When the inlet/unloader valve is open, the air enters the compressor screw element. The screw element works like a pump and it compressed the air. During this process, oil is injected in the element. The oil is there to cool the air, as the air gets very hot during compression.
[pdf] Let me explain how a rotary screw element is built up. See this example picture of an oil-free screw element. Compressor element (oil-free type). Photo: Atlas Copco Of course, we see the two rotors (male rot.
[pdf] A pressure relief valve is a safety device designed to protect the compressor from over - pressure situations. Its primary function is to open automatically when the pressure inside the compressor reaches a pre - set limit, allowing excess air to escape and reducing the pressure back to a safe level.
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