitoring functions of the compressors and are located inside the start panels. Each PLC unit has a screen and various buttons that allow the operator to connect to the PLC program.

Example of an air compressor local control panel

Emergency air compressor, usually started and stopped only from the local control panel. Which has local and automatic functions like the main air compressors.

Example of an air compressor remote control panel